Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1900-08-24


progress OF the war. the same Republi-
cans have accused the opponents Of
Imperialism OF giving encouragement
TO the Filipinosl This Is q cowardly
evasion OF responsibility.
II IL Is .ight for the United States 10
hold the Philippine islands permanent
~ and initiate the European empires In
the government OF the colonies. the Re
publican party ought TO state its posi-
ton and defend IL. but II must expect
the subject races to protest against
such policy and to resist to the ex-
tent OF their ability. The Fflipinos do
not need any announcement from
Americans now living. Our whole his
tory has been an encouragement, not
only to the Filipinos, but TO all who are
denied a voice in their own govern
ment Those who would have this ma
ton enter upon career OF empire
must consider not only the effect OF i'm
periaiism on the F1lipinos. but they
must also calculate its effect upon our
own nation We cannot repudiate the
principles of self-government In the
Eflipinos without weakening that prin-
ciple here.
THE PARALYZING EFFECTS OF
IMPERIALISM
Even now we are beginning TO see
the paralyzing influence OF imperialism
Heretofore. this nation has been
prompt to express its sympathy with
those who were fighting for civil iiber-
~. While our sphere Of activity has
been limited to the Western Hemis-
phere. our sympathies have not been
bounded by the seas We have felt Il
due TO ourselves and TO the world, as
well as to those who were struggling
Tor the right TO govern themselves, 70
proclaim the interest which our people
have. from the date or their own inde-
al In.
human rights and arbitrary power.
rhree-quarters OF a century ago, when
our nation was small. the struggles or
Greece aroused our people, and Web
ster and Clay gave eloquent expression
to the universal desire for Grecian In
dependence. In 1896. all parties mani
Tested a lively interest In the success
OF the Cubans. but not when q war 10
In progress In South Africa. which must
result In the extension OF the mon
srchial Idea or In the triumph OF Re-
public, the advocates of imperialism In
this country dare not say G word In
behalf OF the Beers.
Sympathy for the Boo<s aoes uoa
arise from any unfnendiiness toward
England: the American people sys Nos
snfrie2dly toward the people Of any
rAtion. This sympathy Is due TO the
fact that as stated In our platform. we
believe In the principle OF self-govarn-
ment and reject. as did our forefathers.
the claims OF monarchy. II this nation
surrenders It's belief In the universal
application OF the principles set forth
In the Declaration OF Independence, IL
will lose the prestige and influence
which IL has enjoyed among the ma
lions as an exponent Of popular gov
trnment.
IMPERIALISM AND EXPANSION.
Our opponents. conscious OF the weak
M hot nQt 90 A..-o
periaiism with expansion. and have
wen dared TO claim Jefferson as a sup
porter OF their policy. Jefferson spoke
freely and used language with such
precision that no one can be ignorant
sf his Views. On one occasion he de-
Shared: IF there be one principle more
teeply rooted than any other In the
mind Of every American, 1t is that we
should have nothing to do with con-
quest" And again he said: Conquest
VI not in our principles; IL Is incon-
nstent with our government"
The forcible annexation of territory
20 be governed by arbitrary power. diff
ters as much from the acquisition OF
territory to be built up into states as
4 monarchy differs from a democracy.
The Democratic party does not oppose
expansion, when expansion enlarges the
area OF the republic and Incorporate
and which can be settled by American
ottizens. or adds to our population pee
pie who are willing to become citizens
and are capable of discharging their
auties as such.
colonial policy means that we shall
send TO the Philippines a few traders. a
few task masters and few ofrice-holders
and sn army large enough to support the
authority OF small fraction OF the peo-
ole while they rule the natives.
LARGE STANDING ARMY.
II We have an imperial policy we must
have a large standing army as its natural
and necessary complement. The spirit
which will justify the forcible annexation
Of the Philippine Islands will justify the
seizure OF other islands and the domina-
ton OF other people. and with wars OF
conquest we can expect a certain. IL not
rapid growth OF our military establish
ment. That large permanent increase I'm
our regular army is intended by the Re
publican leaders is not q mere matter of
conjecture. but a matter OF fact. In his
message of December 9Th, 1885, the Presi-
dent asked for authority to increase the
standing army to 100000. In 1895 the army
contained about 5000 men. Within two
years the President asked for four times
that many. and a Republican House OF
Representatives complied with the re
quest after the Spanish treaty had been
signed, and when no country was at
war with the United States II such al
army is demanded when an imperial poll
~ is contemplated. but not openly avow
ed, what may be expected IL the peopl,
encourage the Republican party by en-
dorsing Its policy at the polls.
A large standing army Is not only n De-
cuniary burden to the people and. IL ac-
companied by compulsory service, a con-
slant source of irritation, but 1t is over a
menace to a republican form OF govern
ment. The army is the personifcation of
force and militarism Will inevitably
change the ideals OF the people and turn
the thoughts of our young men from tn,
arts OF peace to the science OF war The
government which relies for its defens,
upon Its citizens. f. more likely to be tus
than one which has at call a large bod,
OF professional soldiers. A small stand
ing army and well equipped and wei
disciplined State militia are sufficient A.
ordinary times. and IN en- emergency tn.
nation should In the future as In the past
place it's dependence upon tho volunteers
who come from all occupations at the4,
country's call and return TO productive
labor when their services are no longer
required-men who fight when the caun-
try needs fighters and work when che
country needs workers.