Ripley County democrat., 1910-09-30

Il lt1 ptOlo oCtcu C4cANAso ee1~@a$~ss
changes the nature OF him who wieids
1t. In Q republican form Of govern
ment, power can not be circumscribsa
by too many limitations. The spirit of
the American people can only be fitly
represented BY those who are in con-
slant touch with its aspirations. The
man whose position or occupatioH
keeps him aloof from those who con-
stitute the heart of the masses is noe
qualified to represent their motives
or guard their interests.
Internal Waterway.
For thirty years past, or since my
early manhood, have been deeply In
terested in the improvements OF navt
gable streams. Nearly or quite thirty
years ago began to attend waterway
conventions, and from that time to
this, whether In public office or prt
vate life. the subject has possessed for
me the deepest interest.
My conviction has been that the
Federal Government has been guilty
Of great neglect of duty in failing to
utilize these great highways Of nature.
The waters of the Mississippi and Mis-.
souri, should be confined to their prop
er channels in order that the land
bordering upon them may have the
benefit Of cheap transportation and for
the further reason that as thess
waters are under the control Of the
General Government the fertile acres
by which they flow should be protect
ed from their encroachment.
Panama Canal.
II the cost of the Panama canal had
been expended in the improvement Of
the Mississippi river and nayigabls
tributaries, not only the people inhab-
iting the valleys of the Mississippi
the Missouri and the Chic, but the
people of the entire country would
have been benefited to an equal II not
to a greater extent than they will be
by the construction of the canal.
1t has seemed strange policy to
me that a government of high Gus
toms duties, which discourages COM
merce with foreign countries and
builds wall Of protection around It,
should go many miles beyond its linn
its to construct a great artery of trade
for the use and benefit Of the com
mercial world. The canal when com
pleted will no doubt be thrown open
to other countries on the same terms
as to our own.
Monroe Doctrine.
Our merchant marine has disap-
peared from the seas. Foreign coun-
tries furnish the bottoms to convey
our surplus products to other climes.
as we'll as to transport to us what We
use of their productions. How long
do you think we shall be able to en-
force the Monroe Doctrine unless We
establish close commercial relations
with the republics of the Western
Hemisphere?
The Argentine Republic and Brazil
and other South American countries
take from US a very small percentage
Of their imports. We have said to
them In the Monroe Doctrine no for
eign power will be permitted to gain
any strong foothold within your limits
or to acquire by conquest or purchase
or treaty any of your territory. II this
relation is to be maintained, closer
commercial relations must be estab-
lished.
A friendly interchange Of commodk
ties between countries fosters and pro-
notes closer social and political rela-
tions. II the progressive, intelligent
and friendly people Of the Argentine
Republic should form such an alliance
with Germany or Great Britain 40
would make them unmindful OF the
interests Of our country and callous 40
to our good will, the observance Of the
Monroe Doctrine as a code Of interna-
tional law might cost US dearly.
The approaching completion Of the
Panama canal should direct our atten-
tion to the improvement Of our I'm
ternal waterways and also to the nego-
tiation of reciprocity treaties with the
governments of Central and South
America.
still for Harmony.
/ entertain the same opinions CON
corning harmony in the Democratic
party that l cherished and expressed
at the meeting of Democracy held IN
Kansas City January 8. At that time
was not a candidate for your sue
frage, but was no less desirous fog
Democratic success in Missouri ana
throughout the country than I am
today. then said that would serve
the party in the ranks or elsewhere.
and do what could toward redeem
ing Missouri and the country from Re-
publican supremacy.
MY ambition to accomplish that END
has strengthened during the weeks
and months that have intervenedl
During the six years Of the ineum-
bency Of the Senate new iss1ss noS>
seen at the beginning may arise. :
can only promise that II elected my
action on such issues shall not be im-
harmonious with the history and fhs
applied teachings Of Democracy and
with the desire Of the people Of Mis-