The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1900-08-29
Mr.. Bryan'S HideOus Proposition.

"If elected shall convene Congress in
extraordinary session as soon as inaugu-
rated, and recommend an immediate
declaration OF the nations purpose first,
TO establish stable form of government
in the Philippine Islands, Just as we are
now establishing a stable form of govern
ment in Cuba; second, to give independ-
ence to the Filipinos, Just as we have
promised to give independence to Cuba;
third, to protect the Filipinos from out
side interference while they work out
their destiny, Just as we have protected
the republics of Central and South Amer
lea. and are by the Monroe doctrine
pledged to protect Cuba. MIR. Bryan's
speech of acceptance.
Mr.. Bryan's unqualified declaration,
made at indianapolis, means that if he is
elected the Congress chosen this fall will
be convened in extraordinary session by
the middle of the coming March. In all
probability the party that elects the Pres
ident will also elect the House of Repre-
sentatives.
1t is felt that this declaration in all its
bearings cannot be considered too prompt
ly and discussed too thoroughly.
What would it mean TO have Mr.. Bry-
an IN the White House and Congress,
at least i'll part Democratic, sitting less
than sevon months hence? That is pos
sble condition to which the serious at
tentioD of the Amy rican people may well
be invited at once. Mr.. Bryan has raised
an issue sufficiently momentous to COM
mand earnest thought.
Mr.. Bryan will summon Congress and
ask it to declare our purpose 'to give
them (the Philippines) independence and
guard them against molestation from
without"
That means the withdrawal of our ar
my and authority from the Philippine
Islands.
That means the maintenance in Phil
ippine waters of a fleet sufficient to pre-
vent Germany, France, Great Britain,
Japan, Russia, and any other nation from
interfering with them.
To what international complications
might not such relationship lead.
"For three-qusrters of a century," says
Mr.. Bryan, "the Monroe doctrine has
been shield to neighboring Republics,
and yet it has imposed no impecuniary
burden upon u.s."
The Republics are on the same hemis-
phere with us. The other nations are
across the ocean. Mr.. Bryan proposes
that uva uha1l orOSo tba ooaan 20 4ho bo,,,
isphere where the other NATIONS are at
home and where we shall have no footing
whatever after the recognition OF the
Philippine independence, that we shall
undertake to uphold republic there
against all neighboring nations.
And to put this revolutionary policy IN
operation the earlier he will call an ex-
traordinary session of Congress next
March.
Can the thoughtful citizen measure the
disturbing influence of Congress is ses-
sion to proclaim such world policy as
Mr.. Bryan pledges himself to inaugurate?
What besides this radical international
departure would President Bryan and
his Democratic House precipitate? Is it
probable that the new administration
would stop with the Philippine declara-
ton? Mr.. Bryan and the men around
him stand committed to equally radical
policies of domestic character.
Is it not fair to presume that Congress
in extraordinary session would proceed,
so far as the Honse was concerned, with
the measure of which Bryan, Altgeld,
TowDe and the coterie of Democratic and
Populistic leaders stand pledged to their
followers? Agitation, disorder, disturb
ance of conditions generally, might be
expected. And the shadow of this COM
ing session Of Congress would overcast
American prosperity on the very day fol-
lowing the show Of enough electoral votes
to elect Bryan President.
]