The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-02-23

thee, sweet land of liberty, OF thee l
sing
Ihis sentiment was well nigh unyer-
sal until year ago. II was 10 this stnti.
ment that the Cuban insurgents appeal
ed; II was this sentiment that impelled
our people to enter into war with Spain.
Have the people so changed within Il
Few short months that they are now
Wiling 10 apologize for the war OF the
revolution and force upon the Filipinos
the same system Of government against
which the colonists protested with fire
aud sword
The hour of temptation has come. but
temptations do not destroy. they merely
test the strength of individuals and ma
tons; they are stumbling blocks or
stepping stones; they lead to infamy or
fame. according to the use made Of
them,
i Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen
served together in the Continental army
and both were offered British gold Ar
mold yielded to the temptation and mada
his name a synonym for treason; Allen
resisted and lives in the affections OF
his countrymcn.
Our nation is tempted to depart
from its standard of morality and
adopt a policy of criminal aggression
But, will il yieldg
If | mistake not the sentiment of the
American people they will spurn the
hribe OF Imperialism. and, by resisting
temptation, win such n victory as has
not been won since The battle OF York
town. Let it be written of the United
States: Behold a republic that took up
arms to aid neighhoring people. strus-
Cling to be free; a republic that. in the
progress of the war, helped distant races
whose wrongs were not in contemplation
when hostilities began; republic that,
when peace was restored, turned u deaf
ear to the clamorous voice of greed and
to those borne down by the weigh,
of foreign yoke spoke the welcome
words. Stand up. be free.
Let this be the record made on his
tory's page and the silent example Of this
republic true to its principles in the
hour of trial. will do more to extend
the area of self-government and of civili-
cation than could be done by all the
wars of conquest that we could wage
in generation.
THE forcible annexation of the Philip
pine Islands is not necessary to make
the United States Il world power. For
over ten decades our nation has been
a world power. During its brief eX-
istence it has eXerted upon the human
race an influence more potent for good
than all the other nations of the earth
combined, and it has eXerted that infu-
ence without sword or Gatling gun.
Mexico and the Republics of Central and
South America testify to the benign in
fluence of our institutions, while Europe
and Asia give evidence of the working
of the leaven of self-government. In
the growth of Democracy we observe
the triumphant march of an idea-an
idea that would be weighed down rather
than aided by the armor and weapons
proffered by Imperialism
Much has been said of late about
Anglo-SaXon civilization. Far be it
from me to detract from the service
rendered to the world by the sturdy
race whose language we speak The union
of the Angle and the Saxon formed
new and valuable type, bur the process
of race evolution was not completed
when the Angle and the Saxon met.
still later type has appeared which is
superior to any which has existed here
tofore: and with this new type will come
a higher civilization than any which has
preceded it. Great has bepn the Greek.
the latin. the Slav, the Celt. the Teuton
and the Anglo-Saxon. but greater than
any of these is the American, in whom
are blended the virtues of them ALL
Civil and religious liberty. universal
education aud the right to participate.
directly or through Representatives cho-
sen by themselves. in all the affairs of
government--these give to the American
citizen an opportunity and an inspiration
which can be found no where else
Standing upon the vantage ground
already gained the American people can
aspire to a grander destiny than has
opened before any other race.
"Anglo-SaXon civilization has taught
the individual to protect his own rights.
American civilization viii teach him to
respect the rights of others.
Anglo Saxon civilization has taught
the individual TO take care of himself,
American civilization, proclaiming the
equality of all before the law, will
teach him that his own highest good re-
quires the observance of the command
ment: Thou shalt love thy neghbor as
thyself.
Anglo Saxon civilization has. by
force of arms, applied the art of govern
ment TO other races for the benefit of
Anglo-Saxons, American civilization will
by the influence of example, excite in
other races desire for self-goyernment
and determination to secure it.
Anglo-SaXon civilization has carried
its flag to every cline, and defended it
with forts and garrison. American civil
ization will imprint its flag upon the
hearts of all who love freedom.
ITO American civilization all hail,
Times noblest offspring is the last"
Mr. Bryan was accorded an enthusi-
astic reception and his remarks were
frequently punctuated with applause.
NJ RJCHT,t no HOLINESS