Wadsworth semi-weekly dispatch. [volume] (Wadsworth, Nev.) 1899-1904, 1899-12-12
TO THE
CANS OF NEVADA.

The national campaign for the cleo
ton of President is drawing near; the
issues that will be presented are nation
al, not local. 1t is the duty Of every
citizen to carefully consider the vital
questions involved in the coming on
test. The paramount issue will be that
relating to the policy regarding to our
new possessions acquired as n Of the
results of the. late war with Spain.
This is all important. One province
thus acquired is in revolt against the
government of the United States. IN
der such conditions to whom should we
look for guidance.
Should we, as loyal American citi-
zens, follow the advice of political
leaders who boldly demand the cessa-
ton of hostilities, abandonment Of
the contest, and the lowering Of the
flag when our country is at WARP Most
emphatically, NO.
The American people are distinctive
ly intelligent, patriotic, just. They
select men Of the highest order Of
ability and craftsmanship to conduct
the affairs OF the Government, and we
know that 1t Is impossible for them to
ever be seriously in the wrong in their
dealings with other nations; therefore.
when circumstances compel them to
declare war against any nation or people
is It not the solemn duty Of every true
American to stand by his government,
his country and his flag with his voice,
his vote, and his gun. If necessary,
until the endl
There Is no middle ground--one
must either be for Or against the sue
cess Of the American arms. and while
war exists there should be but one
issue; either continue fighting for
justice, principle and right, or with
draw our forces, surrender all that has
been fairly won, lower the flag, and re-
tire in disgrace and dishonor before the
nations of the earth.
S the words, principle, justice
and right, %advisedly. Principle, in en-
forcing our claims to that which we
have justly acquired through the con-
quest Of arms and the payment of
money. Justice and right. and | may
add humanity in teaching these half
civilized natives Of the Philippine ISL
ands that, In order to become capable
Of self-government. they must learn to
obey the laws Of a higher civilization.
If we were to abandon them at this
time, endless civil strife would ensue
among the different tribes, even If they
were not interfered with by any other
nations, and 1t is really an act of hui
mainly On the part of this government
towards these people to compel them
to submit to a power which every hu-
man instinct assures US will better
their condition. Not to enforce our
rights in this contest would be a cow
ardly surrender of principle that will
never be sanctioned by the American
people,
| submit that any fairminded man,
who will carefully read the report Of
those five commissioners, must admit
that there never has been a time when
our forces could have been withdrawn
with honor to ourselves or safety to the
inhabitants Of those islands.
Political parties are a necessity, but
while actual wal exists the paramount
issue dividing these parties should be
as to the wlsest course to pursue in
order to win the fight.
| do not condemn the opinion Of
those who honestly differ with the Ad-
ministration regarding the conduct Of
the war Though think there is very
little to criticise }, but | do question the