The times., 1899-01-09
MONDAY. JANUARY 9. 1879.



ous appearance Of Mr.. Croker as an cX-
pansionist and Mr.. Bryan as an advocate
of Il restricted and provincial America
Whatever may be said of Mr.. Croker as
a man and citizen. il is undeniable that
as a politician he has always shown great
shrewdness and foresight. He has been
expert in reading the significance of DO
Iitical events and in placing himself
when his interests are involved, in posi-
tion TO achieve success. He recognizes
the fact which few men doubt or deny,
that the American people are on the top
wave of enthusiasm in relation TO the eX-
pansion of our national possessions, our
political influence and our commerce. 1t
is not always the noisy who represent the
deeper sentiments Of the people. but in
this instance the applause that has greeted
the Presidents policy is the voice of an
overwhelming majority. 4 practical DEM
onstration OF this vas in the dismal
failure of the proyincialist league in New
England TO muster any respectable pro-
portion of the enormous army of anti
imperialists said TO exist in all parts of
the country. There was a positive asser-
lion that within given time not less
than ten million names would be signed
TO protests against the retention Of the
Philippines. IN the given time there were
two thousand signatures, OF which only
five hundred were obtained outside the
narrow limits Of New England To say
that the masses Of the people are momen-
tarily misled ly the promises of trade ex-
tension and that Mr. Bryan. Mr.. Carnegie,
the Rev. DR.. Parkhurst. Professor Norton
and others, with the aid of Carl Schurz
will he able 10 illuminate their minds and
win them back 10 the ways of the fathers,
is 10 give expression 10 a mere hope
that may be wholly illusive. The present
fact is that the American people are in
hearty accord with the ideas of the Presi-
dent and there IS more reason 10 expect
expansion to grow in favor than TO decline.
Mr.. Croker supports his position b. ap-
peals to the traditions Of the Democratic
party. No amount OF juggling with the
phrases of jefferson 10 prove him an
enemy OF territorial expansion can bal
ance the fact that but for his attitude in
relation to the acquisition of Louisiana
and but for Democratic arguments in
favor Of the addition of Oregon TO our
territory. the nation today would not ex-
tend its authority across the continent
and from the Lakes 10 the Gulf OF Mexico.
Another Demo ratio reason for Mr. Gro
ker's position is that The policy to which
the Republican parry is now fully COM
mitted must inevitably effect The change
in our tariff policy which it has been
= chief ambition Of the Democracy to
II
between the States and its dependent
colonies, and when any part Of it falls,
the whole must vanish.
Before the spanish war produced so
many unexpected results. affecting not
only our foreign relations, but also our
domestic politics. there seemed 10 be
nothing more certain than that the Demo-
cratic party would take up the conflict in
which il cane 80 near TO victory, and.
with free silver IS its supreme issue
make another appeal TO the popular intel
iigence. Doubtless it is true that to re-
tain the Philippines is 10 make colonial
legislation, especially tariff legislation
for our island dependencies the principal
line of division between the parties. Thi.
would mean the possible subordination c
Tree SILVER anu me personality OF MT
Bryan 10 free trade. Yet the Democracy
has more 10 gam for lis traditional doe
trInes by this than by a vain attempt Il
turn the mighty current Of American sen
timent from expansion. From the poin
of view Of both principle and expediency
MIR. Croker is more nearly Democratic ant
American than Mr. Bryan. MartyrdoH
may be picturesque. but in the case OF
political party il IS extremely unwise.