The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-02


and the masses. rather than from Demo,
cratic policy and craftsmanship. The sit
uation exists and should be taken advan-
tage OF.
The silver question has been retired tC
private life. In formulating and passing
a bin to make gold the sole standard OF
value in the United States, the Republi-
cans have not only removed the issue OF
1896 as menace to Democratic unity
OF purpose. in the coming campaign, but
with all the outward evidence Of de-
termination which might be mistaken for
sincerity Of purpose. were il not plain
that Grass ignorance Of consequences lay
at the bottom of it. they have solemnly
and with elaborate ceremony killed tie
goose that laid their golden egg. For,
however much the money power may be
grateful for what its political creatures
have done and accomplished for il. in the
absence OF any possibility that the gold
standard when formally established by
law. can be in any sort Of danger during
the next i've years. the members OF the
Money Trust will contribute to no cam
paign box for the purpose Of keeping alive
an issue which it is their pleasure as well
as their interest TO consider settled Let
Sleeping dogs lie" is the maxim which
appeals to the men behind the Standard
Oil bank the national banks. and the
scheme 10 perpetuate and expand the pub
lie debt for the advantage Of dealers in
money The few protected monopolies
not intimately connected with the great
financial combination must look ont for
themselves. Gold has made the Senate safe
for five years. Gold viii not smother Mr.
Hanna with funds for coercion and cor
ruption when next he visits Wall street
like the daughters of the horse Ieech.
crying ~givei giye."
There is not the least difference among
Democrats as to what policy should govern
the party in its attitude toward trusts
which fatten at the cost OF the masses. or
toward monopolies in restraint Of trade. All
Democrats are agreed that the destructive
combinations which for years have been
absorbng-and onpressively and dishon-
estly absorbing control of the industries
and public facilities OF the country and
which, unless soon checked, will within 4
few years own the property Of the whole
American people and reduce free labor to a
condition Of helpless serfdom, must be
brought under drastic regulation and dis
oipline. and their dominant power over our
production and transportation, and their
ability to prevent competition over the ex-
change value OF all commodities brought to
an end. On the trust issue there is no
danger whatever that all Democrats cannot
meet and work in harmony.
Three months ago the Democratic differ
enccs on the question OF expansion or anti
expansion seemed impossible OF compromise
or settlement Those Of the party who
believed that the American flag, once raised
In Porto Rico. Hawaii, and the Philippines.
should float in those places forever. could
find no ground for agreement with those
who advocated the policy Of scuttling out
OF the islands which a wise Providence,
through the fortunes OF war. had bestowed
upon us. But the basis of common under
standing and action which so short a time
ago appeared impossible to reach has been
furnished in the spectacle. presented in
the House OF Representatives on wednes-
day. OF Republican treatment Of Porto
Rico
Al this point Democratic differences In
principle vanished The people OF Porto
Rico Hawaii, and the Philippines are one
thing. considered as residents OF American
territory over which The Constitution and
laws Of the Republic extend a protecting
hand. guaranteeing the same freedom Of
A4AA-lNltil DC lAl AAE ffnAtuA soAaAto nov tn
joyed by Arizona New Mexico and the
District Of Columbia. 1t is quite another
thing 10 regard and treat the Porto Ricans
Hawaiians and Fnipinos as inhabitants OF
conquered territory without relations to
the United States. and without rights or
privileges under and by virtue OF our insti- /
tutioas; excepting such as a reluctant Con-
gress may extend to them by the gracious I
permission OF the protected mon0polies.
The action OF the Republican majority I
in the House Of Representatives on weanes- /
day in passing the Payne Porto Rican
iarln infamy. at the behest Of certain /
trusts. against the judgment and advice Of 1
the President. the entresties Of the secre- /
iary OF Mar. the eonsciences Of two thirds |
Of the men who voted for it. and IN fat 4
violation Of She Constitution OF the United /
States. piaialy xoTasd IN the nrst instance /