The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-08-10

Any other course would be not only false
economy but pusillanimous. protest.
however, against the feeling, now far too
prevalent, that by reason of the com
nanding position we have assumed in the
world, we must take part in the disputes
and broils of foreign countries; and that
because we have grown great we should
intervene in every important question that
arises In other parts of the world also
protest against the erection of any such
military establishment as would be re-
qutred to maintain the country in that
attitude. We should confine our inter-
national activities solely to matters in
which the rights. of the country or of
our citizens are directly involved. That
is not a situation of isolation, but of in
dependence.
Americas Place in World.
The government of the United States
was organized solely for the people of
the United States. While 1T was con-
templated that this country should be-
come refuge for the oppressed of every
land. who might be fit to discharge the
duties OF our citizenship and while we
have always sympathized with the people
of every nation in their struggles for
self geyernment, the government was not
created for career Of political or civil
izing evangelfzation in foreign countries
or among alien races. The most efficient
work we can do In uplifting the people of
other countries is by the presentation of a
happy, prosperous seIf-governing nation
as an ideal to be emulated, model to be
followed. The general occupation of our
citizens in the arts Of peace, or the alb
sence OF large military ornaments, tends
TO impair neither patriotism nor physi-
cal courage, and for the truth of this
refer the young men of today to the
history OF the civil war. For fifty years,
with the exception of the war with Mex
leo, this country had been at peace, with
standing army most of the time of less
than ten thousand men. He who thinks
| that the nation had grown effeminate dur
ing that period should read the casualty
rolls Of the armies either side at Shiloh
Antietam, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg
at Stone River and Chickamauga. T
would be the last man to pluck a single
laurel from the crown Of any one of the
military heroes to whom this country owes
so much, but I insist that their most heroic
deeds proceeded infinitely more from de-
votion to athe country than from martial
spirit. @oi 80 &
| AS have ALREADY proceeded at too
great length, other: questions suggested
in the platform must await my letter, of
acceptance.
Mr. Chairman: In most graceful speech
you have reminded me of the great re-
sponsibility, as we'll as the great honor
of the nomination bestowed upon me by
the convention you represent this DIV
Be assured that both are appreciated
| SO keenly appreciated that I am humbIed
| IN their presence.
| No denomination.
accept, gentlemen Of the committee.
the nomination, and if the action of the
convention shall be Endorsed by an cleo
me, give to the discharge of the duties
of that exalted office the best service Of
Which am capable and at the end OF
the term retire to private life. I shall
not be a candidate for, nor shall ac-
I cept denomination. Several reasons
might be advanced for this position but
the controlling one with me is that I
am fully persuaded that no incumbent
of that office should ever be placed In
la situation of possible tempta ton to
consider what the effect of action taken
by him in an administrative matter Of
great Importance might have upon his
political fortunes. Questions Of momen-
tous consequence to all of the people have
been in the past and will be In the fu-
I ture presented to the president for de-
termination, and in approaching their con-
siders ton, as we'll as in weighing the facts
/ and the arguments bearing upon them, he
should be unembarras by any possible
thought of the influence his decision may
have upon anything whatever that may
affect him personally. I make this state
ment, not in criticism Of any of our presi-
dents from Washington down who have
either held the office for two terms or
sought to succeed themselves; for strong
arguments can be advanced in support Of
the re- election of q president It is SIM
ply my judgment that the interests OF
| this country are now so vast and the
questions presented are frequently of such
! overpowering magnitude to the people that
it is indispensable to the maintenance OF
a betting attitude before the people, not
only that the chief magistrate should be
! independent, but that that independence
should be known of all men.