Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-09-20

IL IL IlA4
contained in its platform four years
ago, together with the substitution in
Its latest platform of a plank favor
ing an isthmian canal for a specific
declaration in favor of the Nicararuan
canal, would indicate that the republi-
can leaders either do not appreciate
the Importance of this great water
way to the maritime strength and
commercial interests of the country,
or that they give too much consider
alton to the interested opposition of
transcontinental lines. The Hays
Pauncefote treaty, now before the sen
ate, would, if ratified, greatly lessen
the value of the canal, if il, would not
indeed convert it into a positive men
ace in time of war. The paramount
interests of the United States in me
western hemisphere, together with
the obligations to defend the repub-
lies to the south of us. makes it nee.
able to close the canal against any
hostile power.
Arizona, New Mexico and Oklahoma.
Arizona, New Mexico and Oklahoma
have long been ready to sui the
responsibilities and enjoy the privi-
leges of statehood, and it will be a
pleasure, as we'll as a duty, to carry
out the platform pledge concerning
them.
Alaska and Porto Rico.
There will be a popular acquies-
cence in the demand for home rule,
and a. territorial form of government
in Alaska and Porto Rico. Both are
entitled to local self-government and
representation in Congress.
Cuba.
The recognition contained in both
the democratic and republican plat
forms of the right of the Cubans to
independence, removes the general
principle involved from the domain
of partisan politics. 1t is proper, how
ever, to consider whether the accom-
plishment of this purpose a be safe
ly entrusted to the republican party
after it has yielded to the allurements
of the Colonial idea, and abandoned
its earlier faith in the natural and in
alienable rights of man.
Reclamation of Arid Lands.
The time is ripe for a systematic
and extended effort to reclaim the
arid lands and fit them for actual set
tiers. The last agricultural report es-
Inmates that homes can thus be pro.
vided for many millions of people.
The impounding and use of the waters
which are wasted in the spring would
people of the western states with
thrifty, intelligent, and Industrious
citizens, and these would furnish a
valuable market for all the products
of the factories. A small percentage
of the money spent in a war of con
quest would provide occupation and
habitation for more people than would
ever seek a residence in colonies with
in the tropics.
Foreign Alliances.
The reasons given by Washington,
Jefferson, and the other statesmen of
the early days in support of the doc
trine that we should maintain friend
ly relations with all nations, but enter
into entangling alliances with none,
are even stronger today than they
were a hundred years ago. Our CON-
merce is rapidly increasing, and we
are brought into constant communities
ton with all parts, of the world. Even
if we desired to do SO. we could not
afford to ALLEVIATE many nations by
cultivating unnecessary intimacy with
a few. Our strength and standing are
such that it is less necessary than
ever before to lean for aid upon the
friendliness of a foreign power.
We cannot connect ourselves with
European nations, and share in their
jealousies and ambitions without los
ing the peculiar advantage, which our
location, our character and our insti-
buttons give us in the worlds affairs.
Monroe Doctrine.
The doctrine enunciated by Monroe,
and approved by succeeding presidents,
is essential to the welfare of the Unit
ed States. The continents of North
and South America are dedicated to
the development of free government.
One republic after another has been
established, until today monarchial
idea has barely a foothold in the new
world.
While it is not the policy OF this
country to interfere where amicable
relations exist between European coun.
tries and their dependencies in Amer.
lea, our people would look with dis.
favor upon any attempt on the part OF
European governments to maintain an
unwilling or forcible sovereignty over
the people living on this side Of the
Atlantic.
The position taken by the republi'
can leaders, and more recently set
forth by the republican candidate for
the presidency, viz: That WI cannot
protect a nation from outside interior
ence without exercising sovereignty
over its people, is an assault upon the
Monroe doctrine, for while this argu.
ment is at this time directed against
the proposition to give to the Filipinos
both independence and protection, ii
is equally applicable to the republics
of Central and South America. II
this government cannot lend its
strength to another republic without
mo Eipo c,,hioots of ifc paon1a then we