The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1899-06-29
GOV. STONE IS PATRIOTIC.
MIssOURrs EXECUTIVE TAKES Is-
SUE WITH BRYAN.
When Dewey Co9saered the SPAN
iaPds Loyal Americans Shoula
Have Upheld President-Philip-
pines Have No Place IN Platfcrn.

Special Dispatch 10 the Post t-rnselligencer.
CHICAGO. June 2S--Ex-Gov. william
J. Stone. of Missouri. acting chairman Of
the Democratic National committee, took
sharp issue with William J. Bryan and
other supposed leaders OF the party yes
terday. While not committing himself
as to whether this country should own
and govern the Philippine islands. he
declared strongly against the anti-expan-
sion plea which Mr.. Bryan and his
friends wish to make part OF the next
Democratic national platform. He as
serted that after Dewey hauled down the
Spanish coiors at Manila there was moth
ing left for patriotic Americans TO do but
sustain the government in It's attempt
to settle the questions there arising with
out unduly criticising Its course. and
concluded with IN argument IN favor Of
doing everything possible toward increas-
Ing the American merchant marine. even
to the extent OF subsidies by the govern
ment where necessary.
After three days parleying with the To-
cal Democratic factions, Mr.. Stone left
for his home at st. Louis. but before
his departure he talked freely regarding
the Philippine question. AZ the Audi
torium Annex. before leaving, he said:
For my part. do not think the situa-
tion in the Philippines as II In at present
should be made a political issue. know
much is said regarding the policy of the
government In the Philippinea but I do
not understand II has formulated any
policy with reference TO them as yet.
II IL time enough TO raise an issue on
this question when this policy shall have
been announced. but until that Il done
i hardly regard 1t as affording basis
for legitimate political Issue.
II would not be understood as Endorsing
all that the government has done I'm con-
ncction with these islands since Admiral
Dewey struck the Spanish coIors In Ma
Mia bay. for thipk some grave mis-
takes have been made. but as matters
stand at present we have got to stand BY
our country.
''In my estimation, the present disas-
trous war. with its dcplorabIe loss OF life.
might have been averted had we In the
beginning dealt frankly with the FIJI
pinos and assured them IL was not our
purpose to impose any arbitrary rule
upon them. but TO permit them 10 work
out their own salvation Had we adopt
ed a generally conciliatory attitude. with
some assurances Of what eur intentions
were with reference to these people and
their territory: had We given them to
understand we did not covet their terri
tory and were not anxious TO make them.
whether or no. our subjects. instead OF
maintaining sphinx-like silence In re-
sponse To their repeated Inquiries as TO
our intentions. | firmly believe there
would have been no conflict. I believe
we could have reached an understanding
with them In the best spirit. by which
we could have secured all the necessary
advantages for the development OF our
trade In the far East. which. after ALL
Is the thing we are really after.
Il believe in utilizing the Philippines
for the building up of our trade In the
AsIafic waters, but l do not look with
favor upon the idea OF this country ac-
qniring sovereignty over them. do not
consider that necessary for furthsring
the work of commercial expansion. which
4 zi..f.s