New-York tribune., 1900-10-28
CAMPAIGN COMMENT.
.SLDELIGHTS ON THE POLITT-
CAL SITTA TON.
AN HISTORICAL RETROSPECT.
THE LOGIC OF EVENTS OF THE LAST -FOUR
YEARS DEMANDS M'KINLEYs
REELECTION

1D-@@-<1~NA)s'
REELECTION.
To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir A short review of the events of the last four
emphatic to the many attacks of Bryan
and his friends President Mckinley and his
Administration.
Everybody must remember that the condition Of
affairs in Cuba four years ago. toward the END
OF Mr. Cleveland's Administration, had reached
such acute state that they were quite unbear-
able for the United States.
President Cleveland-this certainly will not be
disputed-had done HIS very utmost to relieve the
misery IN Cuba, and at the same time TO avoid
with Spain. and when Mr.. Mckinley came 10
the Presidency he continued the policy Of his 2-eie-
cessor up 10 February Is 1898. the day on which
the hattleship Maine blown up in the harbor
OF Havana.
This crime alone would have justified i'm
mediate declaration of against Spain but our
Government, even after this calamity had &C.
Cured did not at give uD Ill nope 10 avoid
hostiiiues until al last in April all peaceful means
being exhausted. the war broke out. At that time
we had in Congress-in the House and in the
Senate-no Republicans and no Democrats on the
day Of the declaration of war, and shortly after,
when il a question Of allowing the necessary
war subsidies, there were only patriotic Ameri-
cans and a greater and more striking confidence
in the head of any Government is rarely found in
the annals of history than the confidence bestowed
by our peoples representatives on President Nc
Kinley.
Still more inspiring and more sublime was the
answer Of people TO the call of the Government
for volunteers. There North, South, East
or West there was only one large free country;
there existed no difference in age or position;
old and young rich and poor were glad to offer
themselves and to respond to the call TO arms and
regiment after regiment grew, II from the soil.
We committed at that time many errors OF jldg-
nent and many mistakes; for instance. we over
estimated the strength and military resources of
Spain quite considerably-as a rule. ii is. how
ever wiser and safer rather to over than under
estimate ones adversary.
On the other hand. the Europeans, especially the
Continental Powers-France and Germany-who for
sentimental reasons were siding with Spain under
estimated considerably our capabilities, and were
exceedingly surprised at the results OF the war.
In the annals of our American history the battle
of Manila. on the first day Of May. 1885, the de-
struction OF the Spanish feet at Santiago on July
g. 1885, and the surrender of the town Of Santiago
to General Shafter will forever find their place
Those days VIII be forever monuments of American
pluck. bravery and endurance
IN the worlds history those days mark the turn
ing point in position among nations; through
the war the United States has proved that it
belongs TO the Powers Of the first rank
The Government of President Mckinley quickly
recognized this and has acted accordingly. and be-
cause are anxious, not only to fill, but TO
keep, our place among the nations, the opposi. ion
with Bryan leader. cries out against imperial
the road to ruin
Through the Treaty Of Peace with Spain we
have accepted new obligations and responsibilities
which President Mckinley and his Cabinet have
not only accepted but nave tTled hard IN every re-
What difhculties the President and his capable
Secretary Of State, Mr.. Hay, have met and are
still meeting How many perplexng questions are
this Mr. Bryan has nothing to tell but those who
years have easily noticed that their burden is not
AS a result of the war the administration in Cuba
was turned over TO the United States until q
SSI-sO1eIillleIi - l5IS uDslS SouIu De
Porto Rico and the Philippine Islands were coded
TO us-for the latter Spain received from as 3O-
The Government of President Mckinley is severe
ly criticised by the Democratic opposition. or
they are pursuing their P:iiey Of su6jugaT0n of Of
they not given to these islands independence and
liberty TO govern themselves?
This probably has been at first the intention of
our Government: If, however, we could read today
ment and its foreign representatives
necessity will have remain buried in the archives
in Washington for many years 10 come We would
plantations why our Government has acted N re-
gard TO the Philipplnes as II mas oohe; IT,. >,
as they call themselves. believe that many of the
many, would gladly have paid spain for the Phil
ia ] + We OF var Te tieg o give fn-dav an inde
pendent government to a people so backward
such government could last? The result would
be strifes and struggles among the tribes, and
Bryan has promised in the event OF his election, he
should guarantee TO the Philippines their inde-
pendence and defend II against the rest of the
world with American soldiers and American money
rely il that within very short time
would have our hands not only with
one. but with several OF the European Powers
II we were thoroughly familiar to-day with all
the intrigues and diplomatic entanglements in
European capitals. well as in Manila. would
probab bly, find that Mr. Bryan and his friends espe-
cialy the anti-imperiaIiss are shooting with blank
cartridges but that President Mckinley and his
advisers have worked and labored under the
greatest difhcultes and with rare wisdom and pa
Ir1ousm acted interests o
American people. and would bitterly repent II
not to intrust the Government of ouI
country to him for another term.
President Mckinley has secured his place in his.
tory. Under his lead country has attained
a position which all true Americans will want &c
guard and 10 preserve.
IN the coming election citizens will have tc
choose between history and politics.
New-Yorl1, Oct 8. 1900 c. Won PUSTAU.