The daily journal. (Salem, Or.) 1899-1903, 1900-08-10
TALKED ON IMPERIALISM
WIN. J. BRYANs SPEECH IN REPLY TO
HIS NOTIFICATION.
Draws the Line Between Expansion and Impe
rlallsm and Pleads for the Preserva.
tlon Of Liberty.


the presidency at indianapolis, devoted
himself almost entirely to the Philip
pines and Imperialism, discussing the
question from the high ground of ethi
cal right. He covered all phases of the
question very thoroughly, and arraignet
the policy Of the Republican party al
being contrary TO the spirit of our insti
tutions. OF the principles Of the Dem
ocratic party he said:
The Democratic party Is not making
war upon the honest acquisition o
wealth; it has no desire to discourage
industry, economy and thrift. On the
contrary, IL gives to every citizen the
greatest possible stimulus to honest
toll, when it promises him protection in
the enjoyment of the proceeds Of his
labor. Property rights are most secure
when human rights are respected. De-
mocracy strives for a civilization in
which every member OF society will
share according to his merits.
OF the changes in the position Of Re-
publicans he says:
Republicans who used to advocate
bimetallism now try to convince them
selves that the gold standard is good.
Republicans who were formerly at
tached to the greenback are-how seeking
an excuse for giving National banks
control OF the Nations paper money ;
Republicans who used to boast that the
Republican party was paying off the
National debt are now looking for rea-
sons to support perpetual and increas.
ing debt. Republicans who formerly
abhorred trust now beguile themselves
with the delusion that there are good
trusts and bad trusts, while in their
minds the line between the two is be-
coming more and more obscure. Re-
publicans who, in times past, congratu-
lated the country upon the small ex-
pense Of our standing army are now
making light Of the objections which are
urg | againet large increase in the
permanent military establishment. Re-
publicans who gloried in our indepen-
dence when the Nation was less power
ful, now look with favor upon foreign
alliance; Republicans who three years
ago condemned "forcible annexation"
as immoral, and even criminal, are now
sure that it is both immoral and crimi-
nal TO oppose forcible annexation.
The Republican party was severely
criticised for not declaring it's policy in
the Philippines, and Mr.. Bryan made
the following statement Of his reasons
foe his course touching the ratification of
the treaty with Spain;
/ was among the number Of those VIII o
believed it better to ratify the treaty and
end the war, release the volunteers, re-
move the excuse for war expenditures,
and then give TO the Filipinos the iude-
pendence which might be forced from
Spain by new treaty,
| thought it safer to trust the American
people to give independence TO the Fill
pinos than 10 trust the accomplishment
Of that purpose to diplomacy with an un-
friendly nation. Lincoln embodied an
argument in the question when he asked,
Can aliens make treaties easier than
friends can make laws?" / believe that
we are now in better position TO wage
a successful contest against imperialism
than we would have been had the treaty
been rejected.
With the treaty ratified, clean cut
issue is presented between a government
by consent and a government by force,
and imperialists must bear the response
bility for all that happens until the ques-
ton is settled.
The title Of Spain being extinguished
we were at liberty TO deal with the Fill
pinos according to American principles.
resolution introduced a month
before hostilties broke out at Manila,
,romised independence to the Filipinos
on the same terms that it was promised
TO the Cuban. | supported this resolu-
lion, and believe that it's adoption prior
10 the breaking ont of hostilities would
have prevented bloodshed, and that its
at any subsequent time would
have ended hostilities. But
the resolution was defeated by the vote
Of the Republican Vice-President, and
from that time TO this a Republican
Congress has refused 10 take any action
whatever in the matter.
When hostilities broke out at Manila,
speakers and Republican ed
tors at once sought 10 lay the blame up
on those who had delayed the ratification
oi the treaty, aud during the progress Of
The war the same Republicans have ac-
,used the opponents Of imperialism of
giving encouragement Of the FilipinOs.
This is cowardly evasion Of RESPONSE
Dility. II it is right for the United States
10 hold the Philippine Islands perman-
entity and initiate the European empires
10 the government Of the colonies, the
party ought to state its posi-
lion and defend il, but il must expect
the subject races 10 protest against ouch
a policy and 10 resist TO the extent OF
their ability.
The difference between expansion and
imperialism was made clear thus:
Our opponents, conscious of the weak
ness Of their cause, seek 20 confuse i'm
perialism with expansion, and have even
dared to claim jefferson as a supporter
of their policy. jefferson spoke so freely
and used language with such precision
- ...~ 80. - sa....,..s Il l. a.. .rf.s.ra