The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-11-24


EETs.
representatives rarely visit Washington.
Of late it has been quite different, and
many members of the house from vari-
GUS parts of the Union have been here
trying to secure the mastering out of
the volunteer regiments from their re-
spective states. There seems to be a
great degree of unanimity on the part
of the volunteers to quit the military
service Of the United States, but I do
not regard this disposition on their part
as demonstrating the unpopularity of
the army. The fact of it is that the
volunteers think they have served the
full time for which they are required,
and having done their duty they want
to go home and attend to other duties
not less imperative and much more per-
eonal.
Conservative men of both parties,
however, realize the danger of a general
mastering out of the volunteer force.
Notwithstanding peace jubiIees and a
cessation of hostilities the United States
and Spain are still practically belliger-
ents and will remain so until peace de-
tails are fully completed. But should
tie danger of a renewal of the war
u
would be yet required for garrisoning
our new colonial possessions and for
Cuba, The effect of a large reduction
in the strength Of the army at the pres
ent time might result in encouraging
Aguinaldo and the FilipinOs to revolt
and would probably be productive of
trouble in Porto Rico and Cuba.
Republican and Democratic mem bers
T IL
versed informed me that one of the bills
certain to be introduced during the De-
cember session will be one to increase
the strength of the standing army of
the United States. All of those with
whom spoke thought that the force
should be at least increased to 100, 900
men, exclusive of the numbers Of the
regulars before the beginning of the
war. The bill will probably be intro
ducsd early in the session and will, it
de thought, meet with but slight oppo-
sition. As an absolutely necessary
measure there will be nothing partisan
about it and both Republicans and
Democrats will vie with each other in
securing its enactment.
= The Democratic mem bers Of the house
6nteEd to introduce a bill critioising the
administration s method of conducting
the war with particular reference to
the commissary department. The debate
on this question promises to be spirited
and prolonged, but even those who pro-
mote the bill do not expect it to pass.
A bill to regulate the government Of
our recently acquired colonial posses
sions will also be- introduced. Though
probably fathered by a Republican
IL - q
strictly party measure, as Democrats
are presumably as much interested in
the question as are the supporters OF
the administration. There will of course
be differences of opinion as to the man
ner in which tho colonies shall be ruled.
Some, Influenced by political predilec-
tions, will no doubt favor a more au-
tOnomous government for our colonies;
others, that they shall be kept more
Eubordinated to the United States. A
number of representatives, by no means
insignificant, will oppose altogether
our retention of the Philippine islands,
but there is little doubt that an imperial
policy of expansion will carry the day.
Doubtless the species of control rec
commended for Porto Rico will be very
different from that decided upon for the
SOH0AAAAS "a sio Lila Pk'AA0 A9As -
nearer approach to representative gov
eminent will probably be permitted to
the former than to the latter, and with
justice, tee, for independently of the
Porto Ricans being more reoonciled to
eur sway than the Filipinos they are
also more capable Of self government
and more amenable to law and order.
The consensus Of opinion among rep
Reasntatives with whom I have cen
1erred regarding Cuba is that the United
States ahould retain control Of the island
wnsil It's Inhabitants have demonstrated
their ahility TO govern themselves. A bill