The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-02-19
COL. BRYAN TO STUDENTS
AN.ADDREss BY THE NEBRASKA Or
ATOR ON "ISIPERIALIsM."
Reply to the Presidents Boston
SDeech-He Thinks the FiIipinOs
should BE Given independence.

ANN ARBOR. Mich, Feb. 1S-Col. VIM.
Jennings Bryan lectured on imperialism"
tonight before an audience of students
members of the University of Michigan, fac
ulty and citizens, which taxed the capacity
Of the big university hall. 1t is seven years
since the present leader of the silver Democ-
racy last visited this city and the students
of all shades of political opinion gave him
a characteristically enthusiastic and noisy
welcome on his appearance. Colonel Bryans
declarations in favor of independence for
the Fiipinos under an American protector
ate brought out considerable applause. He
said in part:
''Phe 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 Philippine
Islands. If the matter is in the hands of
the American people, then it is a subject
Tor discussion by the American people, and
tne only question to be considered and de-
cfded 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 people of the
United States and what is best for the Fill
Plnos Those who oppose the colonial pol
ICY deny that the adoption of such a policy
py TINS Nation would be beneficial either to
the United States or to the alien race over
which our sovereignty would be extended.
Inc sooner the question is settled the
better. 1t is putting the cart before the
morse; TO say that the Nation cannot reveal
It's purpose until the Filipinos lay down
their arms. If the Nation would declare
Its intention to establish a stable and in
dependent government in the Philippines
ana then leave that government in the
hands Of the people of the islands hostilities
would be suspended at once and further
cioodshed would be avoided. What would
our colonlStS have thought of a demand
upon the part of England that we first lay
down our arms and surrender to the King
and then trust to the decision that ne would
make. Now that the treaty has been rati-
ned and Spain eliminated from the question
the American people, aEssAffees to- take such
action as the circumstances require. Shall
our Nauon enter upon career of conquest
and substitute the doctrine of force for the
power of example and the influence of coun-
sci? Our fOrefatheIs fought for independ-
ence under a banner upon, which was in
6cribed the motto Millions for defense, but
not one cent for tribute And so those who
to-day not only desire American independ-
ence, but are willing to encourage the idea
OF independence and self-goVernment in
other races can fight under a banner upon
which is inscribed similar motto: Millions
Tor defense but not one cent for conquest.
Some of the advocates of colonial poll
Icy have sought to lay upon those who
opposed the ratification of the treaty the
responsibility for the blOOdShed around Ma
Mia. While / believed, and still believe,
that II was better to ratify the treaty and
make the fight for Philippine independence
before the American people rather than
InFOugh QlplOmatlc negotiations with Spain,
] deny that the senators who opposed rati-
dcation were in any way responsible for the
commencement of hostilities The respon-
6lblllty rests not upon those who opposed
the treaty, but upon those who refused to
disclose the Nations purposes and left the
Filipinos TO believe that their fight against
Spain, instead Of bringing them independ-
ence, had only brought them a change of
masters. 1t was the desire 10 be independ-
ent that led the Filipnos to resist Amer
lean authority. and their desire for indie
pendence was not inspired by any American
opposition TO the terms of the treaty. 1t
will be remembered that the Filipinos issued
q declaration of independence last summer,
before the treaty was negotiated. OppOsi-
tion to the treaty therefore could not have
caused a desire for independence which was
expressed before the treaty was made.
If 1t is wrong for anyone IN tins country
TO inspire in other races a desire for self
government the imperialists cannot confine
their reproaches 20 the living. They must
long since dead. Patrick Henry was re-
sponsibe to some extent, because the SEN
uments expressed in his speech have found
Judgment 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 to all
similarly situated. jefferson was largely
TO blame because the Declaration of indie
pendence the work of his pen, has been an
inspiration to the lovers of liberty in every
chine. Abraham Lincoln cannot escape his
share of blame. if those are to be blamed
who have aroused among the oppressed a
desire for participation in the government
under which they lived. When the great
Cmancipator delivered his speech at Get
tysburg and appealed to the people of the
United States to so act that a government
of the people, for the people and by the
people shall not perish from the EARTH. he
did more to stimulate the desire for SELF
government that has been done by any
other public man in half a century.
THE American people cannot apply the
European and mOnarchical doctrine of force
in the subjugation and government of alien
races and at the same time stand forth as
q defender of the principles embodied in our
Declaration of Independence and Constitu-
ton. man may live a double life when
only one of his lives is known, but as soon
as his duplicity becomes manifest to the
world he can lead but one life and that the
worst. AS soon as we establish two forms of
government. one by consent in this country
and the other by force III Asia, we shall
cease 10 have the influence of a republic and
Join in the spoliaton of helpless people un-
der the pretense of comforting upon them
unsought and undesired blessings. Independ-
ence Of the F1lipnos under protectorate
which will guard them from outside interior
ence while they work out their destiny is
consistent with American traditions, Ameri-