The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1900-08-16


nation. We cannot repudiate the prin
ciple of self government in the Philip
pines without weakening that prin-
ciple here. Even now we are beginning
to see the paralyzing influence of i'm
perialism. Heretofore, this nation has
been prompt to express Its sympathy
with those who were fighting for civil
liberty. But now when a war
is in progress in South Africa which
must result in the extension of the
monarchial idea or in the triumph of
republic, the advocate Of Imperialism
in this country dare not say word in
behalf Of the Beers.
ExPANsI0N n NOT IS1PKRIALIsM.
Jefferson Quoted to show Qgaat Conquest
IL Un-American.
Our opponents, conscious of the
weakness of their cause, seek to con-
fuse Imperialism with expansion, and
have even dared to claim Jefferson as
supporter of their policy. Jefferson
spoke SO freely and used language
with such precision that no one can be
ignorant of his Views. On one occasion
he declared: "If there be- one principle
more deeply rooted than any other in
the mind of every American, 1t is that
w should have nothing to do with con-
quest" And again he said: CONQUEST
is not in our principles; 1t is inconsist
ent with our government" The forci-
BILE annexation of territory to be gov
erned by arbitrary power, differs as
much from the acquisition Of territory
to be built up into states az i mon
archy difFess fvsm . democracy. The
Democratic party d0es not oppose ex-.
lpansl0n, when expanGton enlarges the
tafeA of the republic and Incorporates
land which. can be settled by American
citizens, or adds to our population peo-
4 pie who are willing to become citi-
zens and are capable OF discharging
their duties as such. The acquisition
of the Louisiana territory, Florida.
Texas, and other tracts which have
been secured from time to time. en-
larged the republic, and the constitu-
tion followed the flag into the new ter
ritory. 1t Is now proposed to steze up
on distant territory already more
densely populated than our own coun-
try and to force upon the people gov
ernment. Scr 4hc.1 Hen there rs no var
sisic 10 our constitution or our laws.
IL we have an imperial policy we
must have large standing army as
IT'S natural and necessary complement.
That a large permanent in
crease In our regular army is intended
by the Republican leaders is not a
mere matter of conjecture, but mat
ter of fact. . : In 1896 the army
contained about 25,OOO men. Within
two years the president asked for four
times that many, and Republican
house OF representatives complied with.
the request after the Spanish treaty
had been signed and no country was at
war with the United States.
A large standing army is not only
peouniary burden to the people and,
If accompanied by compulsory service.
constant source of irritation, but 1t
is ever n menace to Republican
form OF government. The army is the
PersonificatiOn of force, and militarism
Will inevitably change the ideals of the
people and turn the thoughts Of our
young men from the arts of peace to
the science of war. The government
which relies for its defense upon it's
citizens, is more likely to be just than
one which has at call large body of
professional soldiers. A small stand
ing army and we'll equipped and
well disciplined state militia are sufh
cient In ordinary times, and In an
emergency the nation should In the
future as In the past place its depend-
ence upon the volunteers who come
from all OCCUPATIONS at their country's
call and return to nroductIve labor
when their services are M longer re-.
quired-men, who f,pht when the conn
try needs fighters and work when thu
country needs wnrLars
-
FUTURE STATUS OF THE FILIPINO.
NO. ARC " -, 10 70 wien MN NOW 1ha'
M we hsve Him7
Ihe Republican platform assumes
that the Philippine islands will be re-
tanned under American sovereignty,
and we have a right to demand Of the
Republican leaders a discussion of thae
fntnre sta tns ~ tho Eil,n,n" ~ r. n 10 10 ~