The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-13
MODERN IMPERIALISM.
Ii Is the VIII of the Majority, Not the
One-Man Power of the Past.

To the Editor OF the Indianapolis Journal:
The fear of Imperialism seems TO gather
its force from the one-man power Of the
past, enforced by military despotism, as
seen in the Latin races. This despotism par
took OF both the Latin character and condi-
tons of the times in which it survived. but.
fortunately, has long since passed by with
the past and could not possibly return as
the world is now constituted. Latin imperi-
alism subjugated with savagery and gov
erned with bar5arity to the glorihcation of
one hero and the infinite misery of count
less number of victims. reducing them to
the most abject poverty by destruction.
rapine and robbery that they might be un-
able to rebel against the authority of the
victors. This condition. though CALLING and
unjust. was in keeping with the age in
which it existed, and was the only sue
cessful way of holding a state together
at that time, as men respected authority
only as,it was sustained by the power of
the sword, and. harsh as il was, was in
finitely better than the vandalism that took
its place when overthrow.
Anglo-Saxon Imperialism differs from the
Latin as the character of the races differ,
and as the present, with its advancement,
differs from the cruder past. In a sense
all government is imperialism, and could
not be government unless it was. When
the government CT n state ceases to be
imperial, which is but another name for
supreme, the mob becomes imperial. This
deplorable condition is occa sionally seen,
especially in cities where those in authori-
", from lack Of ability, a desire to gain
political favor from the lawless elements,
permit the city government to be set at de-
tahce.
The modern imperialism is the will of the
majority, and not the one-man power OF
the past, and for this reason cannot be
narrow and selfish destructive and cruel
1t is the government of the twentieth CEN
fury, in which the subjugated become part
or the governing power. Under this ar
rangement the neglected resources of
weak country can be developed and the in
telligence advanced by education better, in
many cases, than could otherwise be at
tanned.
Since all government is imperialism, the
question is only one of kind and quality
whether 1t shall be one of advancement and
enlightenment, with law and order, justice
and mercy, as ruling elements, to be FOL
lowed by peace and plenty, or a government
OF selfishness, cruelty, destruction, bringing
poverty and misery.
This age demands the most exalted and
noble the most generous and just form fol
Imperialism, government for all, not neg
lectfng those who, by their own conditions
are unable 10 gain that for themselves, anC
who would be deprived of ii for ages, posi-
bly, centuries TO come, did not the more adj
vanced races Of mankind give it to them
or. if you please. force ii upon them.
We sometimes have to force sick child
greatly against his will, to submit to thu
treatment that saves his life AS we otter
have to with imperial power quarantine
those suffering from infectious diseases
that they themselves may be cured, anC
others spared suffering and death, so ma
lions may be compelled for self-preserva
ton and the peace Of the state, to subjec
and govern a dangerous or weak people anC
save them from themselves 1t is but
question of time until the United State
must do this for Cuba, Panama, Colombo;
and other weak and turbulent spots on tn
map. AS a world power that has burst tn
narrow bounds of the past and sailed int
! the domain of empire, America is expected
to and will doubtless do her full shar
| for the worlds needy and benighted. Whel
| the abuse of the selfish had been wrecke'
| by its own confusion, and timdity lost il
| the midnight of its own fear. the great Re
| public will be marching on with this glori
| Gus work of redemption and modern i'm
| perialism. j. A. HOUSER, NJ. ID.
Indianapolis Feb. 10.