The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-04-29
LOOKING FOR SIGNS OF DIssATIs-
FACTION


The platform utterances of the Repub-
lican state conventions which met last
week were critically scanned by polite
| ians of both parties for the purpose of
nnding out whether or not there was such
dissatisfaction with the Porto Rican and
Philippine policies of the Republican par
| ty among Republicans as would material
ly affect the Republican vote in the pres
idential election. It is well understood, Of
course, that there is very large element
in the Republican party that favors free
trade with Porto Rico. and thinks the
Philippines ought TO be dealt with in &C.
cordance with the views entertained by
Senator Hoar, and expressed in his recent
speech In the Senate.
The conventions were kept well in hand
by the leaders, showing that the Republic
can party is a well disciplined organiza-
ton In Indiana, where a great deal OF
| dissatisfaction has been expressed by Re-
pubIcans with the partys Porto Rican
policy, compromise was reached and the
administration was cordially Endorsed.
Confidence was expressed in 1.-The wisdom
integrity, and ability of the administra-
ton, supported by the Republican Con-
gress, to deal wisely and justly with the
questions, concerning our newly acquired
possessions as they may arise"
In Pennsylvania and Wisconsin nothing
definite was said respecting the partys
policies relative to our insular posses
sions. The acts of the administration and
Congress bearing upon these possessions
were indorsed in a general way. Thele was
ground for the inference that the leaders
desired to prevent any discussion of the
course pursued by the administration and
Congress respecting Porto Rico and the
Philippines.
The resolutions adopted by the conven-
ton in Ohio were more definite. It is the
understanding that they were prepared at
the White House. In them it was declar-
ed, as had already been declared by the
administration and Congress, that the
representatives of the people have full
power over territory belonging to the
United States" but this declaration was
qualified by the assertion that this power
shall be exercised I'm harmony with, and
subject TO the fundamental safeguards of
our free institutions for liberty, justice
and personal rights" The supposition is
that the national platform of the party
will contain a declaration respecting our
insular possessions very much like that
adopted by the Ohio Republican conven-
| ton Assuming that such will be the case,
1t is evident that the Republican party
means to stand by the position 1t has
taken in respect to Porto Rico and the
! Philippines-it means to deal with them
as colonies.
In the New Hampshire Convention an
attempt was made to condemn the ad-
ministration's policy respecting Porto
Rico. A resolution was offered to the eff
feet that Porto Rico ought to have free
trade, and a strong speech was made in
support of 1t. The speech and resolution
were received with considerable applause.
| II the administration leader had not taken
| the convention in hand, 1t is said that
| the free trade resolution would have re-
ceived the support OF at least third of
the delegates
No doubt good many Republicans will
refuse TO support the presidential ticket
of the Republican party because of their
| disapproval of the Porto Rican and Phil
| ippine policies Of that party. but viii the
number be sufficient to greatly lesson its
| chances for carrying the election? The Re
publican conventions thus far held do not
furnish sufficient material on which to
base an answer to this question.