The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1899-09-07
wHATTHE ISSUE SHOULD BE.


ere closely connected with our interests
a people. Matters which have been
held in abeyance have pressed forward
and ask for consideration if we are mind
full of our future. The Spanish war Is
now a matter of history but not so the
conditions it created and the spirit II
aroused. A war is always an epoch In
nations life and gives new trend to the
aspirations of its people.
This was sensibly felt by every one at
the close Of tie Spanish war The feel.
ing could not be clearly defined but II
existed and all that was needed to bring
it into active life was a tiUting exponel.
who had the peoples ear. They sough,
to give it expression and succeeded with
tolerable accuracy in the the term Eek
pansion of trade. 1t was terse express
sion of a commendable and popular poll
CIV. but it required elaboration Here
was an opportunity for man OF the peo-
ple in the true sense whose breadth OF
view could include the general feeling
and whose capacity for affairs could
point ont safe and ready method for
meeting general expectation
The people clamored for what the
democratic party had championed until
il parted with its birthright in 1896. But
the party turned from the upturned faces
on which were stamped appeal and ex-
pectation, with the declaration there
is no democracy but 10 % /. Let trade
expansion rot,
Oh. the folly of refusing to lead the
people. anxious to follow, in the path
leading to party victory and national
glory 1t was spontaneous movement
seeking party name for the purpose OF
organization. 1t was free trade senti-
ment bursting the letters OF prejudice
and glorying III its strength But how
was this enthusiasm received? The pl-
ping voice of technicality was raised i'll
protest and the volunteer army i'll the
cause of trade expansion was told that
allegiance to rs to | was condition pre-
cedent to acceptance of its services.
That the Chicago platform was made to
exist for all time. That none but ad
hersnts of ratio should be put on guard.
That the Peerless felt fully competent to
frame issues without the aid or consent
3 JiS,,ncAI tn i'm u1-
libility.
Cold comfort this, for people ANNA
ted by purpose which successful war
had made general and energetic. The
war had stirred people out of the rut in
which they sought protection from for
eign competition. They had measured
strength in the shock of war and the re-
suit gave them courage to contend with |
the most powerful for supremacy in
trade. In their new found strength they |
feared no conflict and cast aside the
shield of protection which they felt was
d disgrace to their adolescent stage. The
splendid victories of our navy turned |
attention to the wretched condition of |
our merchant marine, and the hope was
strong as the disposition was ready, to
place it on an equality with that arm of
war which struck with such terrible eff
feet. The subject of new water ways
filled the public mind. The markets of
the Orient opened before us with prom
Use of increased industrial activity at
home 1t was an awakening through |
the pin prick of of II war, insignificant
in everything but the stimulus it gave to
our slumbering foreign policy.
But the people We're told: Go to sleep
and waitafor rs to /. When secured it |
will he realization of all your present
aspirations Prosperity and trade ex-
pansion must not come by any other av-
enue We have said
The republican party mistook the spir-
it aroused in the people for desire for
Extension of territory by force
If arms should rrecede any thought OF
enlargement of trade through amicable
adjustment Militarisin was to domin
ute every movement to escape the shell
If isolation. The popular enthusiasm
which sustained the war did not die out
with the war but sought new channels
for its manifestation. The administra
ton thought it WAS still for the naked
bayonet and that implement of war was
kept to the front. 1t was conceded that
the war had shattered protection, but
progress had to be hobbled with protec-
ton because of consistency. Thus we
have the two parties despoihng grave
yards with the world inviting them to
honorable conflict, and the people NUT
tering "a plague ON both your houses.
|
THE increase in population during the
decade soon to close will be disappointing
tn those who raypl in big numbers The |