The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1899-01-19
SENATOR FORAkER'S SPEECH
Outlines His Opposition to
the Vest Resolution.
HOUSE PASSES ALASKA LICENSE
Several Senators Warmly Discuss Va
rious Resolutions Relating to Our
Position In the Philippines.

washington, Jan. IA climax was
reached today in the debate ON the
question of expansion which is in prog
ress in the senate. Heretofore all of
the speeches, with the notable excep-
tion Of that of Plat of Coneectitcut.
have been in opposition to what is pre-
sumed 10 be the policy of the admins
tfation with respect to the acquisition
of the Philippines. Today Foraker of
Ohio. addressed the senate in opposition
to the declaration of the Vest resolu-
ton, that the United States has no
constitutional power to acquire foreign
territory to be maintained as colonies.
While much of his speech was devoted
to constitutional argument in support
OF the right Of this country as nation
to acquire and govern outlying terri
tory, he gave particular attention to
the utterances that have been made in
contravention Of that position, and
those of Vest and Hoar. Foraker has
clear. direct and forceful style of
oratory, which commands attention,
not only by reason of the recognized
ability of the man. but also by his i'm
petuosity and power as a speaker. He
is at his best in running fire of de-
bate, and the frequency of interruption
today afforded him ample opportunity
to e.ucidate his argument to the best
advantage. He laid down the broad
proposition that to adopt the Vest reso-
luton was to declare that our fathers
had brought forth nation that was
inferior to all other nations, regardless
of the generally accepted idea that one
nation was the equal of another and all
equally restricted. He maintained
that the right of nationality, and that
as we have the right to make war and
to enter into treaty agreements, it fol-
lows logically that we have the power
to acquire territory by conquest and
to assume responsibilities that may &C.
crne therefrom. Foraker's strong as
sertion that the acquisition of the Phil
ippines was temporary in character
created a sensation in the chamber.
He maintained, however. that we have
legal right to hold the islands per-
manently.
Prior to the speech by Foraker a
sharp debate was precipitated by Allen
OF Nebraska by some remarks he
made upon resolution he had intro
duced. Hoar of Massachusetts and
Gray of Delaware were drawn into it.
Vice-PIesident Hobart presided over
the senate today for the first time since
the holiday recess, having been de-
tanned at his home by an attack of the
grip.
A bill authorizing Lieutenant-Col-
onel Vifquian, of the Third Nebraska,
to accept from the emperor of China
the decoration of the Order of the
Double Dragon for distinguished serv-
ice rendered, was passed.
In the House.
Washington, Jan. 13.-The house
today completed and passed the bill for
the codifcation Of the criminal laws
of Alaska, upon which it has been
working internationally for a week.
An amendment was adopted providing
high license system in the territory,
with a species of local option. Liquor
dealers, by its provisions. are to pay
license of $1,000 year, and the con-
sent of majority Of the white citi-
zens residing within two miles of
liquor Dealers establishment must be
obtained before a license can be Sc
cured. An attempt to recommit the
bill for the purpose Of securing the
adoption of provision excluding con-
victs from service on juries was de-