The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-09-16

new island possessions will be the Roose-
welt policy
In view of President Roosevelt's pledge
TO continue absolutely without variance"
the general policy established and pursued
by his lamented predecessor. 1t is interest
ing to note that the last public address by
Mr.. Mckinley indicated his own purpose
to do the same thing on progressive and
broadening lines. His speech at the Pan
American Exposition the day before he was
shot was very significant in this respect.
Its main argument was for the mainte-
nance of friendly relations with all nations,
while paying special regard to the develop
ment OF our own resources and he protec-
ton and advancement of our own interests
Most of Mr.. McKinleys speeches in the
last few years have referred to war meas
ures and policies. This one did not men
ton them. 1t dealt exclusively with eco
nomic policies and with questions OF trade
and commerce. and was evidently intended
to outline what he thought should be the
future policy of the government. After
commenting on the unexampled prosperity
Of the country at the present time. he said:
Only broad and enlightened policy will
keep what we have. No other policy Will
get more. In these times of marvellous
business energy and gain we ought TO be
looking to the future, strengthening the
weak places in our industrial and CONNER
cial systems, that we may be ready for any
storm or strain.
BY sensible trade arrangements which
will not interrupt our home production, we
shall extend the outlets for our increasing
surplus. system which provides a mutual
exchange of commodities is manifestly es-
sential TO the continued healthful growth
of our export trade We must not repose in
fancied security that we can forever sell
everything and buy little or nothing. If
such a thing were possible 1t would not be
best for us, or for those with whom we
deal. We should take from our customers
such of their products as we can use With
out harm to our industries and labor. Rec
iprocity is the natural outgrowth of our
wonderful industrial development under the
domestic policy now firmly established.
What we produce beyond our domestic
consumption must have a vent abroad. Inc
excess must be relieved through foreign
outlet. and We should sell everywhere we
can, and buy wherever the buying will en-
large our sales and productions. and there
by make a greater demand for home labor
The period of exclusiveness is past. The
expansion OF our trade and commerce is
the pressing problem. Commercial wars are
improbable. A policy of good will and
friendly trade relations will prevent re-
prisals Reciprocity treaties are in har-
ures of retaliation not. If, perchance,
some of our tariffs are no longer needed
for revenue or to encourage and protect
our industries at home, why should they
not be employed to extend our markets
abroad?
President Mckinley also spoke strongly
in favor of building up our merchant ma
rine, of charging our ocean-carrying facil-
tiles, and of building the Isthmian canal.
No doubt President Roosevelt had read this
address very carefully. and had it in mind
when he declared his purpose to continue
without variation the policy of his prede-
cessor. Even without such a pledge Amer
leans would have felt that the honor of the
government and the welfare and prosperity
of the country were in safe hands, but the
assured continuance of established policies
on progressive and broadening lines has
removed all possible apprehension that
might have existed on that score.