Evening star., 1898-12-06
TO HOLD COLONIES
Senator Vests Resolution Denying
Existence of the Power.
FIGHT AGAINST EXPANSION OPENS
House Adjourns From Respect to
Dead Representatives.
DEFICIENCY BILL REPORTED

Senators were slow in assembling at to-
days session. Soon after the session was
called to order former Vice President Levi
P. Morton of New York appeared on the
floor. He was given a cordial greeting by
his friends among the senators.
The credentials of Nelson w. Aldrich for
a new term as senator from Rhode Island
for six years from March 4, 1899, were pre-
scented. They were signed by Elisha Dyer,
governor, captain general and commander
in-chief of the state of Rhode Island and
Providence plantation
Mr.. Morrill, gave notice that on Tuesday
next he would address the Senate in favor
of the bill to provide building for the
United States Supreme Court.
Mr.. Pettigrew IS. d. offered resolution,
which adopted, calling upon the Sec
retary of the Interior for information con-
cerning the region south Of and adjoining
the Yellowstone National Park and con-
cerning the preservation Of the game in
that region.
No Power to Hold Colonies.
Mr.. Vest CMo.) offered the following joint
resolution, which he asked might lie on
the table. as he desired 10 speak on it at
an early day:
That under the Constitution of the
United States no power is given to the
federal government to acquire territory 20
be held and governed permanently as
colonies.
The colonial system of European nations
cannot be established under our present
Constitution, but all territory acquired by
the government, except such small amount
as may be necessary for coaling stations,
correction of boundaries and similar gov
ernmental purposes, must be acquired aid
governed with the purpose of ultimately
organizing such territory into states suit
able for admission into the Union"
Consideration of bills on the calendar
was then taken up. measure, reported
favorably at the last session. amending ex-
istine law relating to the issuing of Amer
lean registry TO foreign-built ships wreck
ed in the United States, purchased by cit
liens of the United States and repai ed to
the extent of three-fourths of their value
was discussed The bill provides that If
such a wrecked ship be employed In TIE
coaStWiSe trade 1t shah be subject to for
feiture
Our General Carrying Trade.
Mr.. Vest, a member of the committee on
commerce. expressed his opposition TO the
bill, principally because it afforded protec-
ton to the coastwise trade, which needed
10 protection. Our general carrying trade,
Mr.. Vest believed. needed protection.
Under the present system of navigation
cent to IL per cent, and this country is
now paying $150,00O, 600 annually 10 foreign
ship owners for carrying trade that ought
to be carried in American bottoms.
This condition of affairs Mr.. Vest de
cared, was "a scandal and disgrace He
said he had been amused at the suggestion
of the President made in his message sub
mitted yesterday that our carrying trade
be encouraged by the payment of subsidies
I'm other words" said he, ut IS pro-
posed to substitute for the present vicious
system of a navigation law, a scheme Of
subsidies that is even more vicious than is
the evil 1t proposes TO remedy
Under the proposed policy of the admin
istration." continued Mr.. Vest. we are to
build national navy. We are 10 cease to
be a nation of traders. and under the i'm
pulse Of the policy of expansion become q,
nation of warriors. 1t would appear 10 me
to be better first TO build up our carrying
trade. l would also let our people, through
the bene1cent effects OF such trade. tuy
where they can buy cheapest"
Mr.. Caffery La.) also a member of the
committee on commerce, opposed The bill.
Finally 1t was made a special order for
next Monday.
After the passage of some minor bills the
Senate, at l 80 pm, on motion Of Mr. Aid
rich (R. -, adjourned.