The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1899-02-09
THE QUESTION OF EXPANSION.
fSOuthern Pines Free PreSS.)

We nave never INTENDED tOdt any
ut,erarCe of ours as regards the ques-
ton of expansion, should offend in the
least the most ardent supporter Of the
expansion theory, though we have
from very dear friend modest kick
because in a recent issue the term
land -grabber, or Spectator, was ap-
piled to the expansionists.
The position we occupy as to
whether or not the United States
should annex the newly acquired Span
ish territory was taken after giving the
matter special thought and careful
consideration, and not because we
wish to apply the term Of spectators,
land -grabbers, or any other lnappro-
pirate name to those who honestly
take the stand that we should annex
said territory and make it part Of our
domain.
From a commercial standpoint the
Philippines, the fartherest away of any
of the islands, do not show up to any
apprecable extent, as we buy about
100000 worth of their products
annually and they buy of us less than
one twentieth Of that amount. So the
plea of the expanslonists tor more ter
rtory and larger foreign market, in
this case, is not one Of much impor-
lance, while the difficulties Of territor-
| ial expansion and colonial admins
tration seem to cast vivid picture
| upon the situation.
Cuba and Porto Rico are nearer our
| shores, but, as a matter Of fact, have
no greater claim for annexation than
the Philippine IslaI DIS, and should be
given what our President said they
needed at the commencement of the
war.
Let those who feel that we must
spend our money to civilize the savages
of the nameless islands in the far East
remember that our Government is now
considering the question Of furnishing
more of our men to take the place of
those who die in these unhealthy
tropics, because they enlisted in Gov
eminent service and cannot honorably
quit. Think what these men are dying
for. Is i. because we are obeying a
Biblical Injunction to learn the inhabi-
tants of the Philippines how to serve
God and live Christian lives? We do
not think SO, aud while it is a special
privilege to spread abroad the news Of
an ever living Savior there is abundant
reason to look around and see if the
inhabitants Of our own natural territory
could not be bettered through effective
missionary work, and a little more
special attention from those who feel
it duty to first civilize the savages of
a foreign country.
1t sounds very nice for the platform
speaker to tell us how glorious it S for
America to be able to conquer in every
undertaking, and that we are able 10
do just what we please; but these men
are not the ones who face death and
hardships, and live in camps filled with
water, disease, ETC., thousands of miles
away from home and loved ones, and
with few of the comforts of this life.
ave are what we represent" says a
prominent writer, and the cause OF
right should not suffer through any
lnactlon on our part, ard to advocate
a progressive government, to which all
patriotic men could adhere, is a great
privilege, and it is our desire to be one
or those who can live the pace, face
the difficulties arising and remain true
to country and humanity, realizing
hat enough will follow to insure good
companionship and the vindication oil
conscience and ofprinciples advocated.