The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1899-02-18

My friends, we believe that the policy
that has been proposed by some is wrong.
And one Of the best evidences that 1t Is
wrong is that those who propose it have
not dared to defend 1t. The people who
want colonial policy do not today dare
to tell the American people what they want.
Why. read the proceedings of con-
voted for the McEnery resolution. And
what does that say? 1t declares that there
is not in contemplation permanent annexa-
tion Of those islands so that they will be-
come integral parts of this government;
that they simply going to establish a
government there. and that in due time we
will decide what kind Of government is
best for them and best for us. That reso-
luton does only two things. 1t declares to
the world that the ratification Of the treaty
did not settle he Philippine question: that
is the first and most important thing that
that resolution decides. and am glad that
the Republicans supported 1t, 50 that they
cannot say hereafter that this question is
settled; that resolution also decided that
those PEG ole shall never be citizens of this
nation; that those islands shall never be
integral parts of this country. That reso-
luton declares that the Filipinos must kneel
down and bow to a flag that shall never
have in 1t thing that they can love or
nope for. Every star represents state, and
every territory hopes to be state. But the
tilipinos are told in that resolution that
they shall never be a star.
Ihere Is nothing in the flag for them, ex-
cept 1t be the stripes of red. In poem
written not long ago. Howard Taylor, in
speaking of the flag, said that it was not
to be stars for few and stripes for the
rest, but the flag of our country for all.
(Applause.) My friends. I don't want to
have In this nation a single individual that
want to find in this nation single ind;-
vidual that does not see III that something
that represents him. They say "Who will
haul down the flag" My friends, 1t is far
better to haul down that flag and substi-
tue the flag of republic-a republic formed
because of the inspiration that this nation
gave-infnitcly better to haul 1t down and
substitute the flag Of their republic chan
to make it the flag of an empire rather
than the flag Of a republic. (Applause)
They tell us that they want to spread out:
no, my friends, 1t is not the doctrine Of
spreading out. This is not new doctrine
that they preach; 1t Is an old doctrine: 1t is
the old doctrine Of selflshness and greed
that merely finds new opportunity for
expression: why, they tell us that the ma
lions OF Europe have n, objection to our
doing this: of course they haven't. My
friends, the doctrine of Democracy, Of self
government, that has grown In this nation
for century, has been menace to every
would be to have this nation go back as
a prodigal son. saying to the people over
there I'VE have sinned against Heaven and
In thy sight. and all we ask is that we shall
now be counted among the hired servants of
glad. my friends? Yes. But If 1 mistake
not the sentiment of the American people.
they will never have a chance to kill tie
fatted calf to celebrate the return of this
country to the doctrines of kings and en-
perors. Applause.)
I may be wrong. but these are the things
that l believe, and that believe you be-
lieve-because you have spoken of them to-
night. have been over this country in
number Of places, and wherever there has
been banquet they have talked these doc
trines Why is 1t that our reform forces are
Il unit, almost in the defense of the doc
trine of liberty? Why. 1t is because our re-
form forces come from those people who
have nothing to hope for from kings and
plutocracies and artocracies The love of
demo cracy is strongest among the people
why? Because 1t is the people who find their
only hope In a government that comes up
from the people and that protects each in
divlduai In the enjoyment of life and lib
erty and In the pursuit of happiness; that Is
why it Is that among our people will be
found those who still cherish the doctrines
that have been taught by our fathers, and
still love the ideals that have been set be-
fore our people. My friends, believe we
are going to win. 1 believe that We arc
nearer victory today-not for the Democrat
ic party. not for the Silver Republicans, not
for the Populists, but nearer victory for
that great majority of our people who be-
lieve In the demos krateo-"the people rule
doctrine. no matter to what party they be-
long. (Applause)
And, my friends. these great events, these
great contests. reach down deep enough and
up high enough, and extend far and wide
enough to bring into one compact fighting
The spirit of the forefathers is not dead
Traditions will not be overthrown. liberty
will not be destroyed. but this nation, pass
ing through this great trial. will remain true
to its IDEALS and. by doing SO, win such
victory as has not been won in a century
thank you. Great applause.l