Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1900-07-07

we, the representatives OF the uetn
ocratic party of the United States, as
sembled in national convention on tn,
anniversary of the adoption of tn,
declaration of independence. do re-
affirm our faith in that immortal proc
lamation of the inalienable rights ol
man and our allegiance to the consti
tuition framed in harmony Herewith
by the fathers of the republic.
We hold, with the United States su-
preme court, that the declaration Of
independence is the spirit of our gov
ernment of which the constitution is
the form and letter. We declare again
that all governments instituted
among men derive their just powers
from the consent of the governed /;
that any government not based upon
the consent of the governed is a
tyranny; and that to impose upon any
people a government officer is to sub
stitute the methods of Imperialism for
those of a republic. We hold that
the constitution follows the flag and
denounce the doctrine that an execu-
tive or a congress, deriving their ex-
istence and power from the people, can
exercise unlawful authority beyond it,
in violation of it. We assert that no
nation can long endure half republic
and half empire, and we warn the
people that Imperialism abroad will
lead quickly and inevitably to des-
potism at home
Puerto Rico Tariff.
Believing in these fundamental prin-
pies, we denounce the Puerto Rican
law enacted by a republican congress
against the protest and opposition of
the democratic minority, as bold and
open violation of the nations organic
law, and fragrant breach of the ma
tional good faith. 1t imposes upon
the people of Puerto Rico a govern
ment without their consent, and tax
alton without representation. 1t dis
honors the American people by repu-
dating a solemn pledge made in their
behalf by the commanding general of
our army, which the Puerto Ricans
welcomed to peaceful and unresisted
occupation of their land 1t doomed
to poverty and distress a people whose
helplessness appeals with peculiar
force to our justice and magnanimity
In this, the first act of its imperialistic
program, the republican party seeks
to commit the United States to CO..
1onial policy, inconsistent with repub-
1ican institutions and condemned by
the supreme court in numerous decis-
ions.
Pledges to Cuba.
We demand the prompt and honest
fulfillment of every pledge to the
Cuban people and the world, that the
United States has no disposition or
intention to exercise sovereignty, jur-
isdiction or control over the island Of
Cuba, except for its pacifcation. The
war ended nearly two years ago,
profound peace reigns all over the is
land, and still the administration keeps
the government of the island from its
people. while republican carpet.bag
officials plunder its revenues and ex-
plot the colonial theory to the disgrace
Of the American people.
Philippine Question.
We condemn and denounce the Phil
ippine policg-of the present admins
tration. 1t has embroiled the republic
in an unnecessary war. sacrificed the
lives of many of its noblesT sons and
placed the United States. previously
known and applauded throughout the
world as the champion of freedom,
in the false and un-Americen position
of crushing with military force the
efforts of our former allies to achieve
liberty and self-government. The
Filipinos cannot be citizens without
endangering our civilization; they can.
not be subjects without imperiling our
form of government, and we are no;
willing TO surrender our civilization
or to convert the republic into TN EN-
pire, we favor an immediate declafa
ton of the nations purpose to give
to the FiIipinos, first, q state of gov
ernment; second. independence, and
third protection from outside inter
ference such. as. has been given fol
nearly century to the republics ol
Central and South America
Criminal Aggressor.
The greedy commercialism which
dictated the Philippine policy of the
republican administration attempts te
justify it with the plea that it will
pay. but even this sordid and unworthy
plea fails when brought to the test
with facts. The war of criminal ag
gression" against the Philippines
entaiIing annually an expense of many
millions. has already cost more thar
any possible profit that could accrue
from the entire Philippine trade fol
years to come. Furthermore, wher
trade is extended at the expense o
liberty. the price IS always too high.
Different Kinds Of Expansion.
We are not opposed to territorial ex
pansion when it takes in desirable
territory which can be erected int
states In the union and whose peopl'
are willing and fit to become Americas
citizens. We favor trade expansion
by every peaceful and Legitimate
means. But we are unalterably oppos
ed to the seizing or purchasing Of dis