How we cite our quotes: (Sentence)
Quote #1
If it is right for the United States to hold the Philippine Islands permanently and imitate European empires in the government of colonies, the republican party ought to state its position and defend it, but it must expect the subject races to protest against such a policy and to resist to the extent of their ability. (23)
This was Bryan's "don't say I didn't warn you" statement. After all, when you nag and nag and nag someone to the nth degree, there is going to be a point when they just snap and go all Chuck Norris on you. Bryan was trying to say that the Filipinos will snap and fight back too.
Quote #2
If we have an imperial policy we must have a great standing army as its natural and necessary complement. The spirit which will justify the forcible annexation of the Philippine islands will justify the seizure of other islands and the domination of other people, and with wars of conquest we can expect a certain if not rapid, growth of our military establishment. (38)
If you're anything like us, you always plan on eating only a few handfuls of potato chips. Because, you know, you're saving room for dinner. But that's not where it ends, is it? You always just want one more chip.
That's the argument here. Sort of. Bryan was saying that when it comes to empire, no one stops at one country.
Quote #3
The acquisition of the Louisiana territory, Florida, Texas and other tracts which have been secured from time to time enlarged the republic and the constitution followed the flag into the new territory. It is now proposed to seize upon distant territory already more densely populated than our own country and to force upon the people a government for which there is no warrant in our constitution or our laws. (34)
The phrase "time to time" is a total copout. At this point in his speech, Bryan very conveniently forgot the fact that the entire United States came about under expansionist policies. And those policies really weren't all that different from what the pro-imperialists wanted to do with the Philippines. Not cool, Bryan. Not cool.
Quote #4
The army is the personification of force, and militarism will inevitably change the ideals of the people and turn the thoughts of our young men from the arts of peace to the science of war. The government which relies for its defense upon its citizens is more likely to be just than one which has at call a large body of professional soldiers. (42)
If Bryan were a post-apocalyptic-military-science-fiction-book author, this would totally be his premise. He's talking about Americans becoming automaton androids bent on creating war and destruction. But that's only if the U.S. decides to go the imperial route. Without that, Bryan has no story. And the world remains safe.
Quote #5
Some argue that American rule in the Philippine islands will result in the better education of the Filipinos… If we are to govern them without their consent and give them no voice in determining the taxes which they must pay, we dare not educate them, lest they learn to read the Declaration of Independence and the constitution of the United States and mock us for our inconsistency. (76)
One of the most popular arguments that pro-imperialists made for taking over the Philippines was that they would receive a top-class education and therefore fall in love with their oppressors. But on the Truth-O-Meter scale, this falls in the False Category.
First, the Philippines had schools already.
Second, those who went to school learned about a little thing called the Declaration of Independence and typically thought that it sounded like a really good idea to have one for themselves as well.
And third, they had traditions and histories of their own that were not going to be taught in their imperial schools, which only fueled the fire for revolution.