The times., 1898-12-16

opposed the idea of annexiDg the Philip
pines permanently, we should guard with
our own troops. He saw no way under
our system of government to provide that
troops could be recruited from a people
wHo were not citizens of the United
states.
Senator Allison took the floor In behalf
OF the bill as 1t came from the committee
and spoke in part as follows:
This deficiency bill which is now under
consideration is bill exclusively relating
TO the army and navy. making approprfa-
tons for its support for the remainder of
the fiscal year. Last year when the ap-
preparation bills for the army and navy
were provided for, and more especially
the army, Congress deemed it wise to
limit that appropriation to the first six
months of the fiscal year and appropriated
a sufficient sum TO maintain the army
then called for by the President in view
of our relations with Spain.
''At that time Congress was willing to
trust the President as to the number OF
men required TO meet the necessity theT
existing. and also as to the necessary eX-
penditures to carry on the naval opera
tions on the oceans. Tho war, or active
opera tions, ended sooner than those VINO
had charge of these bills anticipated, and
tDc TtSuil Is lIdt, VIC
appropriate here over sS0.00o,o0o for the
army and navy. It is in reality only re-
appropriation of the sum which was ap-
propriated for the first six months OF the
year. Our military and naval successes
have enabled us to muster out 1lO,oO OF
the men Who were mustered into the serv-
ice during the year. and for which we
would have had to provide.
..I sympathize with what the senator
from Missouri (Nr. CoclsrelD and other
senators have said respecting the general
desire that at the earliest practicable mo-
ment the volunteer forces, or such por-
ton of them as can be spared, shaA Dc
mustered out.
Senator Allison called attention to the
fact that II the army was at once placed
back on its former peace basis the iegu-
lar army would be reduced to 2iCo) men,
Is 600 of which he said would be required
to man our defense works in this coun-
try.
He cited the conditions In Cuba, saying
the island had been in a state of war Tor
a long time and that to carry out our
avowed purpose of establishing ferma-
nent form of government there II would
be necessary to have n cons derab.e 10 &c
garrisoned on the island. referring 10 me
estimate of Generals Butler and Wade
would be needed there, but that THIS
number might possibly be reduced to ~ :
eco at a reasonably early da:e.
He summed up his remarks by saying
that this matter of the reorganization OF
the army was question properly for the
military committee, and that the present
bill! should be allowed TO pass without
amendment.
Senator Money wanted to know II
means could not be provided in the b II
to permit recruiting to the ranks of the
volunteer army so that men who had
families depending upon them and who
wanted to quit the army might be a"ow-
ed to go and their places supplied. Sen
ator Hale replied that the Committee On
Military Affairs was at the present time
considering such proposition.
Senator Sewall. speaking, he said, rs a
military man and one who was posted on
such matters. declared that t0.C0l men
would be mustered out of the volunteer
army before next July without any legis-
| lation in regard to the matter.
The bill was then put on its final pas
sage and agreed TO without opposition.
on motion of Senator Hale the Senate
adjourned over until Monday.