The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-06-04

A little over a year ago, when this ma
ton could no longer maintain its honor
and respect at home or abroad; a little
over a year ago, when, as q Christian
people, we could no longer endure and
tolerate the wrongs and cruelties inflicted
upo nthe unfortunate inhabitants in Cuba,
finding that all our demands end en-
treaties in their behalf We're spuTned and
rejected war was declared against Spain.
No statesman or party planned or
schemed to bring about this conflict, for
the purpose of conquest adm enlargement
of our boundaries In fact, the declara-
ton of the president distinctly stated and
set forth that it was not the policy of this
government to acquire by force of arms
the island Of Cuba. 1t was a war brought
in the interest Of humanity, and this ma
ton as one man responded to that call.
Na~statesman predicted, no prophet fore
told the wonderful and astonishing results
that so swiftly followed.
Here a people, for many years at peace
with all the world, with practically no
coast defense, with but a small though
Well equipped navy, that it was thought
at the time would be needed TO protect
the great cities of New York and Boston.
and with a regular army Of only few
thousand men, without modern arms; and
yet. notwithstanding all this lack of prep
aration; Notwithstanding there was on in
tent TO enlarge the boundaries of this
Union, the results Of this war. not con-
templated nor foreseen have settled this
great question of expansion, or imperial
ism, as 1t is now termed, beyond recall
even If this nation So desired it!
Mr.. President and gentlemen Of the
Trans-iMssissippi Congress, when, on that
morning in May, a year ago, our gallant
fleet under the command Of George w
Dewey, sailed into the harbor of Manila
bay, a greater though invisible power was
at the helm. 1t was that invisible power
that has watched over. cared for and pro-
tected this nation from its humble begin
ming TO the present hour 1t was with
Washington in the days of old. It was
with jefferson when he wrote our i'm
morta, Declaration Of Independence. It
was with him and with this nation when
this great section was added to our ma
tons strength II was with Lincoln and
Grant in the days of 81 and '65; and as
Gods chosen instruments to drive from
the Islands Of the sea a nation who for
centuries has pillaEed and murdered its
helpless and unfortunate inhabitants. 1t
has stood by the side Of Mckinley, Dewey
and Funston!
Mr. President, I am aware shat since
this conflict has been raging on the island
Of Luzon, brought on by one Of the lead
ers, who but q short time ago betrayed
the very people he now seeks to AIRY
against this government. that there are
certain would-be statesmen Of all parties
who demean themselves and our country
by comparing AGUinaldo with Washing
ton God save the mark0, and his mis-
guided and ignorant followers with our
ancestors in the war Of Independence. l
regret that there are statesmen who be-
heve that the war Of rs had no better
cause or that that noble band of patriots
We're no more enlightened and fitted FOR
the duties OF self-goverrmsnt than Ag7li-
na'do and his followers. But in answer
10 all this criticism OF the results brought
about by this war with SSoSain and the
conflict that is still raging. in answer To
all their fears that this great liherty-loy-
Ing people viii now become a race Of
lyrants and oppress0rs. in answer TO all
their dismal forebodinEs and predictions
Of every kind and nature. that they s7
freely offer. 7. too am compelled 10 ask
q question that up 10 this time has re-
manned unanswered.
Gentlemen of the opposition. Won who on
the floors Of congress. You who as editors
OF our great newspapers ard magazines.
you who in some way believe that the
triumphant march Of progress OF this ma
ton must be bounded by the waters of
The Atlantic and Pacific oceans. you who
e1aeVe that Notwithstanding the wonder
i0i Increase in our p1pu,atior. cur Oh
boundaries vii ALWAYS BE- sufficient. Won
Wao DOUBT The ability OF our nation -
ehiarge is domain without in 5urv 10 IL
ser or ihe riEhts az others you whose
oio'd seems tn circulate So col5lv in vaur
veins that YOU have not felt the insairs-
ton that The great results ce his wa-
has reused IN the hearts OF the pas7,s
tlat out here in Kansas seems 10 be IN
the very air We breathe: ven WIN SIGH
over the terrible expenses o. tbs va ~
you lick 2-cent stamp upon y1u~ hank
checks and wonder how mitch longer -A+s I
nation can stand this fearful drain t-.r
her resources: yc1 who in The past have
lett no Shame when citizens u 7t- conn /
iry in foreign lands when In peril seva 4
been competed 70 seek protection ,1r5a-
ne British fias; you wh7 seemed 20 have 4
ielt 10 pride and pleasure when the -oa-
aH HMa.er