The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-08-09
THURSDAY, AUGUST 9. 1900.
A BEAUTIFUL THEORY.

The speech OF Mr.. William j. Bryan at
indianapolis yesterday, accepting the Dem
ocratic nomination for the Presidency, was
more remarkable for what il did not con-
tain than for what il id contain. 1t was
a new thing for Mr.. Bryan TO make
speech of considerable length without any
aliusion whatever TO the question Of free
silver or to the question OF trusts Mr.
BRYAN devoted his whole speech to the
discussion of the question of imperialism,
and it must be admitted, even by his OPP
ponents. that the speech was an able,
forceful and patriotic presentation of that
subject It VAS a splendid defense OF our
republican institutions and an eloquent
plea In behalf Of their maintenance Mr..
Bryan is also TO be commended for his
frankness with reference TO his attitude
towards the Philippine question. At the
conclusion of his speech he said: If
elected / shall convene Congress in extra
ordinary session as soon / am inausn-
rated and recommend an immediate de-
claration OF the nations purpose, first, TO
establish a stable form Of government in
The Philippine Islands. just we are now
establishing 4 stable form Of government
IN the Island of Cuba; second, to give indie
pendence tc the Filipinos. just we have
promised TO give Independence TO the
Cubans; third to protect the Filipnos from
outside interference while they work out
their destiny, just as we have protected
the republics Of Central and South Amer
lea, and are, by the Monroe doctrine,
pledged to protect Cuba
There is distinct definite declaration
of purpose There is no evasion or attempt
at evasion, and everybody knows now eN-
actly what to expect OF Mr.. Bryan, with
reference 10 this most important question,
if he shall be elected TO the Presidency
True. there is world of meaning III the
proposal to establish a stable form Of
government in the Philippine Islands.
That may mean, and a prominent Demo-
cratic newspaper, whose editor is n MEM
Der of the National Committee, says that
it does mean. that we viii hold on in
definitely TO the Philippines. But we do not
believe that Mr.. Bryan has any such pur-
pose in view. Ii is clearly his purpose 10
set The Eilipnos Up at the earliest possible
moment in a government of their own and
to give them absolute independence Mr..
Bryan says in SO many words that al
though these islands fell into our hands
by the fortunes of war, and that although
we paid to Spain the sum of S2oGo9,eGo in
consideration of the REIMBURSEMENT of her
claim. he proposes. if President, 10 do
all in his power 10 have this Government
relinquish its claim upon the Philippines
and establish their independence.
MIR. Bryan takes high ground. He throws
to the winds the question Of commercial
ism and insists thai we give up these pos
..ess!ons regardless Of cost and conse-
quences. Mr.. Bryan is 10 be commented
and 10 he thanked for making the issue
plain Some Democrats have tried 10 make
1t appear that the Democratic party had
no idea OF giving up the Philippine Islands,
that the only difference between the ati-
tude OF the Republican party and that OF
the Democratic party was as to the future
government of the islands, whether as de-
pendent colonies or as territories whose
inhabitants should finally be received into
the fuii rights and privileges of American
citizenship. Mr.. Bryan distinctly declares,
as the Democratic platform distinctly de-
clares. that the Ftlipinos cannot become
citizens of the United States without en-
dangering our civilization. He also de-
clares, as the Democratic platform de-
clares. that the Philippines are not to be
governed by us either as colonies or terri
tories or in any other way. but that they
are 10 be absolutely free and independent
in vain, therefore. will expansion Demo-
Gratis try hereafter 20 becloud The issue.
Mr. Bryan has made it SO plain that his
meaning cannot possibly be misunderstood.
He doubtless wrote or inspired the Phil
3ppine plank of the Kansas City platform,
and he now interprets it 10 the multitude.
..Anti-imperial:sm'' has. up 10 this time.
been a vague sort OF tern, which nobody