The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-10-22
storm of Applause Greets His Remarks i as to Philippines.


 i4 as to Philippines.
 Hartford, Conn, Oct. 21.--Hoke Smith who was Secretary of the Interior in Cleveiands cabinet. was the principal speaker at a Democratic rally tonight. He spoke on the expenditures under the present administration and the Presi- dents treatment of the Panama Ques- ton and brought forth a storm of applause as he dealt with the ques- tion of the disposition of the Philip pines.
 Regarding the Philippines. MT. Smith said:
 Tn entire harmony with the poli- cies of the Republican Party. led by President Roosevelt. is the treatment now being accorded to the inhabitants of the Philippine Islands.
 "An earnest appeal was made by pa- triots from. all over the United States to the Republican National Convention asking that 1t distinctly declare that the policy of this Government would possible the same treatment which we have accorded to the Cubans. The pe- tition was rejected.
 What is the attitude of President Roosevelt and the Republican Party on this subject? They have made not the slightest indication of purpose to free the Filipinos. but refer to them in official reports as rebels. We are assured by Secretary Taft that it wifi be several generations before they can take charge of their own affairs. "When we couple this statement from the Secretary of War with the declara- ton of President Roosevelt that the shadow of our destiny has already reached the shores of Asia and with the failure of the Republican conven- tion to give any encouragement Of lib- erty to the Filipinos, are we not put upon notice that the real position of the Republican Party is to maintain these islands as colonies. and to pro- ceed even further to conquer territory in the East1
 "On the other hand, the position of the Democratic Party and of its cam didate is simple and definite. We fa- vor extending to the Philippine Islands the same treatment that has been ac- corded to Cuba. This does not mean independence 100 years hence. It means independence in the near fu- ture. It means immediate steps to help organize a local government with the assurance to the people of these islands that just so soon as this local government can control the islands we will leave them to do so. and that we only stay 10 neip prepare lnem LOT the privileges of liberty and independence. 'The course of the Republicans re- pudiates the records of our noble an- cestors who settled in New England and settled the colonies upon the At- lantic Ocean. It is hostile to every principle that for a century we have been teaching to our children. It is contrary to the spirit of our Declara- ton of Independence and our national Constitution. It opens no doorway of hope to the Filipinos. and 1t taints the people of America with false idea of justice and right.
 And for what are we to pursue such course? We are told that we are to benefit the Filipinos. and yet the report of General Bell has brought to our attention the fact that 61s.00o men, women and children have been buried on the Island of Luzon during two years out of a population of 3,727, ,4sS persons. and this, too. under the benign administration which our country has placed over the island.
 '"rhe benefits which we are to carry them is the protection which vuItures give Co lambs. covering and devour- ing them
 But, if 1t is suggested that these islands are to be organized as States, who would be willing to increase our Congress with these foreigners, carry ing perhaps the balance of power to prevent wise legislation for our imme- diate country7
 But. 1t has been said. we need them for our commercial growth. Who does not know that reciprocity agreements can furnish the fullest opportunity for trade Barring tarin regulations. own