Rocky Ford enterprise., 1904-09-23

The st. Louis convention did not re-
aflirm the Kansas City platform In set
terms, because it did not dare 10 do SO.
but 1t repeated SOM OF the worst fea-
lures of the platform that was repudiated
by the people four years ago. Among
these Is the protest against national ex-
pansion. The Kansas City platform de-
clared 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 20 as far as
that of four years ago In opposing the
acquisition OF new territory. but II de-
nOnuces II under a new name. Four
years ago Il was imperialism now 1t
is Colonial exploitation" The st. Louis
platform says:
1--WE oppose as fervent!y as did George
Washington himself an indefinite. IRE
sponsible. discretionary. and vague alb
soiutism 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
to Justify the foregoing declaration. Tho
question Of national expansion was not
up In bis day. but he was a hrm believer
In the policy OF claiming all the rights
and functions Of sovereignty for the Cni.
| ted States.
History shows that almost without ex-
eeptlou 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 ~ distinguished
Americans on the subject are the follow
Ing:
Washington: "The-e IL q rank due
to the United States among the nations
OF the world. which will be withheld II
not absolutely lost by the reputation for
weakness"
LIneo,u: -Tiarlns praetieed the &c.
quIsItion Of territory for nearly sisiy
years. the question Of constitutional pow.
sr TO do 80 IL no longer an open one."
Thomas jefferson: ~ am persuaded
| that no constitution was ever before %
well calculated AZ ours for extensive sm-
p!se and .eif.soSernment"
Stephen 4. Douglas: - tell you. In.
crease and multiply and expand 10 the
Law OF this nations existence"
Andrew Jackson: II now behold the
great American eagle. with her stars
and stripes lowering over the toas Star
Of Tesas. snd with cheering note vel.
coming II Into our Cnion."
General Grant: - do not share In the
apprehension held by many ss TO the
danger of governments brcosnins weaken.
s'i aud destroyed by reason Of iheis ss-
tension Of territory"
William Mekiai-y: That the Philip.
pin. I.ispds uli, be retained under the
| benign sovereignty OF the tnii~a States.
I do not permit myself to doubs. That
they will prove . rich and Invaluable
heritage I feel assured. That Congress
will provide for them . government
which will bsins them blessings and pro.
mot. their material Interests as well ss
advance their people In the path Of e.vI.
lisa,ion ssd ia,siiiscaec. l eoasdsnsisiiy
Leiisre."
Theosinrs Roosevelt: "Esrsnsiaa
means. In tho eai. not var bat peace.
Eut. Ike every other great good. IL can
! oryiIsarIiy be achieved only By great es'
fort. Wee to as " ws shriak from
such effort
These expressions from representative
American. might bc multiplied iaisahi,e.
~. The opposite view 10 eat.rtainei
oniy By those ~ho distrust the vitality
Of Rspahiican government. or. Win. sar
personal or party reasons. feel obliged
20 deneuase everything done b. . lie.
publieaa administration.