Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-12-20
FIFTY-FIFTH CONGRESS.
WASHINGTON, December 90.
SENATE.

The House resolution that Congress
take recess from Wednesday (to-mor-
row. to January 4th was passed.
MIR. Gallinger then called up the
Proctor resolution to send select COM
mlttee of five Senators to Cuba, but,
under an objection from Mr.. Hale, it
was not considered.
Mr.. Perkins introduced bill to ex-
tend the immigration laws of the
o. 6. over the Hawaiian Islands.
On motion or Mr.. Hoar, resolu-
lion was adopted that on February
22nd, Washington's farewell address be
read in the Senate by Mr.. Wolcott, aud
that OF its conclusion the Senate then
proceed with its regular business.
Mr.. Teller then commenced his
speech on the expansion question. He
said there was no ground for discussion
as the right of the government to ac-
quire territory. In the earlier days OF
our history the doctrine was establish
ed. The question of this country be-
ing a nation was settled when Lee
handed his sword to Grant in 1865 if it
had not been settled before. Ii was
strange that the matter was questioned
at all. a national sentiment pervaded
this entire land. The possession of the
power of the acquisition of territory was
q prerogstlve of national sovereignty,
but as TO how far it should be exercised,
WAS another matter.
This power had been repeatedly de-
clared Dy the Supreme Court, even
though Jefferson doubted very much if
we could acquire territory and make
State of it All doubts were put at
rest, however, when we purchased
Louisiana and afterwards organized
Lou siana into territories and eventually
into States.
Mr.. Teller took issued with Mr.. Vest
that if the United States acquired terri
tory that territory must of necessity he
organized into States, provided the
constitution and presidents were fol-
lowed. The United States obtained
New Mexico and other territories and
no one can now or ever could dispute
our right to DO SO as we please with
these territories Once acquired we have
the right and power to govern.
| This is just as true of Porto Rico and
the Philippines and no one else can
govern them. That question, Mr. Tel
Ter insisted, was already settled Then,
what was the use discussing that mat
ter? The United States would decide
the sort of government in both of those
islands.
Mr.. Teller was listened to with mark
ed attention and towards the close
Senators Gallery and Tlllman took part
in the discussion, bringing out the ad-
mission from the Colorado Senator that
he favored an independent government
for the Philippines as soon es they ere
prepared; and that he believed it the
duty of the United States to aid them
morally and physically if necessary
Mr.. Teller did not come out for annexa-
ton.
Senator Butler introduced an amend
meDt to the regular pension appropria-
ton bill providing that men who
fought on the Confederate side in the
civil war and widows and minor child
rem of the same, shall be paid pensions
equal to those received by the federal
soldiers; but the Confederates are not
to receive any back pensions.
| The Nicaragua canal bill was again
laid before the Senate at p. m. and
Mr.. Gallery started speech in opposi
ton to the committee bill and in favor
of any new measure that will provide
| for government ownership and absolute
control. The indications are that Mr..
Gallery will make long speech.
HOUSE.
There was no prayer when the
House was called to order, the Chap
lain not appearing.
The conference report on the urgent
deficiency bill, making appropriations
for the military and naval establish
ments for the last six months of the
fiscal year, ending June 80, 1899, was
adopted.
Mr.. Burke objected to one item of
the bill; viz, the $4,000 added by
Senate amendment for continuing the
is special policeman about the Capitol
building, who were appointed when
the war with Spain broke out. He de-
clared these specials we're not needed
now.
Mr.. Cannon declared the appropria-
tons committee reported these police
men necessity. q contest arose and
demand was made for q roll-call of
the House.
The Senate amendment was agreed
to and the Capitol keeps its extra
specials.
Mr.. Cannon asked the indulgence of
the House to say q word in praise of
Mr.. Sayres, of Texas, recently elected
| Governor of the Lone Star State. He
said the Texan had been most valua-
BILE member of the appropriations COM
mittee by his industry, tact and honesty,
and his withdrawal would be loss
Mr.. Cannon's remarks were applauded.
Mr.. Dockery, of Missouri. added his
praise to Mr.. Sayres' good service.
The appropriations committee pre-
sented resolutions laudatory OF Gov
ernor Sayres, which were adopted
unanimously. The House then went
into committee of the whole to consider
the agricultural appropriation bill.
The sum reported by the committee
carries So, 696 322-an increase of S127,-
12O over last years sum-S50, 600 in
crease for the bureau of animal indus
try.
Mr.. Williams took the occasion to
make speech against the annexation
of the Philippines, a subject which he
said very seriously concerned the
American farmer. He said there was
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