The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-11-19
Prosperity Must continue.

Senator Chandler, who never fails to ex.
press his convictions with great force and
clearness, has outlined course along
which, in his opinion, the republican
party can march to victory next year.
He proposes an outspoken and sincere
declaration against trusts, the abandon
ment of the effort to secure financial leg
islation, reform in the expenditure OF
enormous sums in election campaigns
and the speedy announcement of deh-
mite policy toward the Filipinos. Regard
ing the latter subject, he asserts, with
truth, that there is a growing feeling of
Impotence among the people.
The reasoning which Senator Chandler
advances in support Of his propositions
Is sound enough The party of which he
is SO distinguished member will, how
ever, experience great difficulty in per-
suading the American people that 1T Is
honestly opposed to allowing trusts the
widest latitude in their operations. The
most pronounced advocates and beneii-
Charles of trusts are republican in poll
tics. The chief spokesman Of the admin
istration, who is also the National chair
man of the republican party, is an out
spoken defender Of these combinations.
Even the laws initiated by republicans
have proven Ineffective, or. If adequate,
have not been enforced. The republican
National platform Of 1886 was silent upon
the subject, while the democratic dcnun-
citation was most vigorous. 1t will be
difficult, therefore, lor the republicans
to impress the country with their sin
certify In any hostile attitude which may
now be assumed. They can not eradicate
in few months sentiment which has
been steadily growing during as many
years.
There is also a well grounded belief
that the question of trusts and the eX-
istence OF enormous campaign funds are
interviewer. Senator Chandler might we'll
have strengthened his argument by en-
phasizing this fact, If he had been so
disposed. 1t is certainly a common i'm
preston that the combinations OF capital
are large contributors to the republican
campaign fund, thereby purchasing es-
sentia immunity from legal interference.
With this sentiment almost universal, the
voters are likely to view with some sus
picion the sudden hostility tn trusts which
Senator Chandler advises. They wiz re-
member, for instance, that .Sn 1886 the
democrats lacked funds fes ordinary and
legitimate expenses, While the repub-
lican treasury was alled to overlooking
There is every reason t. believe that this
| experience VIII be repeated In 1901 for
the levy uroh corporations will be as I'M
blushing Ms the demand recently made
upon Sfiiceholders. 1t would. indeed be
gratifying If the debauching and corrupt
,ng use OF money in campaigns could be
avoided 1ndiana's once unsavory repu-
tation as mercenary State has now
fallen upon Ohio. and other doubtful
States are likely to suffer in the same
degree. The result, however. may be
disastrous, The fragrant use of corpora
ton money to influence elections will
arouse spirit of resentment which will
sweep into power q political party an
tagonistic to the interests of invested
capital. In 1896, let it not be forgotten
democracy and its allied forces of popu-
lism, unaided by money, polled $780,
600 votes.