The times., 1899-12-21

preparations for the race. They must feel
that the poorly concealed infamy of their
position on the currency and trust issues
constitutes a danger. Notwithstanding the
brilliant work which is being done by
Aguinaldo's colleagues ia the Senate and
House 10 make the American people forget
everything except that their flag and ma
tionaI honor are being treacherously as
sailed in the very halls constructed for
their protection
That the Republican leaders are fright
ened and see a policeman in every copper
syndicate is manifest from the manner in
which they are worrying over the Waist
coat Tim" rebellion in PIatts New York
machine. against the strong wish Of Mr.
Mckinley to have Elihu Root as a running
mate on the ticket of 1900 Inspired per
haDs by the sly diplomacy Of the states
man who did not dare appear before the
Mazet committee. certain CT the Admins
tration outside circle are whispering that
Root VIII never do, because he has been
wicked enough. openly aud without the
least qualification or apology. to recon-
mend free trade with Porto Rico
We must confess that such a crime would
naturally appear Q heinous one in the eyes
OF Plat and some of his constituents:
principally because it proposes a recogHi-
tion not only Of common justice, but Of an
actual right until now denied to an Ameri-
can community as much entitled to un-
restricted commercial relations with all
ports and places in the Union as are the
people of Massachusetts or California. But
the danger scented by the machinists is
that certain corporate industrial interests,
desirous Of opposing Porto Rico for their
own benefit, might resent the liberation Of
public men who plead for equity and re-
spect for the Constitution, and refuse to
bleed through their banks for the cOrrup-
tlon fund
It is satisfactory to observe that Mr..
Hanna does not share the panic OF some of
his associates. His ethical standards may
be as far below reproach as theirs, but
he is not deficient in equine sense, and,
moreover. We must do him the justice to
admit that his political badness is at least
bold, and not of the sneaking order. He
is much more OF a Fra Diavolo than Jack
Sheppard From his massive intellectual
side he undoubtedly sees that the great
mass of the people want, and would rather
support, what is right, with less regard for
temporary exp=dieucy than practical poll
ticians would show. So while the barest
decency toward Porto Rico might estrange
and enrage the Sugar Trust, the cabbage
leaf growers Of the Connecticut Valley, and
the stogy. Farmers OF Pennsylvania and West
Virginia. the recommendation of Secretary
Root, if adopted by Congress, as ultimately
it may be by the Supreme Court without
Congress, would be hailed by the people
at large as a proper and necessary fulfill
ment of national duty and obligation.
On the other hand if the Republican
party is to discipline Elihu Root for aGvo-
eating policy, the righteousness OF which
is not open 10 any question whatever, its
enemies will have another proof of the utter
and hopeless corruption OF the trust and
monopoly owned, controlled, and conducted
organization. which is driving its poisonous
tentacles deeper and deeper into the yitals
Of the country. largely encouraged by the
bIithering idiocy Of Filipino Democrats.