The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1905-11-09
A MEXICAN CHARACTERISTICS t
~ From Alien Standpoint.
3933'

saA3-
Paper Read Before the Chautauqua Circle. |
IN WRITING this paper, it is my |
desire to delineate, as clearly as
possible, the characteristics of
the people of the United
States, as they appear to a for
eigner-particularly to Canadian.
The conclusions drawn are based on
the acts of the government and ex-
pressions of opinion, as voiced in the
public press. Let me assure you that
if any of the remarks herein contained
appear unduly exaggerated or spiteful,
it is not due to any personal malice, or
a desire to disparage the obvious good
qualities of the people under discus
sion. I believe that anyone who is
familiar with Canadian sentiment, will
admit when this paper is finished, that
it is true presentation of the manner
in which Canadians view the actions
of the Americans, as people.
There are no hard feelings on the
part of British subjects generally on
account of the Revolutionary war,
which resulted in the independence of
this country. It is conceded that the
grievances, which led to that memora-
BILE struggle, were real and worthy of
resistance. At the same time, Canadi-
ans congratulate themselves on the fact
that they enjoy just as much liberty
and practical independence as does
the United States, without having sus-
tanned a heavy loss of life and money.
But, while there is no animosity as q
result of the Revolutionary war, Cana
dians will be slow to forget and for
give the wanton invasion of Canada,
by the Americans, in 1912. The only
salve to that sore is the fact that, if
there was any advantage for either
side in that struggle, it certainly lay
with the Canadians-the public school
histories of the United States to the
contrary Notwithstanding. There is a
great difference between the history
as taught in the Canadian schools, and
that which the young American learns
A Canadian history tells the whole
story, both of victories and defeats
while the American histories deal only
with victories.
Now let US see how the Americans
live up to the principles which they
propounded as a reason for the Revo
lutionary war. They claimed immunity
from taxation, without proper repre-
sentatton. Also that no standing army
should be quartered in their midst
Also the privilege of trial by jury
These were the most important sub
jects of dispute. But that was whe1
the Americans were Colonials. Now
that they have become a nation ant
have acquired colonies themselves, d'
they mete out the same justice as the,
demanded? Not so that you can SCI
it with the naked eye. The Philippine
furnish the illustration. Here is
people upon whom is foisted govern
ment which they hate. They are taxe'
for the support of that government
and have no part in it. A standin
army is held in readiness to kill an
one who dares to object to the govern
ment. Their criminals are tried b
judges-white judges who do not ur
derstand the people they judge. Bu
you say, we are doing this for thei
own good. Now what right have yo
to say it is for their own good? Ar
you absolutely sure that the introdnt
tion of government as you have
here is going to be benefit to thos
poor heathenp Were they not muc
happier before the war than they al
likely to be again?
England's policy, in dealing wit
native subjects, has been to allow thel
to continue under their own rulers, WI
are simply advised and held in chec
by men appointed to that duty. Thl
they are gradually weaned to civiliz
ton by observing the advantag,
thereof. The United States, in a
tempting colonization, would do we
to take few lessons IN the art fro
the acknowledged master of it-Jot
Bull. But If the United states real
lived up to that great fetich, the Mo
roe Doctrine, there would have bet