Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1913-10-07
THE TREATY OF PARIS.
Inside Story Of Significant Historical
( Event.

inside story OF SlgnlllcdDl hlSlOrlCd
/ Event. ...@
Love OF COUNTRY vs.. PARTY POLITICS
Hon. John L. MeLaurin for the First
Time Answers Charges and lnsinu-
ations az to His Alleged Dssertior
/ of the Democratic Party and Tells
How He Happened to be Connected
With tho Federal Patronage in South
caroIina-The Clash Over Negro
+ Postnasters, and the Burning Of the
Lake City Postoffioe. y
Columbia Record.
"You have asked for an explanation
of my views and conduct in regard to
the Paris Treaty. 1t is true that ]
made a speech against 1t at one time
and at another time spoke In Its Ia
vor. Both Of these were SO good that
the Democrats used one in their cam
paign book and the Republicans the
other in theirs. think that was
right both times, too never chang
ed my position on the fundamental
principles involved 1t is seldom that
any question Is ever discussed In con-
gress solely on its merits. There is
a constant sparring between the two
parties for political advantage. ..a,
I I venture the assertion that many
of the biggest issues debated in con-
gress are not really the expression OF
the will Of the majority holding seats,
but Of the majority Of the caucus OF
the dominant party. Everybody knows
that any political caucus is always
controlled by one or two men. =.
Going back now to the period pre-
ceding the declaration Of war with
Spain, I say frankly, that I was In
hearty sympathy with the policy OF
President Mckinley from beginning to
end. I did not think that It was right
to force the country unprepared Into
a war, and 1t was apparent to me that
there was. a concerted effort to do this
by senators on both sides Of the cham
ber. Infiammatory speeches were made
and the yellow press used them to
great advantage. Only those permit
ted to peep behind the scenes knew
how totally unprepared we were to 90
to war; rt.i@ -1t@
! I lost confidence in those who were
trying to rush the country into it for
political advantage. Finally, when the
Maine was destroyed and war declar-
ed, 1 found most Of those who had
been so urgent In showing US into the
war, disposed wherever they could do
SO safely, to criticise at every oppor-
tunity the conduct of the war.
The glorious victory Of Dewey at
Manila, Schley in Cuban waters, and
splendid old Joe Wheeler made any
open criticism Of the war unpopular,
but felt sure that several prominent
politicians had dreams Of the presi-
dency based on the failure Of McKin-
ley. The first opportunity that came
was over the ratification Of the treaty
Of peace.
I do not think that the treaty suited
anybody exactly. know that it was
not what wanted. feared to see
our country inaugurate a colonial pol
Icy. There were new questions involv-
ed, and to be perfectly frank, / chang
ed my mind every time heard a good
argument on either side.
Senator German was chairman OF
the Democratic caucus, and I do not
think the country ever produced
more thorough politician. I talked
with him frequently. Anybody could
see how doubtful was about my po-
sition. '.
I finally promised that would vote
for the defeat Of the treaty on account
of 1t requiring US to take over the
Philippine islands. I did not wish to
do that, and I think now that Uncle
Sam ought to get rid Of them by CIV
ing them self government, or If that
is impracticable, enter into treaty
with England and Germany establish
Ing joint protectorate. +
Senator Germans idea seemed to be
that the Democratic policy should be
to defeat the treaty, forcing Mr.. Nc
Kinley to call an extra session Of con-
gress and present a new treaty, thus
allowing us to go before the country
as the party which saved 1t from en-
barking on a colonial policy like Eng
lands or Germany's. .
Mind you, expansion is Democratic
policy, the Louisiana purchase and all
the west are the fruits Of Democracy
The astute leadership Of German be-
gan to confuse expansion and pure
ly colonial policy, because any sane
man must know that the Philippines
can never be states in this Union. u's
Personally, 1t was to my political
advantage to stand just as close to
90 l. Sodiu' 90" VIC
he was anxious to defeat the treaty
and / made up my mind to go in and
wipe out the last bit Of friction with
the recognized party leaders. 1t was
made a party question, and felt sure
that If I did not yield that 1t would
mean the loss of my seat in the SEN
ate so I gave in. %
was very fond Of Mr.. Mckinley
Outside Of being president, I believe
he was one of the purest and best mer
ever knew. He had been 80 kind tc
me and seemed to appreciate what
had tried to do so much that hated
to tell him. had good talk with
him, and found that he did not wish tc
take over the Philippines If it could
be avoided. I think 1t would surprise
many II they really knew how averse
he and other leaders were to the ac-
quisition of the Philippines.
told Mr.. Mckinley that had made
up my mind to stand by the party
coucus on this nronosition that 7 wa.