OCR Text |
Show The recent statement that Webster Davis, once Assistant Secretary of the Interior, and a hot'friend of the Boers, deserting his party because the administration ad-ministration four years ago would not espouse the Boers' cause, and making a frantic speech at the Kansas City convention against President McKInley because he persisted In his determination determina-tion to preserve neutrality In that war between Britons and Boers, did not do all this for nothing, nor even for love. The claim is now made, and alleged to come from Boer sources, that Webster was paid $200,000 in gold by the Boer Government for his position In their favor at that time. All of which is a mighty Interesting reminiscence; but the size of the sum throws doubt on the story, for he Is hardly a $200,000 man. But then, the Boers at that time had plenty of other peoples' gold, find had to put It to use In some way. So the story (which we find in Leslie's Weekly) may be true, after all. It Is, however, if true, an example of an old saw which says something about a fool and his money. A great many propositions are to bi presented to the National convention now In session, some good, some bad, some indifferent. It is going to be a task of some difficulty, no doubt, to fairly meet all reasonable requests; and in all the strife It Is easily seen that the resolutions sent out to the country some time ago as the draft of the platform plat-form may or may not be so; possibly the most Interesting declarations may be on the side, apart from the main questions. As to the great principles, there is no doubt; as to the minor ones, or those that seem so though time may prove that they are not, may divine power guide the committeo to a right decision in every case! A recent writer, enthusiastic on tho exploration and beginnings of civilization civiliza-tion in Africa, says "the natives themselves them-selves will be among the chief beneficiaries benefi-ciaries when their continent comes more fully Into the light." Just so; when white clzlllzatlon gets In its work In Africa, the natives, as usual In white civilizing process, will probably all be la heaven. u |