The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1899-03-04
THE PRESIDENTS POLICY.
Democratic Charges OF Imperialism
Are E~nectually Contra
dictcd.

-
The address OF President Mckinley
before the members OF the Home Mar
ket club. in Boston. was In the nature
OF an unofficial communication 10 the
American people. III il had been a
message to congress IL would have con-
tanned some suggestions as TO the
methods Of government for the islands
now under control OF the United States.
but until the opportunity comes we
mus assume that the president is open
10 suggestions and willing 10 be infiu-
enced in right directions WHAT'S best
for the islanders will meet his approval.
There is in the whole address a
spirit Of frankness. an evident desire TO
explain his position before the country.
Hetells why the Philippines were taken
and plainly shows that no other course
was feasible, practicable or honest. II
was the United States, or Spain, or
anarchy among millions. In the inter-
ests of humanity his country assumed
the responsibilities with all the incl
dental costs, and the country approves.
As 10 the future Of the Philippines,
the president recognizes most devoutly
the great problems which face the
statesmen of this country.
Until congress shall direct other
wise" he says. at will be the duty Of
the executive 10 possess and hold the
Philippines, giving 10 the people thereof
peace and order and beneficent govern
ment, affordingthem very opportunity
TO prosecute their lawful pursuits. en-
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making them feel and know that we
are their friends, not their enemies;
that their good Is our aim; that their
welfare is our welfare, but that neither
their aspirations nor ours can be real
lied until our authority is acknowl-
edged and unquestioned. That the in
habitants Of the Philippines will be
benefited by this republic Is my I'M
shaken belief; that they will have a
kindlier government under our guid-
ance, and that they will be aided in
every possible way 10 be self-rcspecting
and self-governing people. is ms true ms
that the American people love liberty
and have an abiding faith In their own
government and in their own i%nstitu-
tions.
no imperial designs Turk in, the
American mind. They are alien to
American sentiment, thought and pur-
pose. Our priceless principles undergo
no change under a tropical sun. They
90 with the fiat:
A." why read We not the changeless truth.
The free can conquer but 10 save"
He concludes his address with these
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carry weight and influence when they
have been placed before the Fllipinos:
Il have no light or knowledge not
common TO my countrymen," said the
president. II do not prophesy. The
present is all-absorbing 10 me, but 7
cannot bound my vision by the blood
stained trenches around Manila, where
every red drop. whether from the veins
of an American soldier or n misguided
Filipino. is anguish 10 my heart. but by
the broad range Of future years. when
that group of islands, under the inn
pulse OF the year just passed, shall have
become the gems and glories OF The
tropical seas. n land OF plenty and Of
increasing possibilities. n people re-
deemed from savage Incidence and
habits. devoted TO the arts OF peace, In
touch with the and trade OF
all nations, enjoying the blessings OF
freedom, OF civil and religious liberty,
OF education and OF homes, and whose
children and children's children shall,
for ages hence. bless the American re-
public because IL emancipated and re-
deemed their fatherland and set them
in the pathway OF the worlds best
civilization"
In this there is no tone Of imperial
ism. II Is humanitarianism In the high
est, against which no words OF reason
can be said. Everything 10 be done
will be i'm the interest OF these. the new
wards OF the nation. What more can
be asked by those who have the inter-
ests OF humanity at heart? The presi-
dent Is not an imperialist in shat bad
sense. Tie Is n humanitarian. with n
kind and gentle heart, that wishes well
10 all nations and all people. None but
those who are blind to reason Will
say otherwise@.Cincinna Commercial