THE SPIRIT BEHIND COLONIZATION.
WHEN war was declared last April against Spain it was for the avowed purpose of freeing Cuba from an intolerable oppression. The patriotic citizens who advocated this deliverance of the weak from the tyranny of the strong were, without any doubt, actuated by the purest motives of philanthropy. But no sooner was war declared and a few signal victories gained by the forces of the United States than persons here and there began to talk of "manifest destiny," and urge most vehemently that all of Spain's island territory in the world be taken from her. It seems strange to very many people why such a sentiment could spring up so suddenly and become so popular all at once. A year ago no one dreamed of "territorial expansion" or colonization on the part of the United States. But the subject is now a most lively issue, and influential men through the press and on the platform say that none of the Spanish islands occupied by American troops must be allowed to go back to Spain, neither must they be allowed to govern themselves; and, since they are not permitted to govern themselves, American soldiers must stand guard over them, and kill them, perhaps, lest they kill each other. The founders of this government published to all the world that governments derive "their just powers from the consent of the governed." But this fundamental principle of government is strangely ignored by those who talk of "manifest destiny" in the interests of territorial expansion. There are multitudes of the common people, who, by the way, are the safest to trust in all such emergencies, that do not take kindly to this new policy. They are not in a position to make so much of a stir as do the "expansionists," yet they are very pronounced in their convictions against this ominous innovation. Some one has taken the pains to collect the statements made by the farmers of the country as expressed through their farm journals, and they are quite unanimous in their opposition to the proposed colonization policy of the United States. Those who favor this policy of extending the government of this country over the Philippines, Cuba, Porto Rico, etc., are embraced in two classes. There are those who seem to honestly think that it would be for the best. They believe that it would prove a benefit to this country and also a great blessing to the islands that are brought under the dominion of the great American Republic. But there are others who have no convictions of duty or patriotism in the matter at all. They are very earnest, however, in their advocacy of having this government own and control these islands, but it is all from a purely selfish standpoint. Their interest is wholly that of personal gain. In this latter class—those who advocate expansion from personal motives—there are at least two more divisions. There is the money power, and also a certain wing of the church power. The evidence for this is too manifest to be denied. The money power did all it could before war was declared to hold things in check till its bonded and commercial interests in the Spanish islands could be arranged so that these few men of colossal wealth would not suffer loss. "The invisible empire" of the money monopoly must have its interest protected. For instance, it was stated on good authority that one gigantic monopoly in this country held the exclusive trade with Spain, both at home and in her West India colonies, in one very necessary commodity that was extensively exported. There were other great monopolies, capitalists and bondholders that had their vested interests, and these interests all had to be protected, at least if it was within the corrupting power of wealth to secure this protection. But the stories that were reported about the suffering in Cuba made a popular demand for interference by the United States that the money power could no longer resist. Consequently war was declared, and Spain was soon led to sue for peace, and the money power must now seek for some means by which it can be reimbursed and also make still further millions. These island colonies of Spain, now that the war is over, will offer renewed opportunities for commerce. They also have resources of agriculture, timber, etc. Large combinations of capital have the power to grasp these resources and opportunities, and they are not slow to do it. Ambitious and unscrupulous politicians stand ready to raise their voices and use their pens in the interests of expansion, for they seek positions as governors, collectors of customs, etc., etc. And the fashion has established itself of the money power largely dispensing all these offices; hence the unprincipled politician and he who wields the sceptre of wealth will work hand in hand. There can be no doubt but that if the influence of the "invisible empire" of wealth was dropped out of this question, a great part of the chorus in favor of territorial expansion would be hushed. And it is a sad commentary on our boasted "Christian civilization" at the close of this nineteenth century that the selfish influence of money should so outride every principle of justice and righteousness. Such influences of evil that dominate the world show most emphatically that the doctrine of a universal millennium of perfect goodness is all a delusion and a snare. There is no lack of profession and boasted goodness, but when we look for the article itself, it is conspicuously absent. The other influence in this expansion idea—that of a great branch of the professed church—presents a most novel and remarkable feature. It must have been observed by those who are closely watching current events that the Papal Church has taken a most peculiarly active interest in the expansion doctrine. Why is this? What is the significance of it? The prophecy declares most unequivocally that the Papacy is to be restored to its former power. Is this one of the great links in the chain of events that are tending in the direction of the renewed supremacy of Rome? Think about it. The subject is a most important one. These are strange and perilous times, and every one should look well to the foundations. The decisions and actions of a day may fix your eternal destiny. T.