The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-08-03
FRIDAY. AUGUST 3. 1900
DEMOCRACY AND EXPANSION.

There are expansionists in the Demo-
cratic party and it is interesting to see
how they are trying to square themselves
with the platform. The Atlanta Consttu-
ton is one OF the most conspicuous of
these The Southern cotton manufacturers
have been extending their trade into the
regions of the East, and the Constitution
IS In favor of keeping the Eastern trade
door open and of making the most of our
opportunities in the Philippines. The editor
of the Constitution is a member Of the
National Democratic Committee. and there
fore the utterances of this paper the
subject under review are the more inter-
esting.
In its issue Of August 1st the Constitution
assumes that the United States Govern
Inent is to hold on to the Philippines and
that the only question Is as to ''how we are
10 deal with the human interests that have
fallen under our care and protection" Are
we TO treat them as the European mon
nrchs treat their colonies. or as the United
States. under Democratic asupces, treated
their newly acquired terIitores?" The
Constitution asserts that 1.-The issue be-
tween the Republicans and Democrats is
not expansion, per Sc, but whether the in
lahitants Of the new territories shall be-
come partakers in the rights and privileges
guaranteed by the Constitution. Again.
81 says that had the Democrats been in
charge of the Government at the time of
the fall of Manila, the Filipinos would have
been treated as friends and as allies after
the event before; they would have had
the prompt assurance of the fact that they
Were not TO be treated as vassals. but
We're to enjoy the same rights and privi-
leges which the Constitution guarantees to
ail who live under the operations of the
laws of the republic 1t denies that Mr..
Bryan and the Democratic party are in
favor of Withdrawing our troops from the
Philippines and turning the islands over
TO terror and confusion that would result
from Aguinaldo's dictatorship. las a mat
ter of fact" it says mo Democrat of any
prominence or influence. SO far we
know. has ever dreamed Of subscribing to
such a. proposition
We say that this is intensely interesting
as coming from a member of the National
Democratic Committee. We had under
stood that ii was the policy Of Mr.. Bryan
and the Democratic party to withdraw the
troops and give the F-lipnos their indie
penaence. Only Il little While ago Chair
nan Jones was asked whether Mr.. Bryan
could withdraw the American troops from
the Philippines If ne were elected. and Ny
Jones replied: Why not? They were or
tered TO the Philippines. Why cannot they
be ordered back? They We're taken in
boats. Why cannot they be brought back
:n boais?''
1t is certainly fair Inference from this
that Mir. Bryan. according 10 Chairman
Jones understanding. would withdraw the
troops al once if ne should be elected.
But that is a matter of speculation
merely. i, is not a matter Of speculation.
however. as to the attitude of the Demo
cratic party towards the Fiiipinos. and If
we understand the English language the
Atlanta Constitution is entirely out OF line
with the Kansas City platform, SO far as
st relates 10 this subject The Constitution
IS clearly in favor CT holding on TO the
Philippine Islands and OF admitting the
Fii.pinos TO 1.-The same rights and privi-'
MI who live under the operations of the
laws of the republic" Yet the Kansas
City platform says that 1.-The Filipinos
cannot be citizens without endanserins our
c.yiliza tton." and declares that the Demo-
cratic party is in favor of an Immediate.
declaration OF the nation. first, of a stable
form Of government; second. independence.
and third. protection from outside interfer-
ence...
1--WE are not opposed to territorial! expan-
som. continues the platform, when it
taxes In desirable territory. which can be
erected into States in the Union. and
whose people xro willing and at to bsoome
$3.50. eis,sens We fayar sxpans!on by