The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-09-18

our institutions give us I'm the worlds af-
fairs
approved by succeeding Presidents Is es-
sential TO the welfare of the United States.
The continents Of North and South Amer
lea are dedicated TO the development or
free government. One republic after an
other has been established. until to-day
monarchical idea has barely a foothold in
the new world.
while it is not the policy of this coun-
try TO interfere where amicable relations
exist between European countries and their
dependencies In America, our people would
look with disfavor upon any attempt on
the part of European governments TO main
tain an unwilling or forcible sovereignty
over the people living on this side of the
Atlantic.
'sThe position taken by the Republican
leaders, and more recently set forth by the
Republican candidate for the presidency,
viz, that we cannot protect a nation from
outside interference without exercising SOW
ereignty over its people, is an assault upon
the Monroe doctrine, for, while this argu-
ment is at this time directed against the
proposition to give to the F1lipinos Doth
independence and protection, IL Is equally
applicable TO the republics of Central and
South America. IL this government cannot
lend its strength TO another republic with
out making subjects OF its people. then we
must either withdraw our protection from
the republics TO the south of us or absorb
them. Under the same plea, that the
guardian nation must exert an authority
equal TO It's responsibility, european I'd
tions have for centuries exploited their
wards, and IL is a significant fact that the
Republican party should accept the Euro
pean idea of a protectorate, at the same
time that IL adopts a European colonial pol
icy. There is no excuse for this abandon
ment of the American idea. We have main
tanned the Monroe doctrine for t~hree-quar-
tiers of a century. The expense to us has
been practically nothing, but the protection
has been beyond value to our sister repub-
lies. If a Filipino republic is erected upon
the ruins Of Spanish tyranny its protection
by us will be neither difficult nor expen-
sive. No European nation would be willing
for any other European nation to have the
islands, neither would any European nation
be willing TO provoke a war with us in order
TO obtain possession of the islands. If we
assert sovereignty over the tflipinoS We
will have TO defend that sovereignty by
force, and the Filipinos will be our enc
mics; If we protect them from outside in
reference they will defend themselves and
will be our friends. If they show as much
determination in opposing the sovereignty
of other nations as they have shown in
opposing our sovereignty they will not re-
quire much assistance from US.
ALLEGED EXTRAVAGANCE.
1.-THE Republican party, drawing as 1t
does enormous campaign funds from those
who enjoy special privileges at the hands
of the government, is powerless TO protect
the taxpayers from the attack of those who
profit by large appropriations. A surplus
In the treasury offers constant temptation
10 extravaganza, and extravaganza, in turn,
compels a resort to new means of taxation,
which, Is being kept in the background un-
I'll the campaign is over, is a fair illustra-
ton of the imposition which will be at
tempted when there is a considerable
amount in the treasury. The rehabilitation
of the merchant marine, laudable in itself.
is made the pretext for expenditure Of pub
lie money for the benefit Of large ship own
ers, and in the interests of a transportation
monopoly. The government being only the
great agent of the people. has no right to
collect from the people taxes beyond the
legitimate needs of a government honestly
and effectively administered, and public
servants should exercise the same degree
OF care in the use of the peoples money
that private individuals do in the use of
their own money. With a restoration OF a
foreign policy consistent with American
ideas there can be an immediate and large
reduction in the burdens now borne by the
people.
by inadvertence the income tax plank
agreed upon by the resolutions committee.
was omitted from the platform as read and
adopted. The subject, however, is covered
by the reaffirmation of the Chicago plat
form. and take this occasion to reassert
my belief in the principle which under
lies the income tax. Congress should have
authority to levy and collect an income
tax whenever necessary, and an amend
ment to the Federal Constitution specifcal-
iy comforting such authority ought to be
supported by even those who may think
the tax unnecessary at this time. In the
hour OF danger the government can draft
the citizen: 1t ought to be able to draft
the pocketbook as we'll. Unless money is
more precious than blood, we cannot afford
10 give greater protection to the incomes
of the rich than to the lives of the poor.
The subjects, however, treated in this
letter, important as each may seem in
itself, do not press so imperatively for So
luton as the question which the platform
declares to be the paramount issue in this
campaign. Whether we shall adhere to-, or
abandon those ideas of government which
have distinguished this Nation from other
nations and given TO it's history it's pc
culiar charm and value, is a question the
settlement of which cannot be delayed. No
other question can approach IL in impor-
lance. no other question demands such i'm
mediate consideration. 1t is easier to lose
a reputation than to establish one, and this
Nation would find IL a long and laborious
task to regain its proud position among the
nations. If, under the stress of temptation,
proclaimed by our historic ancestors and
sacredly treasured during a career I'M
paralleled In the annals of time. When the
doctrine that the people are the only source
of power is made secure from further at
tack we can safely proceed TO the settle
ment of the numerous questions which in
volve the domestic and economic welfare of
our citizens. w. ]. BRYAN.
Lincoln, Neb.. Sept. II"