The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1900-08-10
BRYAN'S ADDRESS.
Response of the Democratic Nomi-
nee to His Notification.
The Question of Imperialism Dwelt Upon
at Length by the Nebraskan-The So
luton of the Philippine
Situation.

CluCatlOn COMI.lltIee.
l shall at an early day. and in more
formal manner, accept the nomination
which you tender. and shall at that time
discuss the various questions covered by
the democratic platform. 1t may not
be out of place, however, to submit
few observations at this time upon the
general character of the contest before
us, and upon the question which is de-
clared to be of paramount Importance in
this campaign.
When / say that the contest of LOO is
a contest between democracy on the one
hand and plutocracy on the other. 1 do
not mean to say that all our opponents
have deliberately chosen to give to or
ganized wealth a predominating influence
in the affairs of the government, but l
do assert that the important issues of
the day the republican party is DONNA
ted by those influences which constantly
tend to elevate pecuniary considerations
and ignore human rights
The democratic party Is not making
war against the honest acquisition of
wealth: it has no desire to discourage
industry, economy and thrift. On the
contrary, it gives to every citizen the
greatest possible stimulus to honest toll.
enjoyment of the proceeds of his labor.
Property rights are most secure when
human rights are respected Democsa "a,
cry member of society will share accord
ing to his merits.
Against us are arrayed comparatively
small but politically and financially pow
erful. number who really profit by re-
publican policies; but with them are as
of their attachment to the party name,
are giving their support to doctrines an.
their own party. Republicans who used
to advocate bimetallism, now try to
convince themselves that the gold stan.
dard is good; republicans who were for
merly attached to the greenback are now
seeking an excuse for giving national
banks control of the nations paper mon
boast
the republican party was paying off the
national debt. are now looking for rea-
sons to support perpetual and increas-
ing debt; republicans who formerly alb
hored trust, now beguile themselves
n and peso frusts Whe n shsr
minds, the line between the two is be-
coming more and more obscure; repub-
leans who in times past. congratulated
the country upon the small expense Of
gu: standing army, are now making
light of the objections which are urged
against large increase in the perma-
nent military establishment; republic
ans who gloried in our independence when
with favor upon a foreign alliance: re-
publicans who three years ago condemned
"forcible annexation as immoral and
even criminal are now sure that it is
both immoral and criminal to oppose
for chile annexation. That partisanship
has already blinded many to present
dangers is certain; how large a portion
of the republican party can be drawn
seen.
For a time republican leaders were in
clined to deny to opponents the right to
ministration. but upon investigation they
found that both Lincoln and Clay as
serted and exercised the right to crit
icise president during the progress of
the Mexican war.
Instead of meeting the issue boldly
for dealing with the Philippine question,
the republican convention adopted a plat
form; the larger part of which was de-
mr. t,,Io
ton.
But they shall not be permitted to
esvade the stupendous and far-reaching
issues which they have deliberately
brought into the arena of politics When
The president, supported by practically
unanimous vote of the house and the SEN
ate, entered upon a war with Spain for
:he purpose of aiding the struggling pa
democrats recognized that the admin
istration would necessarily gain a polit-
war. which, in the very nature of the
ease. must soon end in complete vic
he support which they gave to the pres
dent. When the war was over and the
republican leaders began to suggest the
It once manifested itself. When o the nr.s1
dent finally laid before the senate
n :rea r which recognized the independence
81 Cuba but provided for the cess,on nf
he Philippine islands to the Onitc.i
States. the menace of imperialism be-
90 reject the treaty and risk the ills that
might follow rather than take the chance
ot correcting the errors of the treaty by
he independent action of this country
was among the number of those who
believed it better to ratify the treaty and
end the war, release the volunteers re-
move the excuse for war expenditures
AMI then give to the Filipinos the indie
2endence which might be forced from
Spain by a new treaty.
When hostilities broke out at Manila
republican speakers and republican edi-
:orS at once sought to lay the blame upon
hose who had delayed the ratification of
he treaty, and. during the progress of
used the opponents of Imperialism of
irving announcement to the Filipinos
This is cowardly evasion Of RESPONSE
oility.
If it is right for the United States to
lold the Philippine islands permanently |
ind initiate European empires in the
government of colonies, the republican
party ought to state its position and de-
END 1t. but it must expect the subject |
aces to protest against such a policy |
INC. to resist to the extent of their abii- |
ty The Filipinos do not need any en-
:ouragement from Americans now liv- |
nE. Our whole history has been an en- |
touragement. not only to the Filipinos |
own government. If the republicans are |
prepared to cenSure all who have used |
language calculated to make the Filipi-
hos hate foreign domination. let them |
When he uttered that passionate appeal, |
Give me liberty or give me DEATH he |
expressed sentiment which still echoes
n the hearts of men. Let them censure |
'enerson; of all the statesmen of history. |
hose who would hold their fellows in |
iolitical bondage. Let them censure
Washington. who declared that the col