The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-02-24
Bourke Cochran BeIitfIes the Prcsi-
dent and Is Greeted with
Cheers and Kisses.
THE PHILADELPHIA MEETING
BITTER SPEECHES BY SOME OF THE
RADICAL DELEGATES.
President Mckinley Classed with
Murderers by One of the Speak,
ers-ResOlutiOns Modified.

BOSTON, Feb. 23.-Hon. w. Bourke
Cochran, of New York, eloquently cham
pioned the cause of the anti-imperialists at
a mass meeting held in Fanueil Hall to-
night under the auspices of the Antrim
perialist League. Former Governor George
S. Boutwell,, of this State, president of the
Anti-imperialist League, was the presiding
officer, and on the platform were many
gentlemen whose anti-imperialistic views
have gained for them national distinction,
together with many others whose public
expressions upon the subject have not been
so pronounced.
Mr. Boutwell, called the meeting to order
and delivered an address of some length
which elected more or less applause At
the conclusion OF his address he introduced
Mr.. Cochran.
mo person who has enjoyed the bless
ings of liberty and constitutional govern
ment" said Mr.. Cochran, "can visit the
sacred precincts of it's cradle without be-
ing deeply impressed with the character
of the people on whose virtues it rests.
am gratifed beyond measure to be invited
to contribute voice to the great principles
which inspired voices have proclaimed
from this hall" Mr.. Cochran went on to
examine Imperialism, not as its opponents
describe it, but as its friends present II,
imperialism at its best candidate Tor
popular favor, clothed in the least re-
pulsive garb which the ingenuity OF its
supporters can design.
The Illuminating feature of imperialism,
he said is the proposal 10 impose dis
eliminating duties commodities pro-
duced in Porto Rico seeking access to the
markets of this country, which he declared
Is equivalent to the assertion that terri
tories owned by the United States can be
governed Independently of the Constltu-
ton. He asserted that although this pro-
posal may be abandoned there is no doubt
the protective policy will be enforced
against the people of the Philippines.
''Among thieves the estimable man Is
not he who prevents a theft, but he who
aids it. 1t is natural that lmperialists con-
fessedly trying TO narrow he power OF the
Constitution should regard the men who
seek to extend it's power as traitors. For
myself, / would rather be traitor with
Edmunds, and Boutwell,. and Reed, ana
Sherman, and Hoar than patriot with
Hanna or Lodge, or Mckinley. tGreat ap-
plause, ending in prolonged hissesl
.sNo, no. my friends. 1 think it is not
worth while TO waste words on people ike
these. All these men are patriots. Laugh
ter and cries of That's right, by some
one.l You are perfectly right, my friend
even include you among them. The profes-
sion of patriotism is the next pest thlnS 10
the practice of it.
1.-The issue before the American people
is the vindication of the Declaration or In
dependence, involving the integrity or this
government and the credit or this nag.
Can there be doubt as to how the Ameri-
can people will decide the question? There
is but one, and that springs from doubt
as to whether the people will be able to
vote upon it directly. 1t is self-evident that
opposition to Imperialism must be made
through the organization of the Demo-
cratic party. We are told that. with the
issue of Imperialism. will be linked the is
sue which divided the party four years
ago, and on the prospect of this complica-
ton rests the hope of every imperialfst.
do not believe the fears of the patriots or
the hopes of the imperialistS are we'll
founded. i do not believe the silver issue
will enter into this canvass, because IT
cannot be decided by this election. There is
Just one question which can be decided by
it, and that is the question of Imperialism.
Without regard to individual ambitions or
preferences this campaign will be waged
on the issue of 1900, and not upon the is
sues of 1885, or what may be the issues OF
1904.
while ii is obvious that the silver ques-
ton cannot enter into the canvass of 1900.
/ think that the heart of the party is
welded to it. If, in 1901 the political con-
ditions be so changed that success in the
presidential election would carry the con-
troll of Congress, then 1 think the Demo-
cratic party will again declare for free
coinage, and then L shall be as ready to
oppose them as 1 was in 1896.
while we believed that the Chicago
platform was revolutionary. no one ever
doubted for a moment that the candidate
who stood upon il was animated by the
loftiest principles of patriotism. Indeed, his
virtues made his candidacy doubly danger
Gus. Vicious principles are never formid-
able when supported by vicious men. 1t is
only when they are championed by mis-
guided virtue that they become formidable.
If We were confronted now with the choice
between Imperialism and the principles in
volved in the Chicago platform 1 do not
hesitate to say / should pursue the same
course as in 1896 because that, while L re-
gard Imperialism as fatal to this form of
government. / regard the Chicago plat
l should prefer some government to no
government"