The Delta independent., 1904-09-23
NATIONAL EXPANSION
IT HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE
COUNTRYS GREAT MEN.
Policy of Adding to the Nation's Ter
ritory Was Advocated by Both Dem
orats and Republicans What
Former Preside nts Said.

The st. Louis convention did not re-
afirm the Kansas City platform in set
terms, because it did not dare to do so.
but it repeated some OF the worst fea-
lures of the platform that was repudiated
by the people four years ago. Among
these IL the protest against national ex-
pansion. The Kansas City platform de-
clsred imperialism to be the para
mount issue. meaning thereby the reten-
ton of the Philippine Islands, which
Providence and the fate Of war brought
into our possession.
The Democratic National convention
of 1904 did not dare to go as far as
that Of four years ago in opposing tho
acquisition of new territory, but 1t de-
nonuces 1t under new name. Four
years ago it was imperialism" now 1t
is Colonial exploitation" The st. Louis
platform says:
1--WE oppose as fervently As did George
Washington himself an indefinite, irre-
sponsible, discretionary. and vague ab-
solutism and a policy Of Colonial exploit
tation. no matter where or by whom In
voked or exercised"
The attempt to conjure in the name Of
George Washington is characteristic
piece of Democratic impudence. Wash
ngton never wrote or uttered q word
to Justify the foregoing declaration. The
question of national expansion was not
up In his day. but he was firm believer
in the policy of claiming all the rights
and functions of sovereignty for the Uni.
ted States.
History shows that almost without ex-
ception the great statesmen of this coun-
try from Jefferson and Washington down
to Mckinley and Roosevelt have spoken
and argued for national expansion.
Among the expressions of distinguished
Americans on the subject are the follow.
ing:
Washington: .There Is a rank dus
to the United States among the nations
Of the world. which will he withheld II
not absolutely lost by the reputation for
weakness"
Lincoln: Having practiced the ac-
QUESTION of territory for nearly sixty
years. the question of constitutional pow.
er to do so is no longer an open one"
Thomas Jefferson: II am persuaded
that no constitution was ever before %
well calculated as ours for extensive EN-.
pire and self-government."
Stephen A. Douglas: II tell you, In
crease and multiply and expand Is the
law of this nations existence"
Andrew Jackson: II now behold the
great American eagle, with her stars
and stripes lowering over the Lone Star
of Texas, and with cheering note wei
coming it into our Union"
General Grant: az do not share in ths
apprehension held by many as to the
danger Of governments becoming weaken
ed and destroyed by reason Of their ex
tension Of territory"
William Mckinley: ."That the Philip
pine Islands will be retained under the
benign sovereignity>of the United Stntes
do not permit myself to doubt. That
they will prove n rich and invaluable
heritage feel assured. That Congress
will provide for them government
! which will bring them blessings and pro
mote their material interests as well a,
| advance their people in the path of civil
lization and intelligence, confdentiallJ
believe"
Theodore Roosevelt: "Expnnsior
means, in the end. not war but peace
But, like every other great good. 1t car
ordinarily be achieved only by great ef
fort. Woe to us IL we shrink from
such effort"
These expressions from representative
Americans might be multiplied indefinite
ly. The opposite view Is entertained
only by those who distrust the vitnllt,
of Republican government, or, who. fo
personal or party reasons. feel obliget
| to denource everything done by 4 Re
publican administration.
|