The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-09-28

and asserts it's determination when that
is accomplished to leave the Government
and control of the island to its people
ct was this solemn declaration by the
American Congress that justified the war
at the bar of our own conscience. ana Oh
that of the world. The pretense now that
this disclaimer upon our part applied only
TO Cuba and not tho other Spanish de-
Tendencies is to palter with words in
double sense
Existing conditions abroad now chal-
lenge our serious thought. whether we
will or not. Spain has been conquered
and the 'pacihcation of Cuba-the de-
clared purpose of the war, secured. Ana
yet we find ourselves still engaged in war;
war, too against our former allies IN
our conflict with Spain. 1t is a war
against people 5000 miles distant, and
of whom, until recent years, we had
scarcely heard. 1t is an expensive war,
having already cost nearly two hundred
millions in money and thousands OF val
liable lives The question to be answered
by each American voter now and in No
yember is. why this war? What is to be
our justification at the bar of history?
PURELY A WAR OF CONQUEST.
"All mere words and glorification of the
flag aside the sad fact remains that it
is purely a war of conquest; war of
subjugation against a people, who as has
been eloquently said, in their struggle
for independence have interposed the
declaration OF Jefferson as a shield against
the attacks of his own countrymen.'
Sixty thousand soldiers are now in the
Philippine Islands; how much greater will
be the sacrifice of treasure and human
life before the conquest is completed no
man can know. And when completed what
next? How are these islands to be held
and governed? Does any sane man doubt
that it can only be by force by the pow
er of the army and OF the navy? And this
not for a day or for year, but for all
time. All this implies the exercise of
power unknown to the Constitution. 1t is
in very truth government outside of the
Constitution. 1t means the adoption by
the American Republic of the colonial
methods of European monarchies. 1t
means the right to hold alien people as
subjects. 1t enthrones force as the con-
trolling agency in Government. In a
word it foreshadows the Empire.
More than this, following close in the
wake of Imperialism, as the night the
day, comes the immense standing army.
The dread arm of militarism is to be
made bare in the new world as it is in
the old The strong arm of power is to be
substituted for the peaceful agencies,
which for more than century have
brought contentment and happiness to all
our people. Existing conditions in CONT
oil inn md
misery to the verge of human endurance
illustrate by sad object lesson the in
evitable result of large standing armies
in time of peace.
OUR DUTY TO THE FILIPINOs.
Conditions now existing in the Philip
pine Islands, for which we are in a meas
ure responsible, impose new. duties upon
us. These people are entitled to our pro-
lection against the cupidity and agrees
sive spirit of other nations. And this,
not to the end of subjugation upon our
part, but to that of the full enjoyment
by them of liberty and the ultimate es-
Establishment of stable government fash
toned by their own hands.
"Imperialism-'Th Republic or the En-
pire'-is indeed the overshadowing issue
with which we are confronted in the pend
ing struggle for political supremacy. It's
determination is to be by the American
people through the peaceful instrumental
ity of the ballot. Meanwhile, its discussion
will continue at the fireside and on the
hastings with an earnestness rarely equal
led in our history. 1t was Burke who
said: 4 love clamor when there is an
abuse. The alarm bell disturbs the in
habitants, but it saves them from being
burned IN their beds.
"Again thanking the committee, and
those they represent accept the NOM
nation so generously rendered me. Should
your action be ratified by the people at
the polls, it will be my earnest endeavor
to discharge with fidelity the duties Of
the great office.
81 have the honor to remain,
s''Yours very truly,
"ADIlAI z. STEVENSON"