Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1899-02-19

Ann Arbor, Mich, February 1S.-In
spite of damp, threatening weather,
Col. VIM. J. Bryan received splendid
reception on his arrival here to-day.
The high terrace which forms sort of
natural amphitheatre at the Michigan
Central Depot, was lined with people.
When the train pulled in the University
yell went up from thousands of threats.
Col. Bryan was escorted by the Univer-
sity of Michigan band and non-part-
isan citizens committee to the Uni
versity. Several hundred students fol-
lowed After luncheon there was an
informal reception in the Court House.
Mr.. Bryan's address was in part as
follows:
Col. Bryan lectured on Imperial
ISM tonight before an audience OF
students, members of the University
of Michigan, faculty and citizens which
taxed the capacity of the big hall. 1t
is seven years since the present leader
Of the Silver Democracy last visited
this city, and the students OF all shades
of political opinions gave him char
acteristically noisy and enthusiastic
welcome ON his appearance. Col. Bry-
an<s declarations in favor of independ-
ence for the Filipinos under the
American protectorate brought out
considerable applause.
The President in his Boston speech
has declared that the future of the
Philippines is in the hands of the
American people. This is all that has
been contended for by the opponents
of the colonial policy outlined by those
who have demanded the forcible and
permanent annexation of the Philip
pine Islands. If the matter is in the
hands of the American people then 1t
is a subject for discussion by the
American people, and the only ques-
ton to be considered and decided is
whether the permanent retention OF the
Philippine Islands is desirable. And
in considering what is desirable we
must consider what is best for the peo-
pie Of the United States and what is
best for the FilipinOs. Those who op-
pose the colonial policy deny that the
adoption of such al policy by this ma
ton would be beneficial either to the
United States or to the alien race over
which our sovereignty would be ex-
tended.
THE sooner the question is settled
the better. 1t is putting the cart be
fore the horse to say that the nation
cannot reveal its purpose until the
Filipinos lay down their arms. If the
nation wouldn declare its intention to
establish a stable and independent gov
eminent in the Philippines and then
leave the government in the hands of
the people of the islands, hostilities
would be suspended at once and further
blOOdshed would be avoided. What
would our colOniStS have thought of d
demand upon the part of England that
we first lay down our arms and sur
render to the king, and then trust to
the decision that he would make.
Now that the treaty has been ratified
and Spain eliminated from the ques-
ton, the American people are free to
take such action as the circumstances
require Shall our nation enter upon
career of conquest and substitute the
doctrine Of force for the power and ex-
ample and the influence of counsel?
Our forefathers fought for independ-
ence under a banner upon which was
inscribed the motto, Millions for de-
Tense but not one cent for tribute
And so those who to-day not only de-
sire American independence but are
willing to encourage Che idea of indie
pendence and government in other
races, can fight under a banner upon
which is inscribed a similar motto:
Millions for defense but not one cent
for conquest
Some of the advocates Of a colonial
policy have sought. to lay upon those
who opposed thea ratification of the
| treaty the responsibility for the blood
shed around Manila. While l believed
and still believe, that it was better to
ratify the treaty and make the fight
for Philippine independence before the
American people rather than through
diplomatic negotiations with Spain, I
deny that the Senators who opposed
ratification were in any way respons-
ible for the commencement of hostili-
ties. The responsibility rests not upon
those who opposed the treaty but upon
those who refused TO disclose the ma
tons purpose and left the Filipinos
to believe that their fight against Spain
instead of bringing them independence
had only brought them a change OF
masters. It was the desire TO be indie
pendent that led the Filipinos to re-
sist American authority, and their de-
sire for independence was not inspired
by any American opposition to the
terms of the treaty. II Will be remem-
bered that the FilipinOs issued a dec
Iaration of independence last summer
before the treaty was negotiated. OPP
position to the treaty therefore could
not have caused a desire for independ-
ence which was expressed before the
treaty was made If it is wrong for
anyone in this country to inspire IN
other races a desire for self-govern-
ment the imperialists cannot confne
their reproaches to the living. They
must lay the blame upon American
statesmen long since dead. Patrick
Henry was responsible to some extent
! because the sentiments expressed in his
speech have found a lodgment in the
hearts of all the races. Washington
must also be blamed for when he drew
his sword in defense Of the rights of
the colonists he gave inspiration 10 all
similarly situated. Jefferson was large
ly 10 blame because the Declaration OF
independence, the work of his pen, has
! been an inspiration to the lovers OF
liberty in every cline. Abraham Lin
coin cannot escape his share Of blame.
!