The evening times., 1900-10-17
WILL VOTE FOR BRYAN.
a SIassachusetts WOODEN Manufacfu-
rer Leaves the Republicans.

rer Leaves the Republicans.
George W. Wilcox. of this city, has re-
ceived a letter from P. E. Wall. WOODEN
manufacturer at Hampden, Mass, in
which he announces that though a life
long Republican he will at the coming
election vote against Hanna and McKin-
ley. Mr.. Wall in part writes
Il believe there has never been in the
history of our country a political contest
involving such momentous consequences
as are to be settled by the American peo-
pie in November. 1t is not question of
the respective qualifications of Mckinley
or Bryan Tor the Prestdency-through the
incapacity of either the country would
suffer only four years. It is not a ques-
tioR of free silver or high or low tariff;
these questions are virtually settled for
the coming four years. The matter to be
settled transcends all these-in fact. all
other matters are of minor Importance
compared to it.
THE question which awaits the decis-
ion of the American people is, Shall this
great Government continue to be Re-
public, guided by the teachings and ad-
vice of its founders and their successors
Strictly duHcfiHS 10 It's tunddD6nIal laws,
or shall it ignore the teachings and ad-
vice of the fathers and evade or disre-
gard its fundamental laws?
''All who vote the Republican ticket at
the coming election endorse the policies
and practices of the Administration, and
if successful at the polls must expect a
continuance of them. Republican success
viii mean reversal of the methods of
government as adopted since the Gov
ernment's formation to the advent Of
power of the present Administration.
To-day our President attempts to exer-
else dominion over ten millions of people
against their consent and without giving
them any voice in their own affairs. This
is Imperialism. 1t is Injustice. There IS
moral law fer nations as for individ-
uals, unrepealable and relentless, which
ordains that Injustice shall react on the
unjust.
Administration orators and organs are
now vociferous in their alteration Of the
flag, as though they were its especial
custodians. They should know that our
country's flag is not the property of any
clique or party. but is the grand emblem
Of American nationality. and should be
hOnored and loved b. all parties No
American worthy of that honored name,
whatever his party, but would willingly
icse the last drop Of blood in his veins
in vindication of its honor
The flag has heretofore been the en-
bIem of freedom. II represented that
grand declaration-the very basis of our
republican governments de-
rive their Just powers from the consent
OF the governed
This declaration. according to the
practices of the Administration. is now
obsolete. We now sacrifice the health
and lives Of our best and braveSt men IN
war to subject ten millions Of people 10
cur viii. regardless OF the consent of the
governed
1T was Lincoln who said Those who
deny freedom to others deserve il not
themselves. and under a just God cannot
long retain it The wise councils CT Lin
coin and TIE other great men of our coun-
try are now disregarded: their principles
are nc longer our guide
The almighty dollar is now in the sad
die. Trade profits, conquest. and not pat
riotism. is the watchword. Ignore the
Constitution as in Porto Rico; disregard
the Declaration of Independence and the
Constitution as in the Philippines. What
do we care for the rights of the weak?
Why should be have any regard for *heir
aspirations for freedom? The Philippines
is but the stepping stone to China. and
then the fabulous wealth OF the Orient is
al cur feet.
The American people will have in the
coming election the first real opportunity
OF expressing thclr approval OF NISdp-
7rovai of this departure from their olden
landmarks Fidelity to the fundamental
principles of our Government requires
tkat we should abandon those fatal
dreams Justice to the Philippines die
tatcs that we shall recognize and protect
this right to govern themselves. But
even more imperative is the demand that
for its own highest good this nation must
be saved from the curse OF Imperialism
which destroyed the great republics OF
the past"