The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-02

AFTER JnTee years OF UNCONSCIOUS Out pIo'
ductive effort the Republicans have pre-
scented the Democratic party with serie:
of issues upon which the latter can g
before the people next November and win
1t does not matter that the opportunity re;
suits from Republican contempt for the Law
and the masses, rather than from Demo
cratic policy and craftsmanship. The sit
uation exists and should be taken advan-
tage of.
The silver question has been retired to
private life. In formulating and passing
bill to make gold the sole standard OF
value in the United States, the Republi-
cans have not only removed the issue OF
1896 as a menace to Democratic unity
of purpose, in the coming campaign, but
with all the outward evidence of a de-
termination which might be mistaken for
sincerity of purpose, were it not plain
that Grass ignorance of consequences lay
at the bottom of it. they have solemnly
and with elaborate ceremony killed tie
goose that laid their golden egg. For,
however much the money power may be
grateful for what its political creatures
have done and accomplished for it, in the
absence of any possibility that the gold
standard when formally established by
law, can be in any sort Of danger during
the next five years, the members of the
Money Trust will contribute to no cam
paign box for the purpose of keeping alive
an issue which it is their pleasure as well
as their interest to consider settled. LET
sleeping dogs lie" is the - kim which
appeals 70 the men behind the Standard
Oil bank. the national banks, and the
scheme TO perpetuate and expand the pub
lie debt for the advantage of dealers in
money. The few protected monopolies
not intimately connected with the great
financial combination must look out for
themselves Gold has made the Senate safe
for five years. Cold viii not smother Mr..
Hanna with funds for coercion and cor
ruption when next he visits Wall Street
like the daughters of the horse leech.
crying give. give!"
There is not the least difference among
Democrats as to what policy should govern
the party in its attitude toward trusts
which fatten at the cost OF the masses, or
toward monopolies in restraint of trade. All
Democrats are agreed that the destructive
combinations which for years have been
absorbing-and oppressively and dishon-
estly absorbing-control of the industries
and public facilities OF the country and
which, unless soon checked, will within n
few years own the property of the whole
American people and reduce free labor to
condition of helpless serfdom, must be
brought under drastic regulation and dis
cipline. and their dominant power over our
ability TO prevent competition over the ex-
change value of all commodities brought to
danger whatever that all Democrats cannot
meet ard work in harmony.
Three months ago the Democratic differ
enees on the question of expansion or anti
expansion seemed impossible of compromise
or settlement Those of the party who
believed that the American flag, once raised
in Porto Rico, Hawaii, and the Philippines,
should float in those places forever. could
find no ground for agreement with those
who advocated the policy of scuttling out
OF the islands which a wise Providence,
through the fortunes OF war had bestowed
upon us. But the basis of common under
standing and action which SO short time
ago appeared impossible to reach has been
furnished in the spectacle, presented in
the House of Representatives on Wednes-
day. OF Republican treatment of Porto
Rico.
At this point Democratic differences in
principle vanished. The people Of Porto
fNitO- iia"aais TIT hA4APpihNS Sle Oht
thing considered as residents of American
territory over which the Constitution and
laws Of the Republic extend a protecting
hand. guaranteeing the same freedom of
Intercourse with the parent States now en-
joyed by Arizona. New Mexico. and the
District OF Columbia. 1t is quite another
tiing 10 regard and treat the Porto Ricans,
Hawaians and Filipiaos as inhabitants Of
conquered territory without relations to
the United States, and without rights or
privileges under and by virtue OF our insti-
tutions; excepting such as reluctant Con-
gress may extend to them by the gracious
permission Of the protected monopolies.
The action of the Republican majority
In the House of Representatives on wednes-
day ia passing the Payne Porto Rican
tariff infamy. at the behest OF certain
trusts against the judgment and advice of
the President. the entreaties of the Secre-
tary of War. the consciences of two thirds
OF the men who voted for it, and in fiat
violation Of the Constitution OF the United
states. plainly xordsd In the FIRST instance