THE VOICE OF IMPERIALISM.
At a banquet in New York, February 13, Secretary of War Alger among other things said:— "When the great call rang out on the 23d of April, thousands of men offered themselves from all over the country. A quarter of a million were taken, and for what they have done they have no apologies to make to the world. They have filled their places as American soldiers and they are now talking to-night at Manila better than I can talk for them. They are acquitting themselves as American soldiers. "Of that 250,000 men who came in May and June, 75,000 have returned to their homes and are now pursuing the peaceful walks of life; 125,000 now remain, and we hope that soon we shall have an army such as is fitting for this mighty country, so that we can relieve these volunteers and put men in their places willing to serve as soldiers. If this is denied us, I want to pledge you that the men in the field, tho their time may be up, will never be released." What does Mr. Alger mean? Would he have us understand that if Congress refuses to increase the army to 100,000 the executive department will take it upon itself to override Congress and increase the army any way by refusing to release the men that are now in the field? Certainly such language is sufficiently imperialistic to be worthy of the greatest military despots of all historic time. Military despotism is the thing that is now laying fast hold of the entire world. And who can say how quickly, judging from the present auspicious indications, the whole earth shall be gathered to Armageddon for the last great struggle? These times are loaded with ominous signs. Are you watching to see what they mean?