The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1900-08-16
YE MAKES / eLER
Congressman Long Batters
Down the imperial FaIacy.
HIS ARGUMENT is SIMPLE
Wisdom of All Statesmen
Condemns Bryan's Position.

Leoti. Kan. Aug. 15.-Probably tn,
clearest and simplest exploitation of tn,
fusion theory of imperialism" that is
being heard in this campaign is contain
ed in the speech Of Representative Ches-
ter L Long at this place yesterday
| Without elaboration Mr. Long shows Il
the satisfaction of the Republican voter
and clearly enough to those of the oppo-
sition who really go to hear and learn
that there is nothing new in the question
Of imperialism; that it presents no ex-
tremely radical departures; that there is
no necessity for alarm; that the career
| of empire is not about to be launched.
and that President Mckinley merely is
following in the footsteps Of his Demo
cratic predecessors.
After leading up to the subject by
showing the absolute necessity Of a new
paramount issue by the Democrats;
showing that tariff and silver and trusts
could not be used, Mr.. Long called at
tention to Bryan's speech of acceptance
at Indianapolis where he states that If
vene congress in extraordinary session
and carry out the declarations of the
Kansas City platform. Then Mr.. Long re-
fers to the platform on this subject,
which states that the Democratic idea is
First-Give the Filipinos stable gov
eminent.
Second-Give them their absolute indie
pendence.
Third-Maintain a protectorate over
them, placing them in the light and foot
steps Of the South American republics.
~ think we can do better than that"
says Mr.. Long. 1.-THE South American
republic is not model of perfect govern
ment. There the stability of the gov
eminent depends upon control of the ar
my, and at stated intervals revolution
occurs and the government in power is
swept out by another. Don't you think
our government is better than that?
Don't you think that we, who have sue
cessfully governed New Mexico Okla
homa, Arizona and Alaska, can surpass
the South American form of government?
We have given territories of and belong
ing to the United States various forms
of government We have, for instance,
q
governor, without legislature, with only
federal judges, marshal and district at
torney. We have IegisIated for them d.
rect from Washington We have govern
ed Alaska since 1867. It has a governor.
but no legislature. We have legislated
for its occupants direct from Washing
ton. We gave its people scarcely any
legislation until 1884. That year we gave
them a criminal code. Last session we
gave them civil code. Recently, when
gold was discovered, we extended over
the district of Alaska our mining laws
We simply give them laws as they need
them.
Shortly after the acquisition of Loui-
siana the seat of government for the new
territory was maintained in Indiana. This
was done by Jefferson. Afterward, laws
were made and extended as the occasion
demanded, and Jefferson was often oblig-
ed to force his manner Of legislation
through congress, but he understood
something of the constitution and the
Declaration of Independence, and knew
what he could do and what was the
proper course to pursue with new terri
tory.
laws as the new territory was able to
manage its own affairs and necessity de-
manded. We viii always be able to do
this
1--WE have given Porto Rico a form Of
civil government. We did not think it
right that the people of the United
States should be faxed for the benefit OF
Porto Rico nor the people Of Porto Rico
for the benefit of the United States. So
in the face of a desperate opposition all
over the country we formulated a tariff
law which win assist Porto Rico to be-
come seIf-suppordng. The people of that
island are well satisfied with the opera
tons Of the new law and have so ex-
pressed themselves,
at believe in giving our new possessions
the benefits OF the best government on
earth 7 believe it is better to give them
the stars and stripes. IF you know Of
better flag for them. name it-and then
so there and live yourself
I'VE want no imperialism; we want no
Bryan We viii Go our duty and dis
charge our obligations We have gov
erned territory for one hundred years
under that provision Of the constitution
which says that congress shall have
power to make all needful rules and reg
uIations respecting the territory belong
ing to the United States
do not be alarmed. There IS nothing
in this burning issue Of Imperialism.
They merely want TO frighten you. They
merely want to divert your attention
from the satisfactory administration Of
William Mckinley az home; from the
prosperity which you now enjoy. to turn
YOU TO far-oG conditions and Happenings.
10 not b. afraid. % your duty. You
know whether the administration OF Nc
Einley has satisfied Won. You know