The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-02-27
M'KlNLEY WAS RIGHT.
Carnegie Says He Has Been
Overridden by Congress.

New York, Feb. 27.-Andrew Carnegie
has written the following letter to a
prominent Republican in Washington,
strong supporter of the president:
"As one looks over the situation he
is impressed by the fact that the pres
ident has been right at first upon each
of the three vital stages in the drama
He was right in counselling delay in
declaring war against Spain when he
was assured that his rightful demand
for Canadian home rule Chome rule in
Cuba of the Canadian type was within
reach. Members of his own party in
congress We're wrong when they failed
to support the president and under a
gust of passion declared war contrary
to his advice.
In the second important crisis our
leader was also right at first and
showed the highest political wisdom.
The Philippines were not to be de-
manded, but the pandora's box to be
left for Spain to struggle with.
Again in regard to Porto Rico, he
has been right from the very start.
The constitutional issue would have
been avoided and all gone well had he
been loyalty supported in congress. He
showed rare craftsmanship, seeing it
was our duty to extend to that island
the right assured to all other parts of
the country, viz, the inestimable bless
ings of free exchange of products.
When such prominent and loyal party
men in congress as Mccall, Ldttlefield,
Powers, Lorimer and others declare
that they cannot vote for any tariff
against Porto Rico because such would
be unconstitutional, a halt has to be
called. To override the votes of such
Republicans by Democrats means
trouble for such party. 1t should not
be thought of. 1t is to be hoped that
the party leaders in congress will con-
clude to support the president and give
Porto Rico it's constitutional right of
free exchange.
Thus, in each of the three crises
which have arisen we find the president
differs from Philip, who began drunk
and only ended sober. The president
begins right and the party will do
we'll to note that fact and hereafter fol-
low his first advice. Our party in con-
gress has been wrong in opposing the
presidents first decision, and the presi-
dent has been wrong in being so easily
frightened by threatened opposition.
The result of this, let US hope, is to be
that congress will be more inclined to
follow the presidents judgment here
after as first delivered, and the presi-
dent, seeing what evil results attend
congressional opposition, will resolve
to stand more firmly for what he sees
at the start to be the right and true
policy. 1 cannot understand how a Re
publican administration could abandon
the position hitherto held by the party,
that the Clayton Bulwer treaty had
become non eXistent The proposed
treaty, even if defeated, as it surely is
to be, will leave serious mischief be-
hind, since it has recognized the Clay
ton Bulwer treaty and given it some
thing like life.
My view Is that Britain should now
be asked to recognize once for all that
no canal will be built which is not to
be controlled by this republic as it
pleases, in peace or war. That while
we recognize and will respect the rights
possessed by foreign powers upon this
continent we viii press by every legit-
innate means for steadily lessening them
until not a vestige remains, and that
under no conditions will any new
power or right of influence ever be per-
mitted.
This. according to my idea, is true
Americanism, and I should rather solid
ify American power upon American
soil by the foot than acquire illusory
possessions on another continent by the
hundred miles.
In the one case we have substance;
in the other only shadow, bringing
grave dangers with it.
4 am inclined to agree with you that
to adopt the new treaty is to commit
political suicide for the forthcoming
campaign.
yours truly. One who has never
voted anything but the Republican
ticket and who hopes he may never be
compelled to do so. (Signed)
ANDREW CARNEGIE"