Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-12-08

Washington, Dec 6.-Many senators
excused themselves from expressions
of opinions at length upon the presi-
dents message to congress on the
ground that htey had not been able to
give careful attention to all of its de-
tails. The republican senators were,
however, willing to express themselves
in a few words of commendation
Senator Cullom regarded it as "a
painstaking, entertaining and accurate
historical review" Senator Plat
commended the expression of determ-
ination to increase the standing army
and maintain order in Cuba until the
Cubans can take care of themselves.
Senator WOlcott said that it was an
admirable document. Senator Lodge
said that it was liable and excellent"
Senator Foraker said: 1T is a pres
entation Of the facts generally, but a
little indefinite on the question Of Gu
ban Independence" Senator Proc
tor said: ct is good American pa
per-" Senator Perkins said: ut is
facts leading up to war;
The democrats were even more
averSe than the republicans to discuss
the paper. Senator Jones (Ark.) said
the message in several points did not
accord with his views. He also Ques-
toned the presidents right to hold the
volunteers in service beyond the time
of the signing of the peace treaty, say
ing, there is no nation in existence
where law requires such a condition"
Senator Jones interpreted the preSi-
dents expression upon the finances as
procurement for a gold standard
and the retirement of greenbacks, and
he does not believe the majority of
the American people will endorse him
in this respect. The senator expressed
the opinion that the president was in
clined TO go farther in the matter of
the government of Cuba than the reso-
luton of intervention called for He
also expressed surprise at the absence
of any recommendation concerning the
Philippines.
Senator Teller said there would be
reference to the Philippines. I'm the
recommendations regarding the cur
rency," Mr.. Teller said the friends of
bimetallism will find no encourage
ment from anything the president
says. No reference is made to inter-
national bimetallism, but the presi-
dent in a most emphatic way indicates
his intention to maintain a gold stand
ard. The so-called silver republican
party is friendly to silver and will find
no encoura cement in the presidents
message, and it will strike all as sing
ular that if the republican party, as it
is claimed, is in favor of International
bimetallism, the president should
make no reference to it,
Representative Hit, rep, Ill.) said:
The president mas summarized and
solved in an abe and felicitous man
ner the questions touching the i'm
mense and rapidly succeeding recent
events, and the situation in which the
nation finds itself. His simple propo-
sition to let our new possessions alone,
under just firm governments by the
military arm which conquered them,
gives us time for preparations for their
permanent government
Representative Grosvenor (rep., o.
said: THE views OF the president
upon currency reform will meet the in
telligent sanction of the sound money
element of all parties" Mr.. McMillin
(dem., Tenn said: ''On the most i'm
portant question confronting the ma
tion-what shall we do with the newly
acquired possessions-the presidents
message reminds me of the caption of
the last chapter of Johnsons Rasselas,
The conclusion in which nothing IS
concluded
Mr.. Cummings (dem., N. " said:
1T is a concise statement Of facts,
without suggestion or recommends
ton. | have an idea the real message
will be sent in hereafter
Mr.. Dingley( rep, Me- said: 1T IS
TO be noted that the president states
that our revenue laws are working well
with no suggestion of needed modii-
cation
Mr.. Richardson dem. Tenn said:
1T is disappointing that the president
failed to tell us what we are to do with
the new possessions. Banking and
currency and all financial reform leg
islation promised in 1896 get no men
ton"
Mr.. Bailey, the democratic floor lead
er, was called from the house by the
illness OF his son, and asked to be eX-
cIlSed from eXnraSSing his views