Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1900-08-02

who come to the support of the demo-
cratic candidate should know the facts
regarding this matter. The conception
of the West and South regarding the use
of both silver and gold is to Mr.. Bryan
an extremely important matter. 1t is
financial law and gospel in his eyes.
There was point in the criticism made in
the Philadelphia convention that it will
be possible for some to accept the demo-
cratic candidate this year only because
it will be impossible to secure particle
OF legislation on the money question.
The republicans block the way. That
party will have in the senate of the
United States at least from 10 to IL ma
jority over all opposition, until 1905, al
lowing to the democrats all probable
gains. The currency bill passed at the
last session OF congress makes it absO-
lutely impossible for the executive to
abolish or efface the gold standard. 1t
is therefore true, as the republicans al
firm, that many votes OF gold democrats
and independents can go to Mr.. Bryan
this year only because in case of his cleo
ton he would be bound hard and fast
on the money question.
A choice of evils is the rule in politics.
To some OF us there are fixed stars of
principle by which to steer. These are
seen clear and dominating when the
issues of the hour are such as to vitality
concern the American birthright. There
Is one great question at the front this
time. Republic or empire? To that
choice have we come. 1t dwarfs all other
issues. Supreme over all in the coming
election, because it brings the fatefnl mo-
ment OF reference to the people and of
decision by them, is the question raised
by the warof conquest in the Philippines.
1t is of profound moment as involving
the national ideal and the future we'll
being Of the people. The treaty Of Paris
was framed and crowded through by the
administration. For whatever has come
out of it President Mckinley is response
bic, and to that responsibility he must
be held. If, as we believe, it is subver-
sive of the foundations OF American lib
erty and human brotherhood, if it entails
quick and sure the burdens of militarism,
growing taxes, imperils the peace OF the
United States all around the horizon, if
it has already made our triumphant
democracy seem to recant its proclaimed
faith i,~auman rights in behalf Of selfish
commercialism-then this must be the
central point of attack. If Liberty is the
greatest thing in the world, the first nat
ural duty is to be true to our ancient faith
in freedom. As in Cuba, SO in Luzon.
To that pledge those who oppose the
imperializing of the republic must stand.
They must demand fair play for other
races, even as we insist upon our own
rights. Only this is righteousness and
justice and good faith-only this becomes
the strong republic.
Not yet has the whole form OF this
presidential contest been shaped. 1t re-
mains for the independents to act. But
whether the citizens who propose to do
what in him lies to uphold our ancient
heritage is carried by his conscience to
vote for Mr.. Bryan, or will fain content
himself with voting for some one other
than the head OF the present administra.
ton, his support cannot be given to Will
liam Mckinley, who, explain it as you
will, has not kept his ruddcr true to re.
publicanism in this time of stress and
peril.-Springfield Mass Republican.