Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1899-02-07

Aldrict. Lodge and Elkins. who have given
their especial attention to securing the
necessary votes to insure ratification, were
doubtful OF the result when the secret ses-
sion began. while Senators German and
Jones. the leaders of the opposition, con-
sidered their forces intact. Half an hour
afterward is was whispered about that
Senator McEnery had been won over en-
condition that his declaratory resolution
should be adopted subsequent to the pas
sage Of the ratification resolution. When
this news was confirmed. 1t was known
that ratification was assured. for Senator
McLaurin had already announced his in
tention TO vote for the treaty. in view of
the condition of affairs at Manila Senator
Jones went over at the last moment, MAX
ing the one vote more than was neces-
sary
There was no applause when the result
was announced. but many senators heaved
sigh Of relief and rushed from the cham
Der to give the news to the waiting world.
In advance of the voting. speeches were
made by Senators Ross. Money and Fair
banks. Senator Stewart, who had just ar
rived from his successful campaign in Ne
vada for reelection. announced informally
during this period of the session that, In his
entire trip across the continent, he had not
encountered one man who was opposed to
the ratification of the treaty.
Senator Money reiterated his opposition
10 the treaty and made last plea for a
modification Of the agreement. He asserted
that. If the friends Of the treaty had agreed
TO a modifying resolution. the vote could
have been secured much sooner and as 1t
would have carried assurance of pacific in
tentions on the part of this government it
would have prevented the hostile conflict at
Manila.
Senator Teller here interrupted the Mis-
sissippi senator and there was quite live
ly exchange of words. Mr.. Teller announc-
ed his belief that the opposition to the
treaty was responsible for the Manila bat
tle and Mr.. Money declared this view to be
absurd.
Mr.. Fairbanks spoke at some length. his
speech being the first he had made since
the debate began. He made an appeal for
unanimity of action, in order that the
country might present harmonious front
to the outside world in dealing with SO inn
portant question. Referring to the leg
islation in the early stages of the war and
instancing the placing Of $5o.0OO0Oo as an
emergency fund at the disposal of the pres
ident. he said it would be matter for deep
= regret If the same unanimity, harmony and
absence of partisanship could not be made
manifest at the close of the war and in the
preparation Of the treaty of peace.
When Senator Fairbanks concluded he
was congratulated by some of the oppo-
nents Of the treaty for the conciliatory
character Of his remarks.
Promptly at 8 o'clock the vice president
interrupted Senator Money, who was then
speaking, to announce that the hour had
arrived for vote But one amendment
was offered-that prepared by Senator
Vest, placing the Philippines on the same
footing as Cuba in the treaty. In the tenn
portry absence Of Mr.. Vest, it was pre-
scented by Mr.. German. This amendment
was as follows:
Article 1u.-Strike out the words 'cedes
to the United States and insert in lieu
thereof the words. 'relinquishes all claim
Of sovereignty over and title to-
add at the end of article III. the fol-
lowing: The United States. desiring that
the people of the archipelago shall be en-
abled to establish form of free govern
ment suitable to their condition and secur-
ing the rights Of life. liberty and property
and the preservation of order and equal
rights therein. assumes, for the time be-
ing. and to the end aforesaid. the control
of the archipelago. SO far as such control
shall be needful for the purposes above
stated. and will provide that the privileges
accorded to Spain by articles ". and v. OF
this treaty shall be enjoyed
In line in article VIII. after the word
Cuba insert the words and in the Phil.
ippine archipelago In line 3 Of the same
article. after the word Indies insert and
In lines and of the same article. strike
out the words. and in the Philippine archi
pelago.'
I'm article TX. strike out lines III, II
and 17s.
In line of article KILL. after the wore
Cuba insert the words the Philippines
In line of the same article strike ou
the words the Philippines
The voting on this amendment proceeded
quietly and as all the senators were pres
ent 1t was soon disposed of. The votes o.
senators were closely scanned for pointer.
on the approaching vote on the treaty It
self. The only vote considered as at al
significant of change favorable to tn,
treaty was that of Mr.. McEnery, who voted
against the amendment. Senators Jones
OF Nevada, McLaurin and Kenney votet
for 1t.
The vote was Immediately announced, ant
pages were sent scurrying through the cor
,ridors to announce to the few senator
who were not in their seats that the culmi
mating event had arrived. The call pro
ceeded quietly until the name of Senate
McLaurin was announced. He created tn
first stir of the occasion by speech in ex
PLANTATION of his vote for the treaty. Thi
was the initial break in the ranks of tn
opposition. Mr.. McLaurin made a brie
statement in explanation of his change o
position, giving the open hostilities in Ma
Mia as the reason for ii.
II am as / have been from the first" h
said, 'irreyocably opposed to the expansion
of our territory, and should have vote
against ratification but for the news tina
has come to us over the cable In the pas