The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1899-03-04


The presidents first impression was to
demand of the Filipinos simply coaling
station, a measure amply sufficient for
all of our legitimate purpose, and the
evacuation OF the island by Spain without
compensation by the taxpayers OF the
United States. Had he adhered to this
all would have been we'll. The whole
Union would have followed him cheer
fully, and today We would have been at
peace with the Philippine republic; our
army and navy, which is now waging war
against our former friends and allies.
would have been disbandcd
Mr.. Chairman, why did the president
change his original intention as to the
terms to be incorporated into the treaty?
What were the influences that brought
the change about? l have heard it stated
that the applause OF the people who greet
ed him just about this juncture OF public
affairs while he was on his tour in the
West was the reason for it. Was it then
the condition OF public sentiment rather
than the right or wrong OF the matter
which influenced the presidential mind?
Does the chief executive regard his
great prcrogativc to be SO supincly rep
rcscntativc that he must needs abdicate
them at every popular wind that blows?
Does he feel that his high Office gives
him no latitude for the exercise of indi-
divual judgment and Of independent ac-
ton? Did hc make no allowance for
transient cbullitions OF public enthusiasm
and excitement, overlook his opportunity
to save the people from themselves, lose
sight of all the sacred traditions Of the
country and fear to make his appeal to
that ultimate tribunal which has so often
i'll our national history vindicatcd those
who have icarlcssly stood for the right in
public atfairs-thc sober, second thought
OF the great American people.
And is his cxcclcncy quite sure that he
properly gaugcd the condition OF the pub
lie mind on the subject OF Philippine an
ncxaion? Is he absolutely certain that
one swallow really makes whole sum
mcr? 1t would really seem SO, for in
this Home Market address he exultingly
declared that the annexation treaty had
passed the senate by over wo-thirds, and
was sanctioned by the judgment Of nine
tcnths of his countrymen. How that
treaty finally got its two-thirds majority
III the scnac-thc tremendous pressure
necessary to secure it tllcrc-whcrc its
fate hung, doubtful and trembling in the
balance, until the very latest moment, and
was then only saved by the votes of SEN
ators who had most OF them spoken
against it, no man knows better than Mr..
Mckinley Adulation has indeed sorcly
blinded the chief executive TO the truth
il he imagincs that even the majority Of
his countrymcn approve OF this pcrma-
ncnt holding in the Orient.
Let him not pin his faith too securely
to the sordid interests which clamor so
loudly in his hearing. II he will but
quiet the noisy tllrong which surrounds
him long enough to put his ear to the
ground and listen he will distinguish the
prcmonitions OF the coming storm; he
will hear the steady tread not OF 100, 600
men whom he demands for :; crusade
against liberty, but OF a mighty army Of
free people, who arc beginning to move
in defense OF their cherished traditions
and their violated honor.
Mr. Chairman. in my humble opinion,
the reason for the change in the prcsi
dental policy was his concession to the
selfish capitalists of the country, his sur.
render to their demands. These are the
gentlemen who furnished the money for
his nomination and election. and who !
doubt not. have pledged him rcnom-
nation and reelection.
These are the gentlemen who are al
ready scizing upon valuable franchises in
China, in connection with the English
syndicate, with member OF parliament
from Wales at its head. These are the
gentlemen whom Lord Bcrcsford has in
mind in his cordial but not wholly disn-
ttrcstcd invitation to an alliance i'll China
with Britain, Germany and Japan, against
Russia and France, the old-timc enemies
Of his country and the oldtmc friend
OF ours. These are the gentlemen who
are already graspng after special priv
ilcgcs in the Philippines, in Cuba and
Porto Rico.
1t was, imagine, for their special
benefit that the president created his ad-
visory board to the war department, COM
posed OF three American citizens their
object being to farm out valuable priv
ilcgcs and immunities which should be-
long to the people OF those islands them
selves, and in whose disposition they
should have a voice il their government
is to be free and their rights maintained.
have no fault to find with the spirit
OF legitimate American commerce. My
contention is against the spirit of Ameri
can greed, which cares nothing for the
spirit OF American liberty.
| Bar In the Rockies.
| "Gcntlcmcn, what kind OF a bar have