The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1900-10-20

from right pffgeiples." At the time he first
so emphancally and laconically gave out that
unqualified condemnation of the very essence
of the lmperialistic policy of his party, Mr..
Harrison only gave voice to the spirit of I'M
rest and indignation which affected so many
conservative Republicans throughout the
country. This measure was the FIRST open de-
claration on the part of the Republicans of
their purpose to govern the newly acquired
domains outside of the Constitution, aud it
naturally alarmed all conservators the Con.
stitution and friends of free government In
the wave of surprise and indignation which
swept over the country and which, 10 borrow
from the weather bureau, appeared to be cen
trail in Indiana, Mr.. Harrison's laconc, but
nevertheless forceful expression came forth
As Indiana is now recognized as pivotal
State, and in view of the steadily diminishing
prospects of the Republicans there, it had
been fondly hoped that the ex-President
would so far yield to party fealty to take
back his views regarding right principles.
No doubt it had been softly suggested TO him
what is right principles among friends at
such time. But Mr. Harrison has sturdiy
refused to take it back, and sticks to ii that
the assumption by the Federal Government
of powers outside the Constitution, even ia
dealing with the government of newly ac-
quiFed domains and the thrown meui that
come along with them, is grave departure
from right principles.
Now since this assumption OF power by Con
gresS ana the President is the very essence of
Imperialism, and as Imperialism is the para
mount issue ia the pending campaign, 1t is not
difficult 10 perceive that the reiteraflon aud
reatfirmation of this great truth by the ouly
living Republican ex. President and favor
= -
very good campaign material to be putting
forth. And hence we have seen many of the
Democratic papers illustrating their pages with
the portrait of General Harrison aud giving
free and conspicuous publication to what the
Republicans intended as campaign docu
ment.
But doubtless the Republican management
found themselves between the two horns of a
dilemma. and, as usual in such cases, took the
worse one. The continued silence oi Mr.
Harrison, after having so emphaucaly con
demned the paramount policy of his party,
seemed to insure defeat in Indiana. and 50
they elected 10 take reiteration Of the same
coupled with an expression Of Mr.. Harrison ;
belief that the financial question Is still la
issue. As far as Mr. Harrison other sugges
iiOn-thai The Supreme Court will attend 10
couSiruing the Constitution is concerned. that
Is absolutely without force. What do the i'm
perIalists care about what construction the
highest Judicial tribunal puts upon the con,ii-
tuition, when they are openly asserting the poi
icy that the Constitution does not apply Al all
in the exercise of strictly political functions
relating 10 newly acquired aud distant colonies.
The fallacy Of this proposition vas well dem
onstrated BY the Baltimore Sun IN a recent
editorial
BY the way, the work OF the Sun ia this
campaign is attracting attention here by us
thorough going efficiency, and serves to re
habilitAie that paper to some extent in the es-
tmatiou of Democrats. It's course in recent
years had greatly offended Democratic opinion
a, the Capital. but there is general disposi-
tion here now to recognize aud commend its
valuable work YEEIrAs.