The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1900-03-22
THE PRESIDENTS SPEECH.
Philadelphia Times.

Philadelphia Times.
Mr.. McKinley's speech at the Ohio
dinner in New York was a broad and
earnest appeal for faith in the nations
ability to meet the new responsible
ties which il cannot shirS. as II has
always met the duties that have arisen
in its history. He does not shut his eyes
to the gravity Of the problem that has
grown out OF an unavoidable and un-
regrettable war. mo phrase or catch
word ne well says, can cancel the
sacred obligation it involves. No use
OF epithets, no aspersion Of motives 10y
those who differ will contribute to that
sober Judgment so essential to right
conclusions"
The dinner was not an occasion for
public declaration Of policy or a
party appeal Of any kind, and it is
not as party man that the president
does or can appeal to the public con-
science at this time Some words of
congratulation he has upon results
achieved that are in the nature Of an
answer to the grumblers. I'VE will
soon have legislative assurance Of the
continuance Of the gold standard with
which to measure our exchanges and
we have the open door in the East
through which to market our products.
We are neither in alliance nor antag-
onism nor ENHANCEMENT with any for
eign power but are on terms Of amity
and cordiality with all. We buy from
all Of them and sell to all Of them and
our sales exceeded our purchases in
the past two years by over one billion
dollars
This is beyond a doubt a true state
ment Of our present international rela-
tions, and nothing could more forci-
bly, illustrate the change which events
have wrought in our commercial and
economic attitude than the disappear
ance Of the home market idea of
the author Of the Mckinley tariff.
Broadened conditions bring broader
views. The country is well to do; its
people for the most part are happy and
contented They have good times and
are on good terms with the nations
OF the world" Yet there are some who
seem to thrive best upon bad times"
and when good times overtake them,
feel constrained to put US on bad
terms with the rest Of mankind" This
is the only reference the president made
or needed to make to one large class
Of disappointed agitators and narrow
obstructiOnists vino do not and cannot
represent the sentiment Of their coun-
trymen.
He dwells upon some aspects Of the
recent war which showed how bravely
the country always meets new emer-
gencies. 'Partisanship can hold few of
us against solemn public duty" and
the stars on the flag that has been sus-
tained by the hearts Of all the people
are only those Of radiant hope"
There can be-and this is another Of
the salient phrases OF the presidents
speech there can be no Imperialism.
Those who fear it are against it. Those
who have faith in the republic
are against 1t. SO that there
is universal adherence for it
and unanimous opposition to it," The
only difference is that those who do
not agree with US have no confidence
in the virtue or capacity or high pur-
pose or good faith Of this free people
as a civilizing agency" But the CEN
tury Of free government the American
people have enjoyed has not made
them faithless or irresolute; 1t has the
better fitted them to establish liberty
and justice and good government wher-
ever the responsibility has come to
them. I'VE have the new care and can
not shift It" is the president conclu-
sion; "and breaking up the camp Of
ease and isolation, let US bravely and
hopefully and soberly continue the