Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1899-11-24
NO THE OTHER FOOT.
THE POINT OF VIEW OFTEN
CHANGES QUICKLY.
The BIsh-Handed Highwayman Tactics
Of the Trust Magnates Justified by
tho Same Arguments That Uphold
Forcible Annexation.

10 the reporter OF the CLARION, l Shall
be pleased to give you my views on the
Philippine question. l think 1t Is the
duty of every loyal citizen at this time
to speak out for the national honor and
the advance of civilization"
I'm your opinion, then, is the forci-
BILE annexation of the islands justifi-
able?"
Certainly. The world has been re-
deemed from barbarism by similar ex-
pansion OF the strong, progressive
races. 1t is in this way that the
United States has become what 1t is"
"But this is the first time that new
territory has been acquired against the
armed resistance Of its native inhabi-
tants."
Eyes, this introduces a new feature
in our experience and very unpleas-
ant one. But the trouble is entirely
owing to the folly and stupidity of the
natives. With half the intelligence
that they are credited with in some
quarters they should know that their
paltry independence would be nothing
in comparison with the honor and ad-
vantage of forming part OF the first
and most progressive nation on earth.
And every reasonable assurance has
been given them that II they will sub
NIT to our authority they shall have
all the self-government they are ca
pablo Of exercising-all indeed that
would be good for them"
do you construe our course toward
the Filipinos as an abandonment Of
the principle Of government by con-
sent?"
mot at all. We believe as firmly as
ever in government by consent. But,
If the Filipinos won't consent, what
are we to do? We cannot halt the car
of progress, and so deprive these mis-
guided people of the advantages and
blessings OF our protection and COOP
Grafton. There is really no honorable
course open to us but to make them
consent"
you would say, then, that people
have right to independence If they
are strong enough to maintain 1t, but
not otherwise?"
Eyes, that is substantially my idea.
That might makes right seems hard
doctrine when you state 1t abstractly,
but after all it has been and Is the
principle Of progress. The strong will
rule, they really ought to rule.
Strength is the sign Of fitness"
Reporter tenders the usual thanks
and retires. Business man gazes
thoughtfully at the tassel of the win
dow shade and reflects with satisfac-
ton on the interview and how we'll 1t
will look in print. feeling that he has
acquitted himself handsomely as a
loyal man and lover of the flag.
His reverie is interrupted by the Of
fee boy announcing another visitor
this time a stranger Of fine presence
and bland manners.
Good morning, Mr.. Blank" handing
card. 81 have been trying to scrape an
acquaintance with your town this
morning. Interesting place, bright and
up-to-date. You have a fine business
here, things moving off in good shape,
a flrst-class lot Of men. I judge"
Eyes, cur men are as good as money
will hire, and we try to keep up with
the times in other respects"
you have a good local market, eh?"
Eyes; we sell In nearly every village
on this line Of road, and have fair
trade in our nearest CITY,"
well, Mr.. Blank, I represent the
Consolidated Central Manufacturing
company, formed about year age, you
doubtless recall, by ten of the largest
concerns in this line in the country.
We are now making arrangements
with the smaller establishments with a
view to bring the entire business I'M
der one management. am authorized
to make you an offer for your plant OF
five thousand dollars in stock of the
Consolidated Central"
Five thousand dollars! You must
be joking, sir. My real estate here has
cost me more than twice that, and l
have often made net profit of that
amount in one year."
well, we might increase the offer
somewhat If you agree to deal with us.
But you must bear in mind the
changed conditions of your business
since the consolidation. We have al
ready about seven-eighths of the en-
tire output under our control, and we
have advantages In transportation that
no small concern can approach. We
could sell to your customers for half
what you are getting and keep 1t up
for year, or two years, without feel
ing the loss. In fact, we could make
up the loss in dozen different mar
kets where we have no competition.
You estimate the value Of your bust
ness here by what 1t has been worth
In the past, but If the Consolidated
Central chose to do so they could make
It utterly worthless for the future, and
this you should take into considera-
tion."
In plain terms, then, you have the
small concerns at your mercy, and will
w them at your own price or ruin
their business? Do you think such a
process tustiflable?"
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