The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1900-09-01
OPENS THE CAMP AIGH
General J. B. Weaker Speaks
on Imperialism.
HE WOULD STOP THE WAR
And Establish a Republic in
the Philippines.

General ]. B. Weaver of Iowa, opened
the fusion campaign in this city at Gar
field hall last night. The audience room
was well filled with people who were
interested in knowing just what the issue
of the campaign would be from the
fusion standpoint.
During the first part Of the evening a
band paraded the streets and displayed
banners to the effect that General
Weaver would speak in the evening.
After the arrival Of the band at the
han a number of martial selections were
played by them while the people were
gathering. All of this time General
Weaver occupied a seat in the front Of
the room and in plain sight Of every one
who cared to observe him. He pre-
sents an older appearance than thought
for. His hair is grey, as is his mustache,
but there is still a keen lock in the
eyes which betokens much humor.
A quartet Of young men from Cheney
gave two selections of campaign songs,
after which Mr.. Weaver was introduced
by Mr.. Frank Nighswonger. Mr. -,.ghs-
wonger made a neat spqch and referred
10 the general as one who had been close
ly identified with the political movements
of the United States.
General Weaver in his opening remarks
said: Il am glad that I am not acquaint-
ed with the political views Of the mem
beers of this audience. I have every re-
spect for those who differ from me, but
it is your duty to investigate these ques-
tons and then to decide. After you have
reached your decision it is your duty to
closely follow your conviction.
81 came to this city with the express
purpose of talking on imperialism. This
is a very great question and in that mat
ter 1 believe that you will agree. It is
a new question in the politics of this ma
ton and has never been contemplated
before this time. We are all liable to be
mistaken in regard to our views on this
question. I believe that my views are
right, but ] may be wrong and so may
you. Are you willing to ascertain the
facts and then decide what you will do?
There are 7s00O,oO0 Of people in the
Tnitel States and l am one seventy
eighth million part Of power, and 7 have
determined u exercise my share in the
government OF the United States.
II am not a preacher. but 1 will refer
you 20 text NY text is this: NO man
IS good enough to govern another man
without that mans consent" This was
said by Abraham Lincoln, a number of
years ago.
IF any man had asked me two and
one-haf years ago where the Philippine
islands were. I should have answered
that they were close to China Had he
asked how many people 90 they con-
t9in, ] should have said. I do not know
Such fas the vague idea Of the Ameri-
can people in regard to these islands
previous to the Spanish-American war
In the islands of Luzon there are 70
people to ever ysquare mile. In The state
of Illinois there are 6S people to every
square mile. The most Of the inhabitants
are Christians; they do not belong to the
denominations and many Of them can
read and write. Most of the people are
farmers and carry on the agriculture
pursuits They have professional men
mechanics seamen. etc The average
person fails to realize this fact
IT failed to realize it until 7 studied it.
] never had the faculty Of understand
tng anything perfectly until I made a
study Of the special subject.
in our declaration Of war against
Spain. we said. the people of Cuba and
of free right ought TO he free people
We went into that war with the idea
that it was not to he a war Of conquest
We went To the Philippines What was
the condition Of affairs in the Philip
pines? 1t was almost the same as that
in Cuba. You could almost hear the
sound Of the cannon, you could almost
see the fighting
Don't take my word I have here the
official report of Consul William at Ma
niila before was was declared. and he
says conditions here and in Cuba are
Very much alike War is in progress
Many are wounded and prisoners are
shot without trial
How many Spaniards were there IN
the islands at that time. There were
Se.ooo TO about ten millions of natives.
Was it any wonder that they went
AGAINST Spain. They had enough men TO
destroy a kingdom.
Have the United States moral claim
70 govern those people? The people OF the
United States talk OF this question as
though there was nothing moral in it.
"AN men were created equal and were
endowed so ny q creator. Among the en-
dowments are those of life liberty and
happiness The administrations are TAX
ing lives because the people want liberty.
Y fought in the war Of the rebellion
70 free the slaves and give tbem their
liberty. This government has gone into
the Philippines with IRE and sword and
put TO death their people. The first re-
public that ever tried TO rear a republic
sn the Asiatic darkness.
The opposition claim that The govern
1nent has the right and cite the Louis
lana purchase as basis Of judgment.
! don't believe you have the right 10 gov
srn a country because YOU have bousAt
g.
Suppose Spain had been successful in
this war and We had been comoeue5 to
cede KaNsaS 10 her. Is there one Of Won
who wo0id have pulled down the United
States flag ard hoisted the flag Of Sefn9
No. certainly not You would not s-lb-
nit You would lose your life blood frs,
You cannot buy IRE rieht 10 govern
people and you cannot sell 4. Have Se
lost the sense OF human ubertye In the
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