The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-02-03
LEADS MA NORTH CAROLINA nAllES DIM NEWS AND GRGUlA<M

therefore considered as superficial, senti-
mental and fantastic much of the taik
concerning the permanent annexation
of these far-away islands. If the rati-
fication of the treaty involved perma-
nent domain, he said he would not vote
for it. But he had not been able to
find any half way resting place be-
tween accepting the cession and aban-
doning the islands to their fate, and this
was not permissible. The President,
kind and generous as he is, would not
have us make treaty leaving the Phil
ippines archipelago to the lust, the saw
agery and the brutality of Spanish
rule. To have attempted this course
would have been to inaugurate rule
Of anarchy with all its horrors, and
while the war was cruel and bitter
anarchy was hell let loose on earth"
In case of our abandonment of the
Philippines, Spain would, of course, re-
assert her rights there and in case she
was not financially able to accomplish
this purpose, she would find plenty of
assistance from other European ma
tions friendly to her.
In conclusion Mr.. SpoOner said that
the ratification of the treaty and the
acceptance by this country of the ces-
sion from Spain was not a declaration
of principles. He declared that the
Bacon resolutions and all other pending
resolutions on this subject were rich
with mischief and ought not to be
adopted.
At the conclusion of Mr. Spooner's
argument. Mr.. Tillman explained why
he had interrupted the Wisconsin Sena-
tor. He desired to incorporate with Mr.
Spooner's speech some statements with
respect to Aguinaldo made in report
by Major j. f. Bell, of the Engineer
corps of the army.
Mr.. SpOoner gave his assent to the
insertion of the statements at the proper
place in his speech.
Mr.. Tillman, however, insisted upon
reading them. He declared that Agui-
naldo had well-armed force of 40.-
600 men and would resist every attempt
to re-establish a colonial government in
the islands.
Interrupting Mr. Tillman, Mr. Hoar
inquired:
Does not Aguinaldo hold in peace and
order more than fifty times as much ter
ritory in the Philippines as the United
States?"
Mr. Tilman replied that Aguinaldo
held all the Philippines except a small
norton of the Island of Luzon around
Manila. In conclusion Mr.. Aillman said
that the ratification of the treaty could
only inject into this country another race
question which would certainly breed
war and bloodshed.
At 3:35 p. m. on motion of Mr.. Davis
the Senate went into executive session.
At $40 p. m. the Senate adjourned.
sENATE's EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Washington, February 2-The execu-
tive session of the Senate today was
merely a continuation of the legal ar
gument which started with Senator
Spooner's speech in the open Senate It
grew out of the question of Senator
Tillman concerning the status of the
Filipinos with reference to citizenship
in case the cession of the Philippine
Islands should be accepted.
senator Hoar made set argument.
quoting literally from authorities, in
support of the contention that they
would become citizens and be entitled
to all the rights and privileges as such
under the Constitution. This view was
antagonized by Senators Platt, of Con
necticut; Teller and Nelson. Senator
Nelson referred to the acquisition of
territory from France and Spain during
the history of the country, and read
from many legal opinions to show that
the Indians in such territory were not
citizens. Mr.. Platt made the point that
citizens of territories were not full
fiedged citizens and Mr.. Teller contend
ed that they We're not until they were
such by Congressional enactment.
Senator Davis, in charge of the treaty.
expressed the opinion after the adjourn
ment of the Senate tonight, that a vote
would be secured tomorrow on the reso-
lutions pending in the Senate, declara-
tory of the country's future attitude to-
ward the Filipinos in case of the ratifca-
tion of the treaty. The first vote will
be on the Bacon resolutions, which will
probably be voted down. A vote will
then be taken upon resolution more
acceptable to the majority, probably
that offered by Mr.. Sullivan. which it
is expected. will be adopted.
Senator Daniel will speak on the
treaty in open Senate tomorrow, and
Senator Morgan in executive session.