The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-02-23
kNTI-lMPERIALlSTS CONFER.
LEAGUE MIGHT SELECT BRYAN AS
A STANDARD BEARER.

ism Made by Carl schurz-Why We
Philadelphia Feb. 22-An Eastern con-
ference of anti-imperialists began here
to-day and will remain in session two
days. The leaders claim that a show of
hands a month in advance of the Re-
publican National Convention will have
some weight with the delegates. The
conference looks to a more thorough or
ganization and more vigorous discussion
of the doctrine.
At an informal meeting of the confer
ence this afternoon the chief subject OF
discussion was the coming presidential
campaign, in which William j. Bryan's
name was frequently mentioned. Ervins
Winslow, secretary of the New England
Anti-Imperialist League, in speaking of
the subject, suggested that the league
might. if advisable, select Bryan as the
standard-bearer. He also suggested that
a national convention be held after the
two great parties had held their conven-
tons so That anti-imperialists could choose
which to support. No conclusions were
reached
Numerous speeches were made and let
tiers read, including one. from Edward At
kinson. urging vigorous work in the con-
gressional campaign
Mr.. Carl Schurz, who spoke this evening,
said. among other things:
Can you be blind to the effects which
the tendencies of Imperialism are already
exercising among ourselves upon the pop
mis- nd no NJ hon fhsN q
levity with which the Declaration of In
dependence and the high ideals of liberty
and human rights which SO long have
been sacred to our people, are made sport
of; how the teachings of Washington ana
Lincoln are derided as antquated nursery
rhymes, and how the constitution, when
1t stands in the way of grasping schemes,
is lightly brushed aside with the fiippant
word that constitutions are made for men,
and not men for constitutions?
1t cannot be repeated too often that
there are things which may be done by
monarchcal or arstocratic governments
without making them less strong as mon
arches or aristocracies, but which dam
not be done by democracy based upon
universal suffrage, without fatally demor-
alizing IL as a democracy; and that one
of those things is the arbitrary ruling of
foreign population as subjects BY the
way, England is sometimes quoted as an
example and called democracy. This is a
mistake. England is not democracy, but
a monarchy with democratic tendencies,
but very powerful and tenacious aristo-
cratic traditions.
"What democracy, based upon univeT-
sal suffrage like ours, needs most to insure
its stability is am element of Conservative
poise in itself This can be furnished only
by popular faith in the principles UNDER
lying the democratic institutions, by pop
ular reverence for high ideals and tradl-
tons; by popular respect for constitutional
forms and restraints. Take away these
conservative and ennobling influences and
the only motive forces left in such de-
mocracy will be greed and passion. I
can hardly imagine any kind of govern
ment more repellent than democracy
that has ceased to believe In anything,
and in which all ambitions are directed
towards selfish use of power.
And in this direction the policy of i'm
periaism is evidently driving us. Have
you considered what this means? What
will 1t lead 90 If our people accept the
teaching that all our traditional creeds
about liberty and the rights of men are
mere sentimental rubbish; that the most
solemn professions and pledges may be
repudlated If they stand la the way of our
ambition; that even such base treachery as
has been committed against our late Fill
| Pine allies will be justifiable If it profits
us; that only old fogies in their dotage
talk about Legal principles and constitu-
| tional restrictions when they obstruct the
| qualification of our desires, and that might
| need not be TOO scrupulous about right
| Many of our rich men have become i'm
| periahsts. believing that the possession OF
| the Philippines In whatever way acquired,
| will offer favorable chances of gain 20
| speculative capitalists. Have they thought
| of 1t that the doctrine of might not need
| ing to be scrupulous about right, may be
| applied not only to the INSCRIPTIONS might
| of arms, and not only to the INSCRIPTIONS
/ might of wealth, but also, in democracy
to the might of numbers becoming un-
| scrupulous? And this is the tendency of
| Imperialism in this democratic republic?
Il am by no means blind to the CONNER
cial side of the question. l desire the
greatest possible commercial expansion.
honora bly, accomplished. And more than
once have | argued that all the CONNER
cial advantages and naval facilities we
can reasonably desire In the Philippines,
we might easily have had from the Philip
pine islanders If we had faithfully respect
ed THAR title to independence: and that
those advantages would be much more Sc
cure with the Fihpinos free and friendly
than with the Filipinos subjugated and
hostile. This argument has never been
answered. 1t never will be. How crimi-
nauy wanton is II 40 seek those CONNER
cial advantages needlessly at the price of
crying injustice to others and fatal de-
rnoralization among ourselves-a price we
should never pay for anything
|
~ Mark on Tennessee Frontier.