Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-09-06
The Philippine Question.


Referring to the Philippines, the Senator
said:
The future rests within the supreme con
troll of the American people. 1t rests within
the sound discretion of Congress. Until
Congress shall otherwise decree, the Presi-
dent of the United States must go forward
in the work Of pacification. in the work of
establishing civil government.
The republican platform makes solemn
pledge To the FlipinJs that the largest
measure Of sef-government consistent with
their welfare and our duties shall be Sc
cured to them by law" This pledge is not
Imperialism. 1t is the very foundation prin-
ciple upon which we have held every terri
tory from the Louisiana purchase to this
hour. If the possession OF the Philip: mes
is imperialistic Mr.. Bryan's insistence upon
the ratification OF the treaty was unwise and
indefensibe. What think you of a states
man who would advocate the ratification of
a treaty which IS inimical to the republic
and which lays strong and firm the founda-
ton of an empire? If Mr.. Bryan is right
now, his potential support of the ratification
Of the treaty was stupendous blunder.
If, however. he was right then, his present
attitude with reference to the result of
the ratification is utterly inexcusable.
We must discharge our obligations with
out regret. In manful way, in an Ameri-
can way, conscious of the fact that we have
the power, the manhood, the patriotism and
the Christian spirit necessary to do 1t. Re-
sponsibiiltses once assumed must be hon
orably discharged. not dishonorably aban-
doned.
Congress may be relied upon in the fu-
ture, as II has been in the past, to provide
for the new possessions such legislation
only as local conditions require and such
as is in harmony with the spirit of our in
situations.
Subject of the Trusts.
On the subject OF trusts the senator said:
The republican party recognizes the hon.
est cooperation of capital to meet new
tension of our foreign trade. 1t is inexora-
bly, opposed however, to all combinations or
trusts intended to stifie fair competition, to
create monopolies or to control prices.
The republican party is credited with the
only national legislation which has been eff
fective in the regulation or restriction of
combinations In any degree. 1t enacted the
interstate commerce law and Sherman s
antitrust law, two measures which have
been wholesome In their effect though not
as comprehensive in their effect as desired.
The complex relations of federal and state
authority have made 1t more or less diff
cult TO deal with the subject Many of the
trusts are local within the respective states
and beyond the Jurisdiction of Congress. A
bill passed the House of Representatives at
the last session of Congress looking to an
amendment to the Constitution investing
the Congress with full power over the en-
tire subject within the states. but 1t was
stubbornly opposed by the democratic men,
bers, only five voting for it. The bill did
not reach the Senate in time for considera-
ton prior 10 the adjournment.
When In power the democratic party ac-
complished absolutely nothing which was
effective upon the subject. Mr.. Bryan as a
member of Congress did nothing in restraint
! of the trusts. although the subject was then
engaging public attention.
| The republican party proposes to deal
with the subject in an honest, intelligent
and effective way. so that legitimate enter
| prise shall be free from destructive combi-
! nations Of whatever nature and the public
/ protected against unjust exactions.
| Mr.. Fairbanks was repeatedly interrupt
| ed with applause
| An overflow meeting was held in Monu.
ment place, opposite the theater. This was
/ addressed by Addison c. Harris, United
| States minister to Austria.