Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1900-11-14
IMPERIALISM'S MENACE.
WHY YOUNG MEN SHOULD FIGHT
THE FORCES OF PLUTOcRAcY.

-Militarism Danger Which Threatens
There is no element which has more
at lake In the political contest this
year than the young men, for upon
their shoulders will fall the brunt Of
the heavy burdens which Republican
policy, if approved at the November
election, will impose upon the Ameri-
can people.
If majority of the voters declare
at the polls next month that imperial
ism is good thing for this country,
that commerciaHsm based upon wars
of conquest, expansion and colonial en-
terprises is hereafter to be the policy
of the American republic, our young
men must not forget that 1t Is they
who will largely pay the price of main
taining it. They will constitute the
bulk Of our armies Of occupation, our
colonial garrisons. They will be called
upon to do the hard work, whose re.
ward is merely the soldiers pittance
with the pension for disability result
ing from VIC lnds or disease. And all
their labors and privations, they should
remember will not be so much for 1.-THE
honor Of the flag and for the exten-
sion of American principles and inst-
tutions as for the benefit of those who
will share none of the dangers involved
in Imperialism, but will greedily seize
all the profits.
The young man who is shouting for
imperialism now probably does not re-
alize what may happen to him If NC
kinley expansion" is permanently
fastened upon the American people.
For who can say that the war in the
Philippines, expensive as it has al
ready proved in blood and treasure,
will be the end of our troubles in our
Asiatic possessions? The time may
also come when war with European
powers will result from our colonial
enterprises in the East, when the re-
sources of this imperial republic will
be taxed to their utmost, and our
army and navy will be supplied with
soldiers and sailors by conscription.
Is there any young man anxious to be
drafted into our military or naval es-
tablishment, carried thousands Of
miles from home and compelled to
fight the battles not of his country,
but of certain interests which use the
flag rs commercial asset?' This is
the fate which Imperialism may bring
upon the youth of America, and to the
average young man it should not be
pleasant one to contemplate. When
the honor of the flag and the true in.
terests Of the country are at stake, our
young men will always be ready to
volunteer and fight. Are they willing
to place themselves in a position in
which their services can be demanded
whenever our commercial imperalists
determine to use force to promote trade
expansion? That may be the result
of the triumph of the imperial policy
in the election next month. The young
man who votes then may pass sentence
upon himself if he gives his support to
Republican policies.
Military and political imperialism is
not the only danger, however, which
menaces the young men of this coun-
try. They have also to take into con-
sideration the startling development of
trusts. which may be regarded as a
form of Industrial imperialism. The
average young American has intelli-
gence, industry and enterprise, quail
ties which in the past usually assured
success. Since the trusts became the
mighty force which they now are. the
young man has unquestionably fewer
opportunities, not only as an employe
OF trust, but also to engage in bust
ness for himself. The trusts do not
allow competition if they can prevent
1t, but destroy the humble rival with
as little compunction as the more for
midable competitor. In time the great
combinations of capital will be in alb
solute control of the industries and re-
sources of this country. Does any
young man think this will be a good
thing for him? Does he think it will
be to his advantage to have all COM
petltlon destroyed, with no opportunity
Tor him to establish n business of his
own! Ii he Is satisfied to go through
life with the trust yoke about his neck,
to be dependent and subordinate all
OF MS days. he should support Repub-
lican policies. If he seeks a fair field
and no favors he will not vote with
the trust party. The syndicates which
control the Government do not suDDly
campaign funds from pure and unset
hsh motives. They are settling up now
for favors received in the past. and
contracting for more favors in the fu-
ture. They want business admins
tration"-that is, an administration
which will help along their schemes at
the expense of the general public. Is
there any young man who has to make
his own living who thinks govern
ment created by the syndicates and
operated for the benefit of syndicates
is good thing for him?
The man who has sons must realize
the responsibility which rests upon
him In this crisis. 1t would be an un-
natural father, indeed, who would vol
unfairly bring upon his children the