The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1899-04-25
EO,ROBERTS WRITES
Telling and Convincing Argument on
the Expansion Question.
ARTICLE OF INTEREST
Letter Written by Geo. Roberts for Re
publican Columns of the Dow
City Enterprise.
Continued from Last Issue.)

1t is libel upon the American peo-
pie, which no American at least, should
utter, to say that we intend to subju-
gate or enslave these people. Under
our protection they will enjoy secur-
ity for life, property and the pursuit of |
happiness that they have never known
under the government of a local despot
like Aguinaldu. They will advance in
intelligence, education, wealth and ca
pacity for government more rapidly
than would be possible withoutour aid.
When they have arrived at stage
where fair and intelligent expression
of the people is for independence, no
political party in this country will deny
it to them. Under our just and liberal
government that time will be as slow
in coming as to the people of Canada.
This I conceive to be the path of honor
and duty in the Philippines.
1t is the path of courage. Some will
shrink and whimper about imaginary
perils which they fear our people will
not have the moral stamina to with
stand. Men talk of the danger of a
standing army TO our liberties as trem-
ulously as our fore fathers who had
fled from the despotisms of Europe. We
are too familiar with our rights and too
strong in the consciousness of our pow
ers to be frightened by ghost stories of
that character. The warnings from the
downfall of Rome, the week predic-
tions that we will prove incapable and
corrupt are not likely to deter virile
and courageous people. The path, or
opportunity in this world is always be-
set by dangers that look formidable to
timorous souls. 1t is the men and the
people who dare that develop capacity
and shape the progress of the world.
Are Americans so craven as to shrink
from taking up a great part that has
fallen to them? Will they bring home
the flag from the foreign seas, where it
now floats as q guaranty of security. a
promise Of civilization and sign that
this nation has become factor in the
progress of the world? The spirit that
has subdued this continent revolts at
the proposal. It's more like our peo-
pie to ask where lies the path Of oppor-
tunity. where are the possible prizes
yet to be won, where are the fields for
new endeavors, than to shrink and
shiver over the perils that may threaten
over our own domain.
i! We are just realizing that our indus
tries can compete in the markets of the
world. that we are destined to be 8
great commercial people. Our sales
men are in every land. Our industries
have attained development that rem
ders it of the highest Importance that
their support shall not be confined te
this continent. We must make our
selves known as people in all markets
| We must have jealous care for oul
prestige as nation. This is no time
to plead timidity or incapacity or desire
to live in seclusion as an excuse fol
evading responsibilities. When even
China is abandoning policy of seclu
sion, the United States should not
shrink from world relation.
i cannot conceive that policy which
assumes the incapacity Of Americans to
do what England has done, and which
pleads the baby act, can appeal success
fully to our people. The glory and
power of England to-day is multiplied
and sustained by her colonies which
belt the world. They are not held by
military power, but by ties of affection.
gratitude and self-interest. Admiral
Dewey has said we'll that in going
around and around the world, through
out his life on the seas, he had been
forced to the conclusion!that the might.
lest agency for civilization in the world
is the imperial policy of Great Britain
Peace, order. industry, justice, humane
government, civilization, are establish.
ed wherever her flag is planted. II
would be a calamity to have her rule
withdrawn from India to Egypt. No
one can dispute that, and what Ameri
can, admitting that, will demean him
self and slur his countrymen by profess
sing that wetEeapot able to do as much
in the Philil tes
The trust IMPOSED upon us in Cuba
and the Philippines affords us as peo-
pie the noblest opportunity for useful