The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-02-19
THE ISSUE OF 1900.
Question of Imperialism VIII over
shadow Everything Else.


washington Correspondent Chicago
Times-Herald (Rep)
Mr.. Bryans recent visit to Washington
has practically determined that expansion
Is to be the chief issue Of tho presidential
campaign OF 1900. The prospective demo-
cratic nominee was In conference with the
democratic leaders, and it is understood
an agreement was reached among them to
push the fighting this year on anti-expan-
sion lines.
Mr.. Bryan insists that the money ques-
ton shall not be neglected. and that Sec
rotary Cages alleged Encouragement OF
the public funds shall be made the most
OF. But the democratic leaders who have
been in consultation with Mr.. Bryan to-
day are shrewd enough to recognize that
in every presidential campaign one issue
overshadows all others, and to lay their
plans accordingly.
II may be said that there Is recognition
among both democratic and republican
leaders that the people and events, not the
desires Of politicians, make the issue. In
1896 certain prominent republicans wanted
the tariff kept at the front, but 1t was I'M
possible to do so. The battle of standards
WAS on in the minds of the people. and It
had to be fought out. Tariff, therefore,
became OF secondary Importance. II Is
agreed in both sides that just as the
money, standard was perforee the issue
four years ago, 80 the campaign OF this
year is to hang upon the question OF ter
ritorial expansion.
49,
Mr.. Bryan's statement of his views,
written by himself, is as follows
~ am advocating today exactly what
I did in the interview given out the day
after resigned from the army, December
81. 1898. ] am opposed to imperialism.
| am opposed to the permanent retention
! of the Philippines, believe that this
government should at once declare it's
purpose to give independence to the Fill
pnos on the same terms that inde-
pendence has been promised to the Gu
bans. aud believe further that we should
! protect the Filipinos from outside inter-
ference while they work out their des-
| tiny. Just as We have protected the South
| American and Central American republics
Il am not opposed to expansion. Each
proposed annexation must be settled upon
its merits. have tried 10 distinguish
between the peaceful extension OF the
limits OF republic and the change of
! republic into an empire"
! The democrats are encouraged 10 press
the anti expansion or anti-imperialism Is
sue because OF the apparent detection OF
republicans from the administration atti-
! tude. The speeches OF Senators Hoar,
Mason, Wellington and Pettigrew give
! great encouragement to the democrats who
are looking for an issue, and after COM
! pairing notes today they have agreed that
vigorous anti empire campaign is sure
TO detach a large section Of the republi-
can vote next November. ~
49,
| 1t cannot be denied that among some re-
publieans there is disposition to AVOID
an open declaration in favor of permanent
retention OF the Philippines. Those who
advocate tentative measures. such as
declaration that the president shall have
authority TO rule the islands till congress
takes the necessary action, would leave
the question OF permanent control 10 be
worked out in the future, They argue
that Il is not necessary to determine that
question now
/ Others, mora advanced, say the repub-
lican party should pronounce unreservedly
IN favor OF permanent retention under
American sovereignty, to the end that
there may be no possibility OF a misunder-
standing in the public mind as 10 what
the republican policy is II Is believed
the people have reached point where they
are ready TO vote permanent and endur-
Ing policy, II they are only given the OPP
portuuity.
The democratic attitude, as marked out
BY mir. Bryan today. Is not conclusive. II
does not settle the question, II means
that We are to get out OF the Philippines
some time-but whenf The advocates OF
courageous republican policy say the
philadelphia convention should declare
that we never intend to take the Gag down
from the Philippines. and permit the
country to ratify or reject that principle.
That expansion, imperialism" ''em-
plre, call 1t what you please. is to be
the dominant issue in this years cam
paign is evident on al. sides. Little else
Is talked about in congress. In the house
debate on the appropriation bills runs
, into the Philippine question In the senata
/ the currency debate now supposed 20 have
the right OF wey, attracts little attention.
Our relations TO Cuba. 70 Puerto Rico 70
the Phillppines--aboye all tho Philippines
ARE the chief topics Of conversation and
discussion.