Daily Kennebec journal., 1900-08-30
MT. VERNON REPUBLICANS
CONTINUED from page ~

and bravery of the American soldier. We
had n duty to perform not only to ou,
selves but to the world. What, pray tell
me, else could we have done under the
circumstances? Should we have left those
islands to be the common prey OF the
other great powers of the earth? Should
we have delivered them back to the
treachery and cruelty and barbarism OF
the Spanish empire? Or should we as
sumo the grave responsibility incumbent
on us as a great republic, coming to US
unforeseen, unsought. simply one OF the
consequences growing out OF the war
which was begun for the liberty of the
Cuban patriots. for common humanity
and Christian civilization?'
He then spoke of how the treaty CT
peace was ratified. Mr.. Bryans atutuoe
in urging the Democratic senators TO vote
for its ratification when he did not really
believe in its terms shows the KIM OF
man he was and is, unworthy Of the SUI ,
RACES of the American people: he said
the Democratic position relative 10 me
Philippine islands was an absurditv, ana
said: Think of this proposition: To rec
ogniZe the government OF an lnsu'SehI
tribe representing a small minority or
the population of the islands; to commit
the sovereignty which We acquired from
Spain, and which we hold In trust 10.
several Mullins OF people, emoracihhg ih
military chieftains of 4 single one, ana
then stand off at our own expense with
our army and navy. responsive Tor an
that follows, but without Vestige OF au-
thority to direct the course of affairs. NO
such profound stupidity in the whole his
tory OF the world has ever masquerIted
for wisdom even In the leadership oi q
forlorn political hope.
Mr. Leigh claimed that there was no
such thing as imperialism under re-
publican form Of government. There was
great difference between imperialism and
expansion. The Republican party believes
in growth. development and expansion.
1t is the destiny of this country to grow
and expand and ii will go forward and
DrODnetS,
abounding in the Democratic party with
Mr. Bryan as their leader, standing i'll Tie
way. opposing, tearing down, always on
the wrong side OF every great public
question, but still the republic has and
will still move on.
DeiagO? Every foot. No nation ever had
Il better title to a rod OF soil. Haul down
the old flag, no. never. For my part, |
place myself under the flag. behind the
administration of my country, by the
side of the American soldier in whatever
land he may be" Mr.. Leigh then dis
cussed the question of free silver and
said the Democratic party stands as il
did in 1896. for a dishonest dollar, &c
based currency and national dishonor at
home and abroad. He showed how the
Republican party under President Me
kinley had brought business prosperity
to al our people. by the passage of the
Dingley tariff act. He compared tue
amount of business done under the last
Democratic administration to the volume
of business done under President Mex a.
ley's administra ton. He spoke of the
condition of the country in 1886, as the
result Of Democratic rule and the pas
sage of the Wilson tariff law, how there
was 4 lack of business confidence among
all the people. how labor was unemployed,
our manufacturing interests silent and
general business stagnation everywhere.
He then spoke how the policies of tne
Republican party had brought peac-.
plenty and prosperity to every interest in
our country. He closed with ar urgent
appeal to every voter to forget pa. ty
affiliations and in this campaign vote and
work for his country and his country :
flag Mr.. Leigh's tribute to the Rrpub-
lican candidate for Governor was warmly
appla uded. as was the mention Of the
name Of Edwin &. Burleigh. the Republi-
can candidate for Congress. Mr. Leigh
paid a glowing tribute to the industry,
ability and discrimination of the con
gresham from the Third District saying
that every detail of this responsible posi-
tion had received the closest cOnsldera-
tion from Mr.. Burleigh. ana all matters
submitted for his decision had reached a
solution entirely satisfactory to every
sensible, intelligent Republican IN the
district. Mr.. Leigh's eulogium If Pres
Mckinley and his associate on the ticket
Theodore Roosevelt, met with unqualified
approval by every person present Tel
meeting a great success ana viii do
much good.