The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-02-07
SENATE RATIFIES TREATY.
ADVOCATES HAD ONE MORE THAN
THE NECESSARY VOTE.


of the Document-Much Excite
ment Around the senate Chamber.
President Much GratIhed by SEN
Rte'S Action - Several Speeches
Made.
Washington, Feb. 6.--The treaty OF peace
the United States and Spain at Paris was
to-day ratified by the United States SEN
ate, the vote being 81 ayes to q nays, or
one vote more than the two-thirds major
ity necessary to secure senatorial concur
renee in a treaty document
The vote was taken in executive session,
and until the injunction of secrecy was re-
moved, the result was supposed TO be pri-
vate. but the Vice President had no more
than announced the figures before senators
rushed out of every door leading from the
Senate chamber declaring that the treaty
had been ratified Some made the mistake
of stating that there were three votes TO
spare. There was in fact. only one vote
more than necessary.
No vote had been taken In the Senate
since that on the repeal of the purchasing
clause of the Sherman law that has been
followed with as close interests as was the
vote of to-day This anxiety was due NOS
only 10 the magnitude of the question at
issue, but to the uncertainty which at
tended the matter up to the last moment
Excitement Inside and out.
Many of the vast throng which was
turned from the galleries after the doors
were closed in response to Senator Davis
motion, fingered in the corridors, all walt
ing eagerly for the first news from inside
Within the chamber, the interest was
even more intense, Very few senator's left
the chamber except those engaged in the
cloak rooms in trying On the one side TO
gain votes for the treaty. and on the other
10 prevent a break in the ranks.
Senators Aldrlch, Lodge and Elkns, who
have given their especial attention to Sc
curing the necessary vote 10 insure ratih-
cation, were doubtful of the result when
the secret session began while Senators
German and Jones, the leaders of the oppo-
sition, considered their forces intact.
Half an hour afterwards 1t was whisper
cd about that Senator McEnery had been
won over on condition that his declara-
! fOIN tEEOluAiOh AnOQlQ DE uhhpltu SubSE-
| quent to the passage of the ratification
resolution. When this news was confirm
ed, Il was known that ratification was as
sured, for Senator McLaurin had already
announced his intention to vote for the
/ treaty IN view of the condition Of affairs
at Manila
Senator Jones, of Nevada, went over at
the last moment making the one vote
more than was necessary.
.T,r.
was announced, but many senators heav-
ed sigh of relief and rushed from the
chamber to give the news to the waiting
word
Stewart Found No Opponents.
In advance of the voting speeches were
made by Senators Ross, Money and Fair
banks. Senator Stewart who had just
arrived from his successful campaign IN
Nevada for reelection. announced infor-
malfy 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 Ross read a brief written speech
| announcing his intention to support the
treaty as in the interest of peace.
Senator Money reiterated his opposition
20 che treaty and made a last plea for a
modification of the agreement He assert
ed that II the friends Of tine treaty had
agreed to a modifying resolution, the vote
could have. been reached much sooner and
thai as it would have carried assurance
Of pacific intentions on the part Of this
| government 1t would have prevented the
hostile conflict at Manila.
Teller Takes a Hand.
Senator Tel.er here interrupted the Mis-
sIssippl senator and there was quite live
ly exchange of words Mr. Teller an
] nci,pcad HE balioF fhaf tho y,f,r,r,eIftnp
the treaty were responsible for the Manila
battle, and Mr. Money declared this view
/ 10 be absurd.
MIR. Fairbanks spoke at some length, his
speech being the first he had made since
the debate began. He made an appeal for
! unanimNy of action IN order that the
country might present harmonious front
TO the outside world in dealing with so
| important question.
He referred to the opening OF hostilities
at Manila. and expressed The view that the
! ratification OF the treaty would do much
to prevent further bioodshed and restore
cuiet.
Time for the Vote.
| Promptly at o'clock the Vice President
interrupted Mr. Money who was then
| speaking 10 announce that the hour had
arrived for vote. But one amendment
| was offered, that prepared by Senator
! vest pidCHB tnt IuifiDplHFH Oh lue SJHe
| footing as Cuba in the treaty. In the teni-
porary absence Of Mr.. Vest Il VAS pre-
sented by Mr.. German.
| The voting on this amendment proceeded
quietly, and as all the senators were ples-
ent. il was soon disposed OF.
The votes Of senator's were closely scsnn-
ed for pointers on, the approaching vote on
the treaty itself The only vote considered
as at all significant OF change favorable
TO the treaty was that of Mr.. McIsnery
who voted against the amendment. sena-
tors Jones Of Nevada, McLaurin, and Ken
ny voted for 1t.
The vote was Immediately announced
and pages were sent scurrying through ths
| corridors 10 announce TO the few senator's
who were not in their seats that tie cul-
minating event had arrived.
A Stop at McLaurin.
The call proceeded quietly until the name
of Senator McLaurln was announced.
He created the hrst stir by a speech in
explanation of his vote for the treaty.
This was the initial break In the ranks
of the opposition. Mr.. McLaurin made a
brief statement In explanation or his
II