The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-08-09

States. Under a latter Democratic adj
ministration-and as the result of
the treaty which terminated our war
with MeNico-we acquired California
les, thus bdinging under our flag, ="
remain forever. the vast eXpanN
stretching to the tactic Ocean.
The policy of aggressive expansion
of suDiugation OF distant islands
pursued by the present adminlstra-
ton, finds no precedent in the peace
able cession of the Louisiana country
by Napoleon, that OF Florida by
spain, nor that yet later, of the vast
western area, by Mexico. The terri
tory acquired under Democratic adj
ministration was, with favorable eli
matte conditions. the fit abode for
men of our own race. At the time
of annexation il passed under the
rule of the AnglO-SaNon, who earned
with him our language and our laws.
1t was territory contiguous TO our
own, and acquired with the declared
intention-when the conditions and
population would justify-of carving
IT INTO States. The result: millions OF
American homes, our national wealth.
increased beyond the dream OF aY-
arice, and the United States cher
among the nations OF the earth.
NO PRECEDENT FOR NEW POLICY.
Can it be that the new policy OF
forcible annexation of distant islands,
| finds precedent in the historic events
! | have mentioned? The answer Is
| found in the bare statement OF facts
| The territory acquired under Demo
! cratic administration is contiguous
| the Philippine Islands eight thousand
miles distant. The acquisition OF Ter
ritorv upon our own continent added
! little to the national eNpense-to
maintain permanent sovereignty over
| the distant islands necessltates I'M
mense expenditures upon our army
and navy. More than that, 1t con-
| templates methods of administration
! that pertain, not to he republic, but
to the empire. Can it be doubted, that
! the attempt to stifle the spirit OF nd
erty will imperil government al
! home?
What is proposed by the party in
power for the government OF THESE
/ islands? If it be intended to establish
! there our political institutions, what
! then becomes of the Monroe Doctrine!
! This vital international pollcy, an
nounced by the President OF the I'm
fed States seventy-seVen years ago
was: 1--WE owe it therefore to candol
and TO the amicable relations existing
between the United States and those
powers to declare, that we should
consider any attempt on their part tt
extend their system to any portion
of this hemisphere, as dangerous &c
our peace and safety" This was sup
plemented by a disclaimer in sub
stance upon our part, OF any Inten
ton to force our institutions upoT
the nations of Europe, or their depend
encies. The Monroe Doctrine is whole
some and enduring. 1t is the faitf
of Americans of every creed and par
TVS of the very warp and wool Q
our political being. 1t was promulga
ted at the critical moment when TN
"Holly Alliance'was attempting tt
stife the Republican spirit,and re-es
tablish the despotism of Spain upol
her reyolted colonies in South Americ;
and in Mexico. I he essehce of TIN
s. doctrine as then understood by tn
world was, while we forbid the es
adjustment of despotic government
upon the American continents. W
recognize the corresponding obliga
ton to refrain from any attempt t
force our political system upon an.
part of the old world. This has beer
our settled rule of faith and practic
for more than three quarters of