Arizona republican., 1904-09-26
PARKER SKATERS
 SILENCE
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 independence. It was not intended that IL should be understood to mean. nor do l think as used it does mean less than independence. However, to elim- mate all possibility for conjecture. now state that I am in hearty ac- cord with that plank of our platform that favors doing for the Fflipinos what we have already done for the Cu- bans; and I favor making the promise 10 them now that we shall take, such action as soon as they are reasonably prepared for it. If independence, such as the Cubans enjoy cannot be pru- dently granted to the Fllipinos at this tune the promise that it shall come the moment they are capable of re- ceiving it will tend to stimulate rather than hinder their development. And this should be done not only in justice to the Filipino but to preserve our own rights; for free people cannot with hold freedom from another people and themselves remain free. The federation Of tyranny over others will soon breed contempt for freedom and self-govern- ment and weaken our power of resis- tance to insidious usurpation of our constitutional rights
 RECLAMATION OF ARID LAMBS.
 A vast expanse of country in tha west, portions of which are to be fcund in each of the sixteen states and terri tories mentioned in the law, is directly affected by the national statute-the outcome of intelligent and persistent efforts of leading citizens. providing for the reclama ton of the arid lands for the benefit of the homeseekers During the years of the development or the measure which fro11.- the vote of every member of the upDer house of congress. it encounters opDo. sitlon based to large extent upon the VleW that the aim of it's promoters was To secure the benefits of irrigation to private owners at government expense The aim of the statute is however to enable this vast territory to reclaim its arid lands without calling 11Dor tba taxpayers of the country at large to pay for it. Whether the purpose of the Dill will be fully accomplfshed must de- pend in a large measure upon the abil- ny sobriety of judgment. fndepend- ence and honesty of the officers Of the interior department having this great work In charge. In 1903 the main ca nals and ditches in the region affected aggregated more than 59.OOO miles and the work of reclamation is bat in its infancy. The total cost of construction Of the necessary head gates. dams main canals, dltches, reservoirs and pumping stations was at that time a httle over ninety-three millions of dol lars, which of itself suggests the hun dreQs Of millions that may eventually De invested in the territory covered by the statute. The magnitude of it's con ception and the enormous expensa its carving out involves makes us realize the overshadowing importance of broad, capab and honest adrninistra tlon of the work authorized by the sta tute if effort is to be given to that part Of the plan that relieves the country aI large from ultimate liability.
 PANAMA CANAL.
 An isthmian canal has long been the hope of our statesmen and the avowed ann or the two great parties, as their platforms in the past show. The Pan- ana route having been selected. inc building of the canal should be pressed 10 completion with all reasonable expe- dition.
 The methods by which the executive acquired the Panama canal route and flghts are source of regret to many. TO them the statement that thereby a great public work was assured to the pront of our people is not sufficient answer to the charge of violation of national good faith. They appreciate that the principles and healthy convic- uons which in their working out have made us free and great. stand firmly against the argument or suggestion that we shall be blind to the nature of the means employed to promote our welfare They hold that adherence to precedence, whether it works for good or III, will have a more benef1cent ef- feet on our future destiny than all our material upbuilding and that we should ever remember that the idea of doing a wrong to a smaller. weaker nation than we, that even all mankind may have resultant good. is repugnant to the principles upon which our govern meht was founded. Under the laws of the United States the authority is i'm posed upon the executive to proceed with due diligence to the construction of the canal. That duty should be promptly performed.
 INVESTIGATION OF GOVERNMENT
 DEPARTMENTS.
 Recent disclosures, coupled with the rapid augmentation of government expenditures, show a need of an inves- tigation of every department of the government. The democrats in con- gress demanded it. The republican majority refused the demand. The people can determine by their vote in November whether they wish an hon. est and thorough investigation. A democratic congress and executive will assure it.
 ARMY AND NAVY.
 We are justly proud of the officers and men in our army and navy. Both. however, have suffered from the per- sistent injection of personal and po- Hticdl influence. Promotions and ap- pointments have frequently been based on faVoritism instead of merit. Trials and court-martials have been set aside under circumstances indicating politi- cal interference. These and other abuses should be corrected.
 PENSIONS FOR OUR SOLDIERS
 AND SAILORS.