The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-12-07
FIRST NOTE OF CONFLICT.
VEST INTRODUCES AN ANTI-EX-
PANSIOS RESOLUTION.
1t Recttes That the Federal Govern-
ment Has No Constituti0nal Pow
er to Govern Colonies-vest Also
Attacks Plan % suhsidfxe Boats.

WASHINGTON, Dec. s.-The first note
Of the anfi-ex pansFonists was soundsa IN
the senate today by Senator Vest, Of Mis-
souri, who introduced the following joint
resolution:
THAT under the constitution Of the
United States no power Is given 10 TIE
Federal government TO acquire territory 20
be held and governed permanently a. co.
Tins colonial system OF European nations
cannot be established under our present
constitution but all territory acquired os
the government, except such small amount
as may be- necessary for coaIAng stations,
correction of boundaries and similar gov
ernmentai purposes must De acquired oy
the government with The purpose OF Gsti-
mstely organizing such territory into states
suitable for admission into the union.
A brief discussion OF the navigation laws
was precipstated by the consideration Of
bill amending those laws BY the adoption
OF a provision that foreign built vessels
wrecked In the United States, purchased
by citizens Of this country and repaired
to the extent of three-fou1ths OF thsir
value. shall be subject to forfeiture II they
engage subsequently in the coastwise trade
Of the United States.
Mr. Vest member OF the committee on
commerce. expressed his opposition 10 the
bill. principally because II afforded pfotec-
ton TO the coasiwise Gads, which needei
DfGfkftfUE
OF navigation laws this trade had decreased
from 70 per cent TO IL per cent. and this
country IN now paying 100000 annually
to foreign ship owners for carrying trade
that ought to be carried III American Dot
IONS. This condition Of AFFAIRS. Mr.. vest
declared was scandal and d!sgrace he
said ne had been amused at the suggestion
of the president made In his message yes
ferday that our carrying trade oe encour-
rred kS the tyayrunut subsidies.
s'In other words" said he ut Is proposed
TO substitute for the present vicious sys-
TEN Of navigation laws scheme or ssibsi-
dies that is even more vicious than Is the
evil II proposes 10 remedy.
Under the proposed policy of the admin
istration.' continued Mr.. Vest. we are TO
build great navy. We are to cease TO be
q nation of traders. and under the impulse
Of the policy of expansion, become a ma
ton of warriors. II would appear 20 me
to bs better for us to build up our carrying
trade would also let our people. through
the benefcent efforts OF such trade. buy
where they can buy cheapest"
CafYery OF Louisiana. also a rnemher Of
the committee on commerce, opposed the
bill
Finally II was made special order for
next Monday.
AT 100 p. m. the senate adjourned
House Holds short Session.
WASHINGTON. Dee. 1.-THE house was
in session less than half an hour today.
when the deaths of Representatives North
way. Of Ohio and Love, of Mississippi.
were announced. and an adjournment was
taken until tomorrow out of respect to
their memory. The customary resolution
for the distribution or the presidents mes
sage to the several committees having iur-
isdiction was adopted. and the deficiency
bill, carrying the appropriations for the
and navy from January l 10 July !. 1889.
was reported. and viii be taken up by the
house tomorrow.
Tie report OF the Hawaiian commission,
transmitted by the president. was laid be-
fore the house and referred to the COM
mittee on territories. together with a bill
offered by Mr.. Hit to carry ont the rec
concentrations OF the commission.