The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1900-02-24
washington's Warning Words.

Thursday, the 22d, was the anniversary of
the birth of George Washington. After fight
ing the revolution to successful conclusion
and serving nearly eight years as the first
President of the United States, in September,
1896, he addressed letter to his 'friends and
fellow citizens" declining to be considered
ssamong the number of those out of whom
choice flor President is to be made, " and
took occasion to address some advice to the
people as to the conduct of public affairs and
gave warning of what to avoid. His advice
is as forcible and valuable today as 1t was
over hundred years ago He said
'The great rule of conduct for MS in regard to
foreign nations is in extending our commercial re-
lations to have with them as little political con-
nection as possible"
The Mckinley Administration, while IT has
not and cannot have, for the people would not
permit it, any treaty of an alliance defensive
and offensive, is very friendly to Great Brit
tain, Both governments are engaged in con-
quering foreign peoples and territory, and
there is a strong fellow feeling between the
heads of the two governments.
ssIcurope "savs Washington, ''has set of primary
interests which to us nave none or n very remote
relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent
controversies the causes of which are essentially
foreign to our concerns Hence therefore, II mus!
be unwise in us to implicate ourselves by artificial
ties in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics or
the ordinary combinations and collisions Of her
friendships or enmities. Our detached and distant
situation invites and enables us to pursue differ
eIit course Why forego the advantages of so pecu-
liar situations? Why quit our own to stand upon
foreign eroundY WIN BY Intervening our des-
tiny withthat of any part of Europe, entangle our
peace and prosperity in the tolls of European ambi
ton, riyalship, interest or caprice z
These questions are as pertinent today as IN
1896, and the Mckinley Administration must
answer in this presidential year, why it quit
our own to stand upon foreign grou nd. 1t
will have to answer, also, why it has become
so friendly aud sympathetic with Great Brit
tain.
The Farewell Address continues
Harmony. liberal intercourse with other IA
tions are recommended by policy, humanity, and
Interest But even our commercial policy should
hold equal and impartial hand, neither seeking
nor grantng exclusive favors or preferences; con-
sulting the natural course Of things; difhSing and
diversifying by gentle means the streams OF COM
merce. but forcing nothing.
The Mckinley Administration win have TO
answer for its use of force in thrusting our
trade upon the Philippines, and further
whether it entertains purpose to secure ter
ritory and a footbold in China.
The expansionists and advocates Of branch
ing out as world military aud naval power
regard the Declaration Of Independence as
dead, the Monroe Doctrine as obsolete. the |
Constitution as untitled as as charter and |
the advice Of Washington as out Of date, but |
they will find in November next the people |
hold no such opinions The trusts and mon
opolies have no scruples in sacrificing the !
lives of American youth SO trade can be ex
banded; have no compunctions about the |
shedding of American blood and the expen
diture of money so the almighty dollar can be |
made, but the widows aud orphans do, the
fathers and brothers do, and the tax payers da. /
Expansion and militarism viii be the lead
ing questions in the next campaign. The /
money question is n domestic one and can be /
regulated BY an act Of Congress at any tine.
The other questions are far reaching and at
feet the whole system Of government. We
are at the parting Of the ways-a republic,
attending to our own affairs with no eutang
ling alliances, or an imperial power and con
tinual foreign controversies, to disturb our
peace, trade and commerce.