Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-08-17
THE DEMOCRATS ADMITTEDLY
IN THE RIGHT.

The Republicans are seeking cover
on the question of Imperialism. a few
months ago they were truculent and
defiant. They sneered at the Declara-
ton of Independence as an antiquated
document, the product of a. theorist
and visionary; they said openly that il
constitutional limitations interfered
with the scheme of empire they should
and would be disregarded. What
could Washington, Jefferson and the
rest of them know OF the needs of n
nation of 100000 pcople?" was u
familiar and contemptuous query. "If
this be Imperialism, make the most
of it," they said in effect when brought
10 book for taking the ground that the
Porto Ricans are subjects, not citi-
zens. They were rather proud of Inn
perialism then as something large and
fine, spelling progress and partici-
patton in the worlds work." Imperi-
alism oozed adjectives and JUNCTION, and
any soul who did not thrill to the
beauties and benencence of 1t was Il
little American"
But things have changed since then,
and Imperialism is now disowned in
the house OF its fathers. "In favor of
Imperialism" There is no such, thing
as Imperialism; we are Americans,
and opposed to it," This is the new
word that has been passed down the
line. 1t will not serve. The people
of the country are not to be fooled by
any such juggling of words; the thing
81 L.,
any other name. Everybody now
knows what Imperialism means as dis
tinguished from Expansion. Imperial
ism means that this country can ac-
quire subjects: Expansion means that
1t can increase its citizen body. The
Republicans say that we can have sub
jects; the Democrats say we can not.
Republicans say that the constitution
does not follow the flag; Democrats
say it does. Republicans say that we
can conquer by force and govern with
out their consent distant peoples;
Democrats say that they have the
same right to govern themselves that
we have to govern ourselves.
When, therefore. Republicans rcpu-
diate the name, but stand for the thing.
they admit that the Democrats are
right and they are wrong. They seek
to avoid the issue by subterfuge, by
mere verbal quibbling. 1t is doubtful
that ever before thus early in u cam
paign did any political party of this
country begin TO run from the main
issue. 1t is most significant. and surely
1t should not be lost on Democrats
Achilles has plainly stuck his vulner-
able heel over the breatsworks ana in
sists on calling attention to it; the
rest ought to be easy.
There are but two things that Demo-
Gratis need to fear in this campaign
American optimism and short sighted
selfishness. If the American people can
be made to understand that the strong
er the nation the greater the danger to
1t of Imperialism, the fight will be
largely won. There will not be any
sort of difficulty in making them un-
derstand what Imperialism is. a ma
jority of them understand it already.
The attempt of tho Republicans to
avoid the issue by mere denial is
childish. But the average American Is
apt to think that our institutions are
fixtures and will persist whatever may
befall. Nor must Democrats underes-
innate the force of the Republican APP
peal to pure selfishness. the instinct to
grab. There is the danger that Demo-
Gratis will 'shoot over the heads OF the
audience" 1t is entirely futile to COM
bat commercial policy, that men be-
lieve will pay, with ethical precepts.
Nobody knows that more thoroughly
than our friends the enemy. Their diff
ficulty is that Imperialism as COM
| mercial policy does not pay. 1t is q
| point worth emphasizing.
We shall not be able to get a stand
up fight upon this issue. The Imperi-
alists Will dodge and deny and cutie
fish to the end OF the chapter. Never
theless, if it be made plain TO TIA,
American people that Imperialism is n
menace to the Republic, and that It is
| neither right in principle nor profitable
in practice, they will make an end of
it. There need be little effort devoted
to showing that Imperialism exists.
| The Republicans have admitted that
by running from it. The effects of II
constitute the only matter of argu
ment.