The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-03-09

n cOu6idSrdDie proportion OF what
was once called the Democratic party
Ia the state Of Washington. including
some OF the strongest and brainiest of
thu leaders are In honest accord with
the attitude Of the Republican party
and administration In advocating the
retention for all time Of the Philippine
islands. and are trying hard to persuade
themselves into the belief that their
own party. in Its opposition 10 what 1t
styles Imperialism. will not go so far
as 70 oppose the retention OF the islands,
but~will AMPLY take issue with the Re-
pubiicans on the manner in which they
are to be governed They will find the
task useless The Democratic minor
ity In congress. which speaks at present
for the whole party, Is gradually but
certainly assuming position Of frank
and unqualified opposition to the re-
tention OF the Philippines or OF any form
OF government over them. and II is
clear now that this is the one predom-
mating issue upon which the campaign
Will be fought 80 far at least as the
Democratic leaders can force it to the
front.
II IL proof positive OF this when De
Almond. one OF the stronger of the
Democratic leaders. announces. as he
did the other day. that we should with
draw from the archipelago and leave
the Fnipinos 70 work out their own
salvation" This declaration Of the Dem
ocratie position on the subject OF the
Philippines was cheered heartily by
practically every man on the minority
side of the house. Every other Demo-
cratic speaker In congress. who remains
In good party standing. has assumed
substantially the same attitude; and the
few. like sibley. who place patriotism
above party. and advocate the reten-
ton OF the Philippines. have been jeered
and denounced by their party associates
and told that their proper place Is on
the Republican side. which IL absolute
~ correct,
Anyone who cares TO follow the de-
bates In congress can see that the Dem
ocratie leaders are doing everything Ia
their power TO make the anti-expansion
issue tho paramount, one. The financial
BIN, which sets al rest for many years
20 COME all prospect for any tampering
with the currency receives but per
funetory opposition in the house;
speeches designed Cor home consump-
,ion exclusively We're delivered 10 empty
benches, and ne serious attempt was
made even 10 delay It's passage through
the house or senate. although the mem
bcra Of thu minority lined up and re-
corded their votes against Il. The
financial hlll practically settled the
silver question rs national issue
for "a. present campaign, tire feem.
oeratie leaders knew Il and were
glad Of u. while free silver viii. OF
course. have place IN the national
APtUaNfatbN hsAht"iktis u VIII DC sANaf-
dinatea 10 the issas which the leaders
have selected a. the oas Offering them
the beat ohanee 81 catching votes. ana
commanding iarge share ~ the sup
Port 81 the Cleveland Democracy
To this latter element ard % she
New England aunties. whose ala =
earnestly hoped FOR In she oomlag cam
raign, Il win b. pointed out thaG a free
silver president would be helrless turjns
his entire term % De anything towards
dehasing the currency; for there viii
be Republican majority in the senate
for the next four years, in any event.
and the new financial bill has rendered
II impossible for any future secretary
OF the treasury TO force silver upon the
country's creditors, or destroy the par
itv Of all forms Of money.
The patriotic Democrats Of this state
who favor the retention OF the Philip
rlnes. will not be able iong to blind