The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-08-28
A Hot Discussion.

WASHINGTON, August 2l-Immedately
after the reading Of the senate journal the
MESA sc from the president ON the subject of
the rejection OF the fisheries treaty was laid
before the senate, and was read in fall by the
clerk, Mr.. johnson.
The reading was listened to by senators on
both sides of the chamber with close attention.
When il came to a close Mr.. Sherman moved
that ii be printed and referred to the commit
tee on foreign relations.
Mr., EdmundS, ON that motion, said; II would
like to say word, although / am in favor of
it, II l had been five or SIX years younger
than am, l should have been surprised at
that message, but l am not and l am only
very highly gratited at the patriotic expression
of hopes, wishes, almost intentions, of the
president OF the United States in reference to
protection of American interests and Ameri-
can rights. l must express my surprise
End my regret-not (uSing the language Of the
messagc) the regret OF n partisan, but the regret
of q OitiZen-that for more than a year with
the means in his hands to redress it, he has
failed to take any step, and now sends to us q
message asking that additional powers bearing,
as he supposes on a broader field of retaia-
ton, and covering other topics, he given him.
| must suppose under the principle which he
has already acted upon THAT until these
powers are given him he will do nothing at
ALL"
Senator Edmunds was followed by Mr. Hoar,
who argued that the administration had known
all the time that it had the right to retaliate,
and this message was repetition
of the policy pursued In regard TO the purchase
Of bonds, the president having asked the
opinion of congress as 10 his power TO pur'
chase when the existing law plainly declared
that he had such powers.
Mr.. Morgan took the floor in defense OF the
president and Of his message, declaring that
the democratic party thought more of the
president for the manly way in which he had
dared to withstand the assaults Of the senator
from Vermont, and had pursued policy which
had seemed best TO him in regard 20 his public
duties. lie said the senator from Vermont
had chosen TO remain away from the senate
during the discussion of the
fisheries treaty, though by his vote he had
| compelled the democratic senators 10 discuss
J that treaty in public, Had that senator chosen
! 10 take part in the discussion, il was possible
| the treaty might have beeu amended SO as to
/ obyiate the necessity on the part OF the presi-
! dent OF sending in this message. lie argued
/ that the majority Of the senate, representing y
F minority ot the people, had In tko report 81
/ the committee OF foreign relations and other
/ wise, held the threat ot Imneachmout over the
president IL lac should fail % exercise the
/ functions OF his Office in conan lance with the
/ viii of that majority. lie then proceeded TO
/ discuss the motives which led 80 the passage
/ OF the retaliation act.
Mr.. Halo characterized the presidents mes
I SAGE as a desperate eXpcdIeut 90 recover lost
+ ground, and confession that the attitade
taken. uy him aud his ninistrstion, As 60 the
J treaty, was an attitude that had no accent or