Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-01-13


in the Senate had their first contest over
that document to-day in executive session
While the debate, technically, was
upon Senator Berry's motion providing
for the consideration of the resolution OF
ratification in open session, the entire
question at issue was gone over TO a
considerable extent. The discussion con-
tinued from few minutes past / O'Clock
until about 5. when the Senate adjourned
without reaching vote on the Berry
motion.
NO SET SPEECHES.
There were no set speeches. in the usual
acceptance of that phrase. Ii was
running debate, in which Senator'S Berry
White. Hale, Hoar, Vest, and others III
opposition to the treaty, met senators
Davis. Frye, Teller, Gray, and others In
advocacy of 1t.
Probably twenty senators spoke Dut
many OF them did little more than asB
questions. still speeches of some length
were made by Messrs. Teller and Frye
on the one hand, and by Messrs. Hale ana
Hoar on the other There were many
animated colloquies between senators, and
for a time an exceptional degree or feel
ing was shown.
The proceedings opened with speech
by Senator Berry In support OF MS mo-
ton FOR open sessions, and was rephed
10 briefly by Senators Davis and Frye,
Senator Vest coming In later in support
OF Mr.. Berry and Senator Teller joining
with the forces In opposition TO the mo-
ton. The discussion over this point ming
ed entirely upon the contention on
the one hand that the public was entitled
TO know what was taking place in the
disposition of so important n question
as the ratification OF the peace treaty,
and on the other that the debate was
sure 10 develop facts and call forth ut
terances which should not be given to
other nations
NO HARM IN PUBLICITY.
II was argued by those favoring the
motion that no harm could come by tax
ing the public into the Senate's conf
dence while those who opposed it stated
that vast international questions were
involved which could be considered in q
far more judicial and calm manner be-
hind closed doors than with the whole
world invited to listen.
The senators who had acted as members
of the Paris commission-Messrs. Davis
FRYE. and Gray-were all present. ana an
| tagonlzed the motion for open doors. The,
stated that from their experience in th'
negotiation of the treaty many questions
| involving grave International controVer
/ sizes were liable 10 be raised. and al
speaking from this standpoint, urged tn
| preservation Of the senatorial custom o.
! closing the doors Senator Teller sus
/ tanned them i'm this position.
THE PEOPLES AFFAIR.
Senator Hoar. on the other hand, 70
the first time in his life, advocated opei
sessions. declaring that no facts could d.
! developed in connection with the treat
too important for the American peopl
to know.
1T is the peoples affair" said Senate
White "and the people should be invited
at least 10 listen 10 the discussion II the
could not be given any more exalted PRIV
ilege I'm connection with it," Re then pro
| ceeded TO say that If the commissioner
who were present in the Senate had an
grave secrets they should give them I
the Senate forthwith. in order that al
the members Of that body should nav
equal light with these "highly-favore'
| gentltmen.
This led to a discussion as to the wisdor
of selecting senators as members OF com
missions.
GRAY AND TELLER'S POSITIONS.
senators Gray. Frye, and Teller talke
unon these mat,ers. Senator Gray an
uounced himself as a supporter or IN
treaty. admitting. however, that at IN
beginning he had some misgtVings as |
the policy involved. Still there could D
no two opinions on the general quesuo
of surrendering the islands back to Spair
and with this question disposed or In IN
negative il only remained Tor the unite
States to take at least temporary cor
troll Of the Islands For the future he ha
no doubt that the United States woui
deal fairly and in accordance with IN
dictates of honesty with the natives
the islands.
senator Teller's speech was a more pre-
nounced declaration for American sovei
eighty over the islands. and was Zealou
plea for our right as a nation TO max
conquests and TO hold the country takei
He too. would award the natives IA
p treatment. but he would leave no dout
I'm their minds or the minds OF any on
else that they were subjects OF thee mite
States. and that they were such by rigf
, OF conquest. by the Divine right OF M
tionality which is an inherent and II
2 tegral part OF our existence as people
CONFIRMATION or GEN. WHERR,
An interesting point bearing upon II
treaty but not connected Directly WIN
was brought out i'm connection with IN
? confirmation of General Wherry SEM
! tor Hawley asked for action upon u
! nomination. saying that IT was urgent b
5 cause II was designed that Gener'
Wherry should 90 to the Philippines an
that he should proceed there as soon
practicable This remark was seized upo
bv the opposition senator's as text Il
, criticism OF the policy of sending trooi
10 those islands at present, Senator Ha
Leading i'm this onslaught. They had SUI
posed. they said, that this practice wou
, cease with the signing Of the protoco
- some Of the senators went so far as
e intimate that the policy in connectlC
with speeches made In the Senate W.
y calculated TO incite the F'ilipinos 10 ac
/, Of hostility.
WILL. VOTE AGAINST 1T.
Senators Hale and Hoar announce
. themselves openly during the session
determined to vote against the treat
: and while the discussion was In progre
A number OF Democratic senators held
conference for the purpose OF decidiI
upon n course OF antagonism 10 rattle