Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1900-07-27

a CONTRAST N CANDIDATES.

A CONTRAST IN CANDIDATES.
If the theory of the Democratic party
that the American people love peace
and 10th .militarism-isr right the nomin-
alton of Mr.. Stevenson for Vice-Presi-
dent was wise act If that theory is
wrong and the American people have
really become enamored of war for its
own sake, the Democratic party will
be defeated anyhow.
Mr.. Stevenson stands for peace. Mr..
Roosevelt stands for war One is q
mature, conservative statesman. The
other is a young rough rider who
served as soldier for three months
and apparently intends to use his
soldiers coat as political advertise
ment for the rest Of his life.
Both parties acted with great deliber-
alton in the selections of their candi-
dates for Vice-P President. The nomin-
ations for President were beyond the
control of the two conventions; they
were settled in advance-one candidate
being chosen by the trusts and syndi-
Gates and the other being the plain
choice of the masses of his party. It is
in the choice of candidates for Vice.
President that we must look for the
present sentiment and policy of the
average leadership in both parties. The
two candidates Stevenson and Roose
velt-present a striking contrast.
In presenting Mr.. Roosevelt to the
country as candidate for Vice-Presi
dent against his protest-the Republl
can party showed the courage of it,
belief that the policy of imperialism. Of
subject colonies and of militarism is {
popular policy. It is a bold and bril-
liant stroke. No man who has studied
the political conditions of the United
States can deny that. The idea Of
placing rough rider at the head of the
Senate-the most august legislative
body in the world-implies the aban'
donment of a peaceful continental
policy and the beginning of an era OF
military conquest.
It is certain that one party or the
other is making a serious mistake in
the estimate Of the present temper Of
public opinion on this continent.
Which party has read the signs Of the
times correctly? Is the statesman'f
coat OF the rough riders coat the true
symbol Of Americanism to-day2
From the purely strategic standpoint
Of vote-getting-all questions of princi
pie aside-there is much to be said in
favor Of the glittering policy adopted
by President Mckinley and Mr.. Hanna
the policy of military force and national
adventure. That policy is thoroughly
embodied in Mr.. Roosevelt. The last
time but one I saw the excitable young
Governor of New York was in tn,
camp Of the First Cavalry before tn,
battle of Santiago. After giving m,
drink of water out Of bucket which
he held to my lips. he carefully asked
about the impression made upon tn,
people of the United States by the con
duct Of his regiment in the skirmish q
Las Guasimas. he was as thirsty TO
glory as was for water. No man cal
blame him for that, and I only mention
it as an indication of his character. HI
said that he had resigned his position a
Assistant Secretary Of the Navy be
cause there was greater chance TO
glory in the field. His soldiers Goa
had already become in his mind ,
political advertisement Later on b,
got the full benefit of the advertise
ment and was elected Governor of New
York before the unreasoning and un
reasonable war excitement had died
down.
But the war in Cuba was a war fol
humanity, forced on the unwilling Nc.
KinIey administration by the Demo
cratic party. That war is over. The
war which is now draining the country
of it's wealth and sending hundreds OF
our young men to die in Asia is wal
for the extension of trade. There is nc
spark of humanity or morality in it.
We shed the blood of our own soldiers
for the sake of getting so many dollars
if we ever get them.
JAMES CREELMAN.
l
Snecial Summer FYcursinn.