The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-11-20

field Of diplomacy there is no reason for
doubt on the one hand or reticence on the
other. President Mckinley, in his mes
sages during the last four years, has made
the subject perfectly clear. We have
striven, on the lines laid down by Wash
ington, to cultivate friendly relations with
all powers, but not 10 take part in the
formation of groups or combinations among
them. A position OF complete independence
is not incompatible with relations involving
not friendship alone but concurrent action
as WELL In important emergencies. We
nave Kept always in view the fact that we
are pre-eminently a peace-lOvlng people;
that our normal activities are in the di
rection OF trade and commerce; that the
vast development Of our industries impera-
lively demands that we shall not only re-
tain and confirm our hold on our present
markets, but seek constantly, by all hon
Orable means, TO extend our commercial
interests in every practicable direction. 1t
Is for this reason we have negotiated the
treaties of reciprocity which now await
the action of the Senate, all Of them con-
ceived in the traditional American spirit
OF protection 10 our own industries and
yet mutually advantageous to ourselves
and our neighbOrs
I'm the same spirit we have sought sue
cessfully 70 induce all the great powers to
unite in recognition of the general prin-
ciple of equality of commercial access and
opportunity IN the markets or the orient.
We believe that "a fair field and no favors'
is all require, and with less than that
we cannot be satisfied. If we accept the
assurances we nave received as honest
and genuine, I certainly do, that equal
ity will not be denied us, and the result
may be safely left to American genius and
energy.
OUR INTERESTS IN THE PACIFIC.
1--WE consider out interests in the Pacific
ocean as great now as those of any other
power and destined TO indefinite develop
ment. We have opened our doors to the
people of Hawaii; We have accepted the
responsibility of the Philippines, which
Providence imposed upon us; we have put
an end to embarrassing condominium in
which we were involved in Samoa, and.
while abandoning none of our commercial
rights in the entire group, we have estab-
lished our flag and our authority in Tu-
tuiTa, which gives US the finest harbor in
the South seas. Next in order will come
Pacific cable and an isthmian canal for
the use of all well-disposed peoples, but
under exclusive American ownership and
American control, or Doth or which great
enterprises President Mckinley and Presi-
dent Roosevelt have been the energetic
and consistent champions.
Sure as we are of our rights in these
matters, convinced as are of the au-
thenticity of the vision which has led us
thus far and still beckons us forward, /
can yet assure you that so long as the ad-
ministration of your affairs remains in
hands strong and skillful as those to
which they have been and are now con-
fded there will be no more surrender of
our rights than there will be violation Of
the rights OF others. The President, TO
whom you have given your invaluable trust
and confidence. like his immort tai
predecessor, is as incapable of bullying a
strong power as he is of wronging weak
one. He feels and knows-for has he not
tested ii In the currents of heady fight as
well as in the toilsome work OF admins
tratiOn?-that the nation over whose deSti-
nies he presides has a giants strength in
the works of war, as in the works of peace.
But that consciousness Of strength brings
with IL temptation to do injury to any
power on earth the proudest or the hum
blest. We frankly confess We seek the
friendship of all the powers; we want to
trade with all peoples; we are conscious
of resources that will make our commerce
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