The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-29


mt ~ thls Government to any interference.
but the present question rose high
ABOVE any Venezuelan dispute. The Brit
lsh Prime Minister had seen fit to officially
declare that the Monroe doctrine had no
place IN the law of nations and was not
accepted or recognized by the European
powers. The challenge thus broadly
thrown down by Great Britain must be
taken up by this Republic or the Monroe
aoctrlne was thing of the past. The
DrlClsn position bluntly, almost insolently
stated by Lord Salisbury had been reassert-
cd upon this floor, clothed in the splendid
rhetoric of the Senator from Colorado.
de agreed with that Senator that this was
no Time to stir up public passion; to appeal
TO any prejudice that might exist against
England; to fan the flame OF any incipient
war sentiment. But he insisted that this
was time of all others to call forth the
highest expression of loyalty and devotion
10 American institutions; that this was
the supreme hour for a dignitied, positive
ana solemn declaration of the American
purpose, clearly, calmly, deliberately
stated.
Ihurston said it was not his purpose to
treat this subject historically or to review
the events which led to the assertion OF
TINS American policy in the message of
resident Monroe. He could add nothing
In that respect to the exhaustive presenta-
ton OF the Senator from Massachusetts
(Lodge).
Il am not unmindfuJ," he continued,
'ot the seriousness and gravity of the po
lltleal situation. We are calling halt
fhcr 80 nd
dominion which characterized the extern
sion OF the British empire from the hour
In which her first adventurous prov turned
to unknown seas. The history OF the
Engnsh people is an almost unbroken
series OF military achievements. Great
Britain has cleared her pathway into every
corner OF the earth with the naked sword;
she has acquired and held her vast posses
slons by force of arms; she has mastered
and subiugated the people of every zone;
her navles are upon every sea, her armies
IN every cline. No nation can lightly
challenge her purposes or arouse her stub
born pride. But does this furnish any
reason why Americans should abandon
any settled policy of the United States or
retire from any position which the honor
OF this Republic and the welfare of Amer
lea require that we should assume?
Great Britain has mistaken the temper
OF the people of this country in the past
as she mistakes it now. The English people
profess to believe that they can weaken
our purpose and compel US to abandon the
Monroe doctrine by threast and demon
STATIONS against American securities
and American commercial interests. We
an ry a6x hot
policy is not matter of exchange or bar
ter, and no financial panic can ever induce
US for single moment to lower the stand
ard of our National honor.
Sir, believing that the honor of my
country is involved, that the hour calls for
the highest expression of loyalty and pa
triotism; calmly confident of the verdict
of posterity; reyerently calling God to
witness the sincerity OF my purpose, [
shall vote for the resolution reported by
the Committee on Foreign Affairs. shall
vote for it, not as an affront to any other
nation, but to uphold the dignity of nv
own. l shall vote for it in this time of
profound tranquility, convinced that peace
with honor can be preserved. But, sir,
l would vote for it just as surely were we
already standing in the awful shadow of
declared war. | would vote for it were the
shells of British battle-ships bursting
above the dome of the Nations Capitol.
l would vote for it and would maintain it
at all hazards and at any cost with the last
dollar-with the last man. Yea, though
it might presage the coming of mighty
conflict whose conclusion should leave me
without son, as the last great contest lett
me without sire.'
Mr.. Thurston's speech. although pre-
pared and in type, WIS delivered without
reference to the print or notes. The clear.
ringing tones in which it was acclaimed,
the unquestioned sincerity of the orator
and the advanced position assumed by
him, attracted attention and won admira-
ton from the Senators on both sides of the
chamber and from large crowds in the
galleries. The peroration was greeted
with a round of applause.
At 2 o'clock the Vice President laid
before the Senate the House bond bill and
the free coinage substitute.
Jones (D.) of Arkansas, who has parlia-
mentary charge of the bill, tried to have
an understanding arrived at by which the
bill should be voted on next Thursday.
Various suggestions were made and modi-
fications offered, but objection was inter
posed by Hill CD of New York, who said
that he knew several Senators who desired
to speak, and he could not consent to the
agreement until they had an opportunity
to present their views. He expressed the
hope, however, that vote might be had
on Thursday.
Jones then gave notice that he would
ask the Senate to remain in session next
Thursday until a vote was reached
Wolcott (R.) of Colorado expressed the
hope that the physical test would not be
applied. He had heard it said again and
again that it was the silver people ESQ
called) who were endeavoring to stave off
vote on the bond question; but now it
was seen that it was Senators from the
East who were procrastinating, and who
were willing to postpone the vote.
Hill asked whether the Senator from
Colorado referred to him as trying to
postpone the vote.
Certainly not" said Wolcott, sarcastic
cally. How could | accuse the Senator
OF that when he has just been on the floor
asking for further time" Laughter.]
H. T