Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-07-05
FIFTY FIFTH CONGRESS-.
WASHINGTON, July 3
SENATE

A long time was wasted in obtain.
ing quorum this morning.
Mr.. Jones, of Arkansas, demanded
the reading of the names of the absen-
tees, who were about evenly matched
in the two parties.
Mr.. Hoar was the first speaker after
the Hawaiian resolutions were called
up. He said he had grave doubts Us
to the wisdom of this step. 4 long
time had been required to make up his
mind. If any Senator could form an
opinion and nave liberty of action it
was a Senator from Massachusetts,
whose people were willing TO allow him
to act upon his own responsibility. He
contended that the question of apnexa-
ton was not confined to party. Emf
nent men of both parties were arrayed
against each other. Mr.. Hoar put him
self squarely on record as being opposed
TO Selling and holding the Philippines,
Cuba or any other islands at the can
nous mouth. Nothing could be found
he argued, in the state papers either Of
President Harrison or President Me,
Kiniey favoring this policy. He said
the present agitation sis a dream OF
empire" To annex Hawaii would Sc
cure territory about one.forlieth as
large as the State of Texas and COM
bned population less than hat ola third
class city. After he had summed up
be exclaimed: Now, that's the whole
OF it, No. that isn't the hell OF i; the
whole of it / mean" This produced
laugh in which Mr. Hoar joined. More
attention was paid to Mr. Hoar's
speech than to any remarks made upon
the subject by a republican. Senator's
listened with the greatest attention.
After much explanation Mr.. Hoar
finally favored in mild sort Of way
the annexation of the Sandwich Ii.
ands. To fortify Pearl hsrbor, which
could not be avoided, made it necessary
to take in the islands and elevate the
people of the same.
Mr.. Pettus asked him if he thought
the United States should take pos. e.
sion of Cuba by right OF conquest.
Mr.. Hoar replied that if the Unitei
States undertook that the United States
would cease to exist. He said this with
great deal of spirit.
Further along in his speech Mr.. Hoar
declared that if this government &C
CURED colonies in distant seas the
United States would be compelled to
maintain large and expensive navy
and to keep up a powerful standing
army. Taxation would be heavy in
order to support the costly army and
navy and protect the American flag in
distant islands.
HOUSE.
There was very slim attendance Of
members to-day, among the absentee
being the Speaker. Mr.. Bailey, the
democratic leader, though sick, was
present.
A few bills of minor importance were
taken up.
Mr.. Cannon, for the conferees on the
general deficiency bill, presented tie
conference report, and the House
adopted it. The Senate had added
some 10,000, 900, most of this for war
purposes; 100000 and over was for
dredging the Elizabeth river. The
payment of the Union Pacific claims
remained still in dispute. The House
agreed to vote on a motion to concur
in the Senate amendment at t O'Clock
Wednes lay afternoon.
Congressman Berry introduced res
olution rendering the thanks CT Con
gress and of the American people 10
Commodore Schley "for his heroic ard
distinguished conduct in destroying
the Spanish feet in Cuban waters on
the third of July"