Lyon County times. [volume] (Silver City, Nev.) 1874-1907, 1900-10-20
Democratic NQiOD0| P|QItO|D|

We the representatives of the Demo-
cratic party of the United States, assem-
bled in national convention, on the ami
versary of the adoption of the Deciara-
ton of Independence, do reaffirm our
faith in that immortal proclamation of
the inalienable rights of man and our
allegiance to the Constitution framed
in harmony Herewith by the fathers Of
the republic.
preme Court that the Declaration of In
dependence is the spirit of our Govern
ment Of which the Constitution is the
form and letter We declare again that
all governments instituted among men
derive their just powers from the con-
sent of the governed; that any govern
ment not based upon the consent of the
governed is a tyranny; and that to impose
upon any people government of force
is to substitute the methods of imperial
ism for those of a republic,
We hold that the Constitution follows
the flag, and denounce the doctrine that
an Executive or Congress, deriving their
existence and their powers from the Con
stitution, can exercise lawful authority
beyond it or in violation of it. We assert
that no nation can long endure half re-
public and half empire; and we warn the
American people that Imperialism abroad
will lead quickly and inevitably TO des-
potiSm at home.
Believing in these fundamental prin-
cipleS, we denounce the Porto Rico
law enacted by Republican Congress,
against the protest and opposition of the
Democratic minority, as bold and open
and Il fragrant breach of the national
good faith. 1t imposes upon the people
of Porto Rico a government without their
consent and taxation without representa-
ton. IL dishonors the American people
by repudiatlnS a solemn pledge made in
their behalf by the commanding General
of our army, which ale Porto Ricans
welcomed to peaceful and unresisted
occupation of their land. II doomed to
poverty and distress a people whose help
lessness appeals with peculiar force to
the first act of its imperialistic program,
the Republican party seeks to commit
the United States to colonial policy,
and condemned by the Supreme Court in
numerous decisions.
Plank on the Cuban Question.
We demand the prompt and honest full
tllment OF our pledge to the Cuban
people and the world, that the United
States has no disposition or intention
to exercise sovereignty. Jurisdiction or
control over the island of Cuba, except
for its pacihcation. The war ended near
ly two years ago. profound peace reigns
over all the island and still the Admins
tration Keeps the government of the
island from its people. while Republican
carpetbag officials plumber its revenues
and exploit the colonial theory to the
disgrace of the American pepole.
Philippines Policy Condemned.
We condemn and denounce the Philip
pine policy of the present Administration.
1t has embroled the repubnc in an un-
necessary war, sacrificed the lives of
many of its noblest sons, placed the Unit
ed States. previously known and applaud
ed throughout the world as the champion
Of freedom, in the false and un-American
position of crushing with military force
the efforts of our former allies to achieve
liberty and self-goyernment. The FIJI
pinos cannot be citizens WITHOUT endan-
gering our civilization; they cannot be
subjects without imperiling our form of
government, and as we are not willing to
surrender our civilization or to convert
the republic into an empire, we favor the
Immediate declaration OF the nations
purpose to give the tilipinos. first, stable
form OF government; second, independ-
ence. and third, protection from outside
interference, such as has been given for
nearly n century TO the republics Of Cen
trail and South America.
The greedy commercialism which die
tated the Philippines policy OF the Ike
publican Administration attempts to JUS
tify IT with the plea that 1t Will pay, but
even this sordid and unworthy plea falls
when brought TO the test of facts. The
war of criminal aggression" against the
Filipinos, entailing annually an expense
OF many millions, has already cost more
than any possible profit that could accrue
from the entire Philippine trade for
years to come. Furthermore, when trade
is extended at the expense Of liberty the
price is always too high.
Democrats aud Territorial EXPANSION.
We are not opposed to territorial ex-
ritory which can be erected into States In
the Union. and whose people are willing
and lit to become American citizens we
favor trade expansion by every peaceIll
and legitimate means; but we are unal-
terably opposed to the SELLING or pur-
chasing Of distant islands to be governed
outside the Constitution and whose people
can never become citizens. We are In
favor OF extending the republics innu-
enre among the nations, but believe that
influence should be eXtended.not by force
s.l. I..a afVh he
power of a high and honorable example.
Imperialism the Burning Issue.
The Importance of other questions now
pending before the American people Is IN
nowse diminished. and he Democratic
party takes no backward step from It's
position on them, but the burning issue
of Imperialism growing out of the span
ish war, Involves the very existence of
the republic and the destruction OF our
free Institutions. We regard 1t as the
paramount issue OF the campaign, ,,o,
The declaration in the Republican pat
form adopted at the Philadelphia conVen-
uou, held in June. 1900. that the hepupn-
can party 'steadfastly adheres 10 the
policy announced in the Monroe doctrine
Is manifestly insincere and deceptive,
This profession Is contradicted by me
avoNed policy of the party in opposition
to the spirit of the Monroe doctrine, 10
acquire and hold sovereignty over large
areas If territory and large NUMBERS Oh
people in the eastern hemisphere; we IN
sist ON the strict maintenance OF the MOL
roe doctrine in all its integrity, poth III
letter and In spirit, as necessary TO pre-
vent the extension of European author-
tty on this continent and as essential 10
our supremacy In American anairs. ~
tn same time we declare that no Ameri-
can ucople shall ever be held by torce VI
unwilling subsection to European au-
thority.
OPPOSITION to Miltarlsm.
We oppose militarism. II means con