The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-02-23

Ind) created a sensation by delivering
an emphatic speech against the annexa-
ton OF Hawaii. His remarks were met
by many demonstrations OF approval
from the Democratic side. Whether the
present government Of Hawaii was .
ue Iacto or a de Jure government. he
declared thatit misrepresented the peo-
pile OF Hawaii. whose rights IL was ready
TO proffer away. How long had II been,
he asked. since we had passed bill to
keep out the ignorance OF the old world.
that we now proposed 10 annex territory
in which ignorance was the rule. We
passed "A Chinese exclusion act; now IL
is proposed to annex territory which
contains large Chinese population. 1t
would be unwise and shortsighted IL
we should cut loose from all the tra-
ditions OF the past and rashly embark
on the unknown sea of territorial ag-
srandizement. Today the cry is "Give
US Hawaii" tomorrow 1t will be "Give
us Cuba" and the next day Give us
Samoa" These appeals would all be
justified by the pleasant sophistries
which appeal TO our vanity and cupidity
until at last we would find ourselves
irretrievably committed to policy un-
necessary TO the material happiness OF
our people, hurrying along a path strewn
with the wrecks of empires and of ma
tlons. (Applause)
He did not deny that the acquisition
of foreign territory had added to the
prosperity of nations. but history showed
1t 10 have been ultimately a source of
weakness. Cupidity bred oppression.
1t piled up taxes. IL stirred up strife.
IL shed human blood, II was the first step
toward dismemberment. Let the ma
tions OF the old world pursue this policy
OF aggrandizment to their hearts con-
tent; let them saddle their people with
debt, equip armies and navies and shed
oceans OF blood. Let England boast.
II she please. that the sun never set
upon her territory: but let as remember
IT never went down upon the misery
ner policy had created. Let wars and
rumors of war bring anxiety 10 the
faces of her colonists. but let the flower
OF her colonies which broke away from
her domination 100 years ago and which.
by pursuing the opposite policy, had out
stripped her. continue to stand as an ex-
ample to the civilized world. While
others sought war and it's horrors. let
us soothe our people with enduring
peace"
The demonstration which greeted the
conclusion of Mr.. Johnson's speech was
one of the greatest and most spontan-
oous witnessed in this congress. Many
OF the Republicans joined II, and the
galleries. which were crowded, gave evi-
dences OF approval. Members thronged
about the Indiana member wheDIe took
his seat and warmly congratulated him.
Mr., Jones Fusionist. Wash.) delivered
q general speech in opposition to ex-
isting conditions which aroused the mi
nority to enthusiasm. Mr.. Simpson
tPop., Kan) created amusement by
some observations. He was speaking
OF the tendency OF the times TO produce
millionaires on the one hand and paupers
on the other, and was directing HIS re-
marks especially at Mr.. Walker when
MIR. Perkins (Rep.. la asked him IL he
would object TO being a millionaire.
II should not" replied Mr.. Simpson
amid laughter. II don't believe IN play
ing the hypocrite; but that I am not
a millionaire is evidence OF my direct
declnation to take advantage of my
fellow man.
IF you were a millionaire I presume
you would admit that there was some
respectability among them?'
Yes. / have no doubt / should add
at least an air of respectability To them"
Laughter)
Mr. Walker replied TO Mr.. Simpson,
denouncing the other side for its re-
iterated aspersions upon men of wealth.
Turning TO the southern members, he
declared impulsively that he had given
TO the cause Of education in the south
more than all OF them together had con-
tributed. Figure il out" he said with
feeling. "and you will and have given
two dollars for every one you have con-
tributed. I am tired Of this abuse. I
stand here in the integrity OF an honest
life. l have given away more than /
now possess. You have driven me To
this statement; now hang your heads
in shame" Great applause on Re-
publican side)