The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-12-20

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1e.-The senate
had busy day. and there were several
important speeches. Platt of Connect
icut. spoke against the Vest resolution.
which declares THAI the United States has
no power TO acquire territory. lie said
that the power OF 4 nation 10 acquire terri
tory was as inherent as its sovereignty
The United States had the right to govern
such territory in the best possible manner
uniil the people of the acquired lands were
capable OF self-goverument.
Proctor of Vermont and Hale of Maine
explained divergent views upon the subject
OF a committee OF senators 10 visit Cuba.
Proctor thought such a committee was
necessary. while Hale said he thought 1t
would be in extremely bad taste and use.
less.
The Nicaragua canal bill was up during
the last part Of the day. and Senators
Berry, Allen. Hoar. Caffery and Morgan
discussed the measure.
The vice president announced the com
mittee ou the centennial celebration of the
city Of Washington rs the capital Of tho
nation as follows: Hear. Hale. Perkins,
Simon. McI.ausin. Clay and Turley.
Lodge favorabiy reported the following
Joint resolution and asked for IT'S imme-
date consideration:
THAT the president he ard he Is hereby
requested TO communicate TO congress. so
far as the same may be done without detri-
ment 10 the public interests, all insorma-
tien In his possession concerning alleged
outrages committed on The person or Bishop
Earl Cranston and other citizens In the
city OF Peking. China. by subjects Of the
emperor OF China. and what steps. II any.
hspn hx Hf At 80 fp1.y y,s
In the matter of demanding suitable re-
dress and indemnity therefor"
The resolution was agreed 10.
Cul!om gave notice that he would ask
Ia senate at the conclusion OF pIatt's
speech 10 take the an,i-scaipers' bill from
the table for consideration.
Chandler inquired If It was Cullonl's pur-
pose not TO have the bill referred to the
Interstate commerce commission. Culiom
replied that he proposed 10 ask for the con-
sidcrauon at this time.
"Wen. / give notice, Mr.. President" re-
sponded Chandler, that there are sena-
tors here who will insist that the bin shall
50 TO the commission
sullivan, OF Mississippi, protested against
what he termed, IAN extraordinary pro-
ceedng," and demanded 10 know what
Cullom's purpose was.
II propose ia call up the anti-scalping
bin for consideration" replied Culion.
we can discuss questions relating 10
the request when we come TO them"
Teller gave notice that tomorrow he viii
address the senate on the Vest anti-ex-
pansion resolution. In accordance with the
notice previously given.
platt. OF Connecticut, addressed the
senate In opposition To the resolution Of
fered by Vest. declaring that under the
constitution no power Is given to acquire
territory to be held and governed perma-
nently.
Piatts speech was n constitutional
argument. maintaining the legal right OF
the United states 10 acquire territory,
sa>iug he did not propose 10 discuas the
policy of expansion nor the feature of the
| government NC might set up in any foreign
territory We might acquire. Expansion.
he saiG, had been law Of our national
growth. the handspring of our national
development and ne added:
Il shan maintain tA.st the United States
has shown great capacity for govern
ment In all trying times and under many
trying conditions. and that 1t is capable
OF meeting any emergency nkesy 10 raise
shasi contend that the United States 10
a nation ard such. possesses every SOW
creign power not reserved by the consti-
tuition io tho state or 20 the people
Themselves that the right To acquire terri
tory WAS not reserved, and that therefore
the right Is an inherent right--a sovereign
right. a ri3ht to which there Is no limit
alton. ! shall show also that IN certain
instances this inherent sovereign right liz
10 ba inferred from specific clauses of the
constitution ITSELF"
I'ia,t then launched Into a constitu-
tioual argument. quoting extensively from
| authorities treating Of the question. and
also declared that I'm the annexation Of
the Hawaiian islafaas the entire question
of this governments right 10 acquire fer
eigu territory was considered thoroughly
and that ,na ssaafe had settled IL satlsfac-
torily and thoroughly.
THE United States he said had the right
To acquire territory in all ways that are
| conceded 10 other sovereign nations Of
/ the word
| /: might becorGe necessary IN the inter-
estg 81 commerce or some other interest
| for the United States 10 acquire territory
| in Africa.
| shall we be bound by the constitution
| 20 organize state from sisch acquired
/ territory and admit It's Inhabitants TO cit
/ szsnxhlpf
! .'sslpTsose" he continued. THAT the sena-
| tor from Alabama lafr. Nofgan) secured
| th~ passage OF hts bin s0r tie construction
/ os he Nicaragua canal and II should -