The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-09-26
IMPERIALISM.

While presented my views at the noti-
fcation proceedings concerning this vital
issue, the overshadowing importance Of
this question impels me to refer to it again.
The issue is oftentines referred to as Con-
stitutionalism vs.. Imperialism.
II we would retain our liberties and con-
stitutional rights unimpaired, we cannot
permit or tolerate, at any time or for any
purpose, the arrogation of unconstitu-
tional powers by the executive branch Of
our Government We should be ever mind
ful Of the words of Webster, Liberty is
only to be preserved by maintaining con-
stitutional restraints and just divisions
Of political powers
Already the national Government has
become centralized beyond any point oon-
templated or imagined by the trainers OF
the Constitution. How tremendously all
this has added to the power Of the Presi-
dent! II has developed from year to year
until it almost equals that o! many monarchs.
While the growth Of our country and the
magnitude of interstate interests may seem
to furnish a plausible reason for this CEN
trallzation Of power, yet these same facts
afford the most potent reason why the execu-
tive should not be permitted to encroach
upon the other departments OF the Govern
ment and assume legislative or other powers
not expressly conferred by the Consti-
tuition.
The magnitude OF the country and its
diversity OF interests and population would
enable determined, ambitious and able
Executive, unnindful OF constitutional limi-
tations and fred with the lust Of power,
to go far in the usurpation Of authority and
the ACKNOWLEDGMENT Of personal power
before the situation could be fully appre-
ciated OF the people be aroused.
The issue OF Imperialism which has been
thrust upon the country involves decision
whether the law OF the land or the rule OF
individual caprice shall govern. The prin-
ciple Of Imperialism may give rise to brilliant.
startling dashing results, but the principle
OF Democracy holds in check the brilliant
Executive and subjects him 10 the sober,
conservative control Of the people,
The people OF the United States stand at
the parting OF the ways. Shall we follow
the footsteps OF our fathers along the paths
Of peace. prosperity and. contentnnent.
guided by the everything spirit OF the Con.
stitution which they framed for us, or shall
we go along other and untried paths. hith-
erto Stunned by all, following blindly new
ideals, which. though appealing with brill
fancy to the imagination and ambition. may
prove a will-o -the-wisp, leading us into
difficulties from which II may be impossible
to extricate ourselves without lasting injury
to our national character and institutional
THE TARIYF AND TRUsTs.
Tariff reform is one OF the cardinal prin-
cipes of the Democratic faith and the
necessity for il was never greater than at
the present time. 1t should be undertaken
at once in the interest Of all our people.
The Dingley tariff is excessive in many
Of its rates, and, az to them at least I'M
justly and oppressively burdens the people
II secures to domestic manufacturers,
singly or in combination, the privilege OF
exacting excessive prices at home and prices
far above the level OF sales mnde regularly
by them abroad with profit, thus giving
bounty to foreigners at the expense
Of our own people. Its unjust taxa
ton burdens the people generally, fore
ing them to pay excessive prices for
food, fuel clothing and other neoessaries
Of life. II levies duties on many articles
not normally imported In any considerable
amount, which are made extensively at
home. for which the most extreme pro-
tsctionist would hardly Justify protective
taxes, and which in large amounts are
exported, Such duties have been end viii