The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1899-10-28
INSINCERlTY OF THE IMPERIALIsTs
The American Flag at Home the
Emblem Of Liberty.
DOES NOT MEAN THE SAME ABROAD
The Presidents Mistake on the
Louisiana Purchase.


In his speech at the anti-imperialis,
meeting in Chicago Bcurke Cochran
arraigned the president for his insin-
cerity, and said in part:
ut is a common, indeed an universal
saying that the war has brought us new
responsibilities. In that statement |
concur unreservcdly. 1t has brought us
not merely responsibilities, but all op-
portunity never equalcd in the history
OF the world The manner in which the
responsibility should be met and the
opportunity improved is the problem to
be considered in this conference. Our
proceedings. to be OF any value, must
be conducted in a calmer atmosphere
than is likely to be found in political
conventions. Questions affecting Our
administrative integrity may we'll be
left to the action of parties; questions
affecting our territorial integrity should
be considered by the patriotism of the
entire country. What the United States
shall do may we'll be settled by major
ity. There should be substantial una
nimity in deciding what the United
States shall do
''In dealing with the fruits of the late
war then two courses are open to us.
One, the old course OF treating our Sue
cess as an opportunity to wrest from the
conquered foe the utmost he can be
made to yield, the other TO establish a
new standard of justice in the dealings
OF nations with each other by refusing
to accept either tribute or try for our
selves and by making the conditions OF
peace provision for improving the con-
ditions ot men.
III, On the other hand, we conclude to
accept no other reward than the estab-
lishment of free and bcneficent govern
inents in the territories wrested from
Spain we will show that we did not take
up arms for conquest or p1undcr, but
for justice and humanity.
"Thc president proclain1ing such a
policy. SO novel and so enlightened,
would take place in history as distinct
and conspicuous as that OF Abraham
Lincoln, while this country would ac-
quire moral influence among nations
unprecedented and unparalleled.
The example Of a great country re-
deeming at the close OF the successful
war the profession with which it was
begun-risking the lives and treasure Of
its citizens for no other purpose than
for the rescue OF suffering people from
intolerable oppression-would produce
such an effect on the world that it would
be difficult for any other country to
make war for baser purpose. 1t would
be all inspiring answer to the universal
aspirations for peace which brought into
existence the recent conference at The
Hague.
"Our Eastern complications pre-
vented us from rendering priceless
service to humanity and gaining un-
measurable glory for ourselves at The
Hague, but that opportunity is by no
means lost. The policy of civilization
and humanity may still be adopted by
the American people, even if the presi-
dent fails to initiate it, aye, even if he
should oppose it. Indeed, the glory of
establishing ourselves in the primacy Of
civilization will be increased, not less
ened, if it be achieved by the people
themselves, in spite OF the officers who
control our government.
II do not say this through desire to
make any issue with the executive.
repeat that the purpose OF this confer
ence is to promote unanimity, not to
aggravate division. Whatever we may
think Of the presidents action, it is only
fair to admit that the policy to which he
appears inclined, and which we con-
demn, casts the only shadow Of doubt
on his own political prospects. If the
issues OF the next election were con-
fined to the preservation of existing
economic conditions do not think any
man doubts his campaign would have
been a triumphal march to success.
Whatever doubt now clouds the result
he has himself created, and however
this may affect Our opinion OF his pru-
dence, it should be accepted as proof
Of good faith.
"We all agree that our promise to es-
tablish an independent government in
Cuba, which accompanied and justified
the declaration of war with Spain,