, 1900-09-06
BRYAN AND THE SOUTH DIS
AGREE ON TRADE.

Mr. Bryan expects to nave a solid
south with him in the coming conflict
of the voters, and there seems to be a
general disposition here in the north
to concede that his expectation will be
realized. Yet we find the south strong
ly arrayed against the Democratic AN
didate on what he has tried to make
h paramount issue of h campaign.
The south is for expansion-not such
expansion merely as shall lead to the
absorption of Porto Rico. Hawaii and
the Philippine islands. but it demands
that we shall have a free footing in
China. even If we have to fight for it.
The Atlanta Constitution feels, to
quote from its editorial columns, that
the time has com to speak for the
people of the south, whom 1t so largely
represents. and for the welfare of the
whole country in whose honor it re-
joices." And what, as represented by
our esteemed contemporary of Atlanta,
do the people of the south desire? Here
are some of the things the Constitu-
ton has to say on the subject:
China is a victim today in the
hands of the leading powers of the
world. Her 400, 0O0. 900 people are in
need OF cotton and of iron. Her wants
will give employment to the artisans
of the world for a century to come. 1t
has been estimated that, with the gates
open, China alone could consume 20
DOC, 900 bales of cotton annually-the
equivalent of two years production.
The question, then. is plain.
The Chinese government has fallen,
and if replaced 1t will be by the crea-
lures of the allies whose forces are on
the field.
"Our duty is to be on the ground
floor of Chinese opportunity. not
through English grace or German u
tesy, but through our own inherent
right to De there.
I'VE must have absolutely free ac-
cess for our goods and our commercial
men who should be subjected to neither
entrance tariff nor to passport annoy
ance, either at the hands OF local or OF
protectorate authorities. No Russian
sentinel should halt the American on
the way to his customer. No port fee
should be exacted by English or Ger
man CuSlOHl HOuHC OLiNNl- Ho ANS
nifty should be collected by any one OF
the powers which must be dependent
for its source upon American cotton.
either in the hands of the merchant or
upon the back of the wearer. No loop
hole. no device-but absolute and unre-
strained free trade.
This is a question In which the cot
ton states of the union are vitality in
terested. 1t is the right of these people
to raise all the cotton they can, and
to deal in the widest possible market
which can be made for them.
Cotton is king. and the United States
army should remain in Pekin to see
him duly crowned"
This. we are told. is the voice of the
south. the Democratic stronghold upon
which Mr.. Bryan depends for three
fourths of the votes that will be neces-
sary to give him a chance in the cleo
tlon. But what are the Nebraska can
didate's views on the securing of trade
in the far east?
81 would not put one American citl-
zen on the block and sell him for all
the trade of the Orient II | had to buy
1t by his blood"
This sentiment was delivered by Mr..
Bryan the other day at Manhattan, Kan.
MOI even for the purpose of opening up
new markets for the cotton raisers of
the south would he have one American
soldier exposed to the dangers that
necessarily exist where conflicts rage
Not even for the purpose of securing a
market for 90 900. 900 bales OF cotton
annually would he have our troops re-
main for an hour in China after 1t is
possible to withdraw them in safety.
How are Mr.. Bryan and the south GO
ing to get together on this trade propo-
sition? Perhaps the esteemed Constf-
tuition, which speaks for the south, can
explain.