The Richmond climax. (Richmond, Ky.) 1897-1914, 1900-03-28
THE NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION.
Cincinnati Enquirer.l

The administration OF VIM. Mckinley
is doing effective work IN arousing the
people of the United States to full
realization of the fact that a change is
taking place in the form of govern
ment. To those who are familiar with
the labors of them who participated in
the discussions in the constitutional
convention of 1889 the innovations make
by the attempts to pervert the organic
law bear a significant meaning. Presi
dent Mckinley sought am opportune
situation for his assault on principles
which for more than 100 years have
effectively resisted the attacks OF those
who are not in sympathy with Repub-
lican institutions. The President was
seemingly reluctant to enter into a
contest for the liberation of Cuba. He
avoided the demand of the people for
prompt action. He pleaded the necesi-
ty for stronger approval of God and
his own conscience before he would
act. The largest confidence was re-
posed in Mr.. Mckinley. Fault was
found with his hardness. A few men,
bers of Congress doubted tie Presidents
sincerity. Still fewer members were
bold enough to ask that the exact aims
of the assault should be clearly defined
The freedom OF Cuba alone entered
hi
made by Congress setting forth the
noblest aim, the highest purpose and
the most charitable intent In procla-
nation the President appealed to civil
ization for its approval of the integrity
of his professions and petitioned heaven
to bless the arms of our republic The
idea of conqueung Spain or the subju-
gallon of any of her provinces or colon
les was not in the minds of our people.
1t is possible that the thought of con-
quest had never entered the mind OF
the President, and yet the eager EN-
braciDg of an opportunity by President
Mckinley to subject ten millions of
Filipino people TO the will of the adj
ministration, and appropriate as pos
session of the United States Porto Rico
and the Philippine group OF islands, in
dictate that from the beginning of the
war President Mckinley had determin-
ed to make conquests and reduce to
subsection to the United States millions
of people who for three centuries had
continuously resisted the tyranny Of
Spain.
The Spanish war and its terrible cost
in treasure and human life has only
resulted in change OF masters. Spain
was whipped and her colonies taken
from her, not to establish free govern
ment for the inhabitants thereof, but TO
make them subjects of the United
States There is no longer doubt as to
the intents of President McKinley's adj
ministation IN regard to Cuba. 1t is
to be made a colony of the United
States. Under military manipulation
the Cubans will vote for annexation.
As to Porto Rico, no questions will be
asked. The island will be made col
ony. So, too, with the Philippine
group. There will be consul generals
and privy counsellOrs. There will be
taxatien without representation. There
will be cormOrants without virtue, and
Oppressors will let loose the leeches of
avaric and corruption in consuming
hordes. There will be seasons Of Ieve'
ry and official debauehery, compared
with which the darkest pages of venal
official life will be lily white.
The fundamental principles of Re
publican government have.been thrown
into the rubbish heap, and in the T
stead is the will of single man, al d
that will is controlled by men who
have made mere creature out OF him
who yields it. The form OF our gov
eminent has been in two years changed
from that of republican to the most
despicabe of oligarchies. Under the
cloak of patriotism the liberties OF the
people of the United States are attack
ed as they have before never been sue
cessfully. Our people are slowly
awakening to that truth. When they
are fully aroused they will not merely
breast the storm. They will destroy il
and punish its authors.