The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-06-29

As was confidently expected. the
Democratic newspapers of the country
are already turning their guns upon the
administration for preparing to send
troops for the protection OF American
lives In China. The bugaboo Of i'm
periaiism is being called up by the spec
tacle of the United States actually pro-
ceeding TO defend the lives of its citi-
Gems in a foreign country, and Washing
toms farewell message is again the
subject Of quotation, with It's warning
against foreign entanglements.
There is one point In these diatribes
which is worthy of attention, because
II is difficult to refute. Some OF these
Democratic critics take the position
that had Democratic administration
been in power the complications could
have been avoided and no necessity
would have existed for the sending Of
any American troops to China. To a
certain. extent. this is possibly true.
Had the Democratic party been in con-
troll of the affairs of the United States
for the past twenty years or so. 1t IL
quite likely that we should have had
no interests to protect In China or else
where abroad, and that we should have
had troubles enough at home to occupy
our undivided attention.
II this country had not grown to the
dimensions of the leading power of the
world, IT could have claimed exemption
from the duties ana obligations of such
a power, as Greece and Turkey and
the South American republics are ex-
empt. II the country had no trade
with China or other portions of Asia,
It would have had no pecuniary inter-
ests to protect: IL II had an Inadequate
army and navy. 1t would have been
forced 10 appeal to the civilized nations
of the world to protect its citizens, as
II would have been poweriess to aid
them. In short IL II had been governed
by the Democratic party for the
past generation. IT would have had no
part in the worlds affairs, would have
been exempt from all obligations 10
participate therein. and would have
been disregarded In the hnai settlement
OF the Chinese matter
Fortunately. however, the policies Of
the Republican party have been in force
in the United States for the greater
part OF the time for the past genera
tion, and except for an interruption OF
four years when the Democratic party
was temporarily in complete control.
the progress OF the country has been
steadily onward and upward It has
become one OF the foremost powers II
the world. and has won recognition as
such. II has thus incurred obliaa
tons and duties which II cannot shirk
or avoid. When all OF the foreigners
dcmiciied In China were threatened
with massacre, the duty Of the United
states TO interfere TO restore and pre-
serve order and 10 protect life was one
which 1t had no pretext or right 70
eyade, II owes the same obligation %
good citizenship to the world at large
that the mature man owes 10 the com
munity In which he resides Weakness
and physical inability excuse a man.
and immaturity boy. from some Of the
duties OF citizenship. Under Demo
cratic administration. the United states
might have been IN a position 10 pat
forward these reasons for It's inability
Go do its part as one OF the civilized
powers q the world
As 81 Is, however the United States
has rracRed maturity and strength
and With that maturity and strength
has assumed new duties II mas OBJ
tainsa rs growth as world power un-
der Republican policies, ADMINISTERED
by Republicans Among the uaost con
spicuoua traits q the Republican party
IS us willingness 10 meet and deal with
every new responsibility as fast as IL
arises. Those created by the sudden
revolutionary outbreak in China VIII
net b> shirked or evaded. no matter
what the final outcome may he
II gives Us pleasure TO call attention
10 those rare occasions when the Port
lar4 a.