The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1900-08-16


reservedly indOrse. II elected. l shall
convene congress In extraordinary ses-
sion as soon as l am inaugurnted, and
recommend an immediate declaration
or the nations purpose-hrst. to estIb-
lish stable form Of government In the
Philippine islands. just as We are now
establishing a stable form Of govern
ment In the island Of Cuba: second. to
give independence to the Filipinos.
just as we have promised to give inde-
pendence to the CuhanS: third to pro-
tect the FilipinOs from outside inter
ference While they work ont their des-
tiny, just as we have protected the re-
publics of Central and South America,
and are. by the Monroe doctrine.
pledged TO protect Cuba.
DESTINY THE FINAL JUSTIFICATION
Offered by the r. spu blicans for the Situa-
tion In the Philippines
When our opponents are unable 10
defend their position by argument
they fall back upon the assertion that
1t is destiny. and insist that We must
submit to 1t. no matter how much 1t
violates moral preccpts and our pr:n-
ciplcs of government. This is COM
placent philosophy. 1t ohliterates the
distinction between right and wrong
and makes individuals and na tions the
helpless victims Of circumstances.
Destiny is the subterfuge OF the IN
vertebrate. who, lacking the courage
to oppose error. seeks some plausible
excuse for supporting II. Washington
said that the destiny Of the Republican
form Of government was deeply. II
not finally, staked on the experiment
entrusted to the American people.
How different Washington's definition
of destiny from the Republican defini-
tion! The Republicans say that this
nation Is in the hands OF destiny !;
Washington believed that not only the
destiny of our own nation but the
destiny Of the Republican form Of gov
ernment throughout the world was en-
trusted to American hands. Washing
ton was right. The destiny Of this re-
public is in the hands Of its own peo-
pie, upon the success Of the expert
ment here rests the hope OF humanity.
No exterior force can disturb this re-
public, and no foreign influence should
be permitted to change iis course.
What the future has in store for this
nation no one has authority to de-
clare. but each Individual has his own
idea of the nations mission and he
owes it TO his country as well as to
himself to contribute as best he may
to the fultillment of that mission.
Mr.. Chairman and Gentlemen OF the
Committee: | can never fully dis
charge the debt Of gratitude. which
owe to my countrymcn for the hOnorS
which they have SO generously be-
slowed upon me; but. sirs. whether 1t
be my lot to occupy the high office for
which the convention has named NE
or to spend the remainder Of my days
In private life. it shall he my constant
ambition and my controlling purpose
to aid in realizing the high ideals Of
chose whose wisdom and courage and
sacrifices brought this republic into
existence.
/ can conceive OF national destiny
SURPRISING the SlOries of the present
and the pasta destiny which meets
the responsibilities OF today and meas
ures up the possibilities Of the future.
Behold Il republic, resting securely
upon the foundation stones quarricd
by revolutionary patriots from the
mountain Of eternal truth-a republic
applying in practice and :,.'oclaimng
to the world the sclf-evidcnt PROPOSE.
tion-that all men are created equal
that they are endowed with inalienable
rights; that governments are instituted
among men to secure these rights;
that governments derive their just
powers from the consent OF the gov
erned. Behold republic In which
civil and religious liberty stimuate all
to earnest endeavOr, and in which the
law restrains every hand uplifted for
q neighbor's injury-a republic in
which every citizen Is Il sovereign but
In which no one cares to wear crown.
Behold republic standing erect while
empires all around are bowed beneath
the weight OF their own armamcnts-
q republic whose flag Is loved while
| other flags are only feared. Behold
a republic increasing In population,
| in wealth. in strength and in afiiuence,
| solving the problems OF civilization
| and Fastening the coming OF an uni.
versal brOtherhOod--a republic which
| shakes thrones and dissOlves aristOcra.
| cies by its silent example and gives
light and inspiration to those who sit
| in darkness. Behold republic grad.
ually but surely becoming the supreme
| moral factor in the worlds progress
and the accepted Hrbiter OF the world 8
disputes republic whose history
like the path of the just. lis rs the
shining light that shineth more and
more into the perfect day"