The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-01-27
IN THE HOUSE.
Breckenridge Criticises the President
Discussion of the New Rules.

Breckenridge Criticises the President
Discussion of the New Rules.
WASHINGTON Cry. Jan. 26.-There was a
marked falling off in the attendance in the
House this morning, both on the floor and
in the galleries.
CuIberson of Texas, from the committee
on judiciary, reported and the House
passed Joint resolution removing the
political disabilities of John Il. Tatnall.
Breckenridge of Kentucky asked for
immediate consideration of the following
resolution:
Resolved That the president OF the United
States be respectfully requested to inform the
House whether any answer has been received
either from our minister 10 Chile, Egan, or from
the government of Chile, to the dispatch sent
by the government of the United States to the
republic of Chile on January II, and, il so, from
whom such answer was received and at what
time; and that he will communicate to the
House all correspondence between the govern
ment of the United States, its minister to Chile
and the Chilean government which he has not
communicated to congress with the message
heretofore sent in.
There were some attempts made to have
the resolution referred TO the committee
on foreign affairs, and Blount of Georgia,
chairman OF the committee, made a mo-
ton TO that effect, but the speaker ruled
that the motion came too late, he having
previously recognized Breckenridge To de-
bate the resolution. Breckenridge said:
II the chairman of the committee on foreign
affairs desired the resolution referred to the
committee he would make no objection, but he
wished to say a few words on the subject Con-
gress had recently received a message from the
president concerning the question of peace and
war under circumstances which, in the nature
of the case, must be grave Now, 10 appeared
possible that the Chilean government did send
an answer TO the dispatch, repeated in the
message, which the president had sent. Con-
rress knew the fact TO be that on January II a
dispatch had been sent to the republic of
Chile. He aid not now crticiSe the president
for not waiting until the answer had been re-
ceivsd, or until time for such an answer had
elapsed before sending a message TO congress.
He did not now make n criticism either on the
haste with which the message had been sent,
on the language OF the message pending con-
sideration by that republic before taking ac-
ton on the dispatch of January 81
II must be remembered, however. that the
language OF that message 90 congress could
have been communicated TO the authorities in
Chile, aud it might, IL no answer had been made
20 the dispatch OF January ~ affect the nature
of the answer that the government would feel
called upon to make. Therefore, IL is not TOO
great presumption To indulge in that the
president of a great and free people, dealing
with a free but feeble people. would not have
used such language pending the consideration
by Chile In answer 20 that dispatch. IL was
not too great presumption 10 indulge In that
. grave emergency like this would have
called from that president. due consider
alton aud ample time, IL he hsd not had some IN.
tmation what that answer would be. IL was
scarcely credible that the language-no, he
would not say insulting, but seyere-used by
him, would be used IL he believed friendly
and sufficient response would have been made
g. the dispatch OF January n. IL was therefore
not impossible that he may have had some
information as 10 what that answer would be-
snd yet in such an unofficial and informal
manner received by him rs 10 Justify him in
not putting il ia his message Applause from
the Democratic sidel
Power was granted alone TO congress 10 declare
war. The president has put this upoa US We
must face it, and so decide that on the one hand
the dlgniiy Of the American people shall be M
held. No msa IN this House. no matter from
what party be comes, nor from wha; section Ia
may ball, but VIII at su hazards protect the
humble seamen that wear the American uul.
surin, or guard, AZ whatever expense, the honor
and glory of the American people. TGreat an.
plause,l II viii be received BY every honorsbis
man in ell countries that the honor glory s-,t
dignity oi tha republic aud tie safety and
security of lie sesmen are safe in the hands of
thIs congress. But, on the other hand var
shoult Re ouly ss LAST resort, when the war
must be with republic which like the Cnite.,
States, is anxious for liberty, desiring 10 man.
tan constitutional freedom. seeking proS9c,s hv
nssns of tbSt freedom, aud with the gravity
sratly increased ~ the fact thai that republic
So in the midst OF great tn,eFnA trouble having
iast avegthroSu = dictator while seeking for
Congressional liberty under s. constitutional
sastantse,
Al grcat men, ell generous men, al who love
neerty viii desire "a eesr and ;orhcar with such
speoplo, passing thFoHga such state and IA
ino miast Of saeh desperate conditions. IS long
On oar r>~sen viii allow "a - hezr and lofhear
wiki hcr. tAppiausel
Therefore, oar dgty "a u kGow 81 the facts
every fAeE tass csa bear shy relation u ihis
nrssser-Whieh II : part of oar necessary ia
formation IL the conclusion Ne mast reach
npog a matter So important a. that And con-
fnss that Il aeEer Occurred a. me thai tae chair
laan OF tie committee or foreign sftalrs ~ auy