The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-28
Attempt to Manufacture Public Opin-
ion with Money Not .egarded by
Mr., HOar as Harmful.
SPEECH BY HON. T. C. PLATT
HIS REASONS FOR STANDING BY THE
PRESIDENTS POLICY.
Pension Bill Passed After n Protest
from GOrman-Peace Treaty Dis
cussed in Secret Session.


est manifested in the Senate to-day
in brief speech delivered by Mr.. r. C.
Plat, of New York, on the general subject
of expansion. Mr.. Platt took for his text
the anti-expansion resolution offered by Mr..
Vest, of Missouri, but in the course of his
speech merely touched on the constitutional
questioninvolved in the proposed declaration.
He spoke in a clear, resonant voice, and not
only because this was the first speech he
has delivered in the Senate since his return
to the body. but also because the address
was a thoughtful and wel-cOnsidered state
ment, he was accorded the undivided atten-
ton of his colleagues on the floor and a
large audience in the galleries. A pleasing,
though quiet vein of humor ran through the
speech, sharply pointing his statements. He
took strong ground for the ratification of
the pending treaty of peace. In concluding
he said:
Mr.. President, do not.know and I don't
think any one else can know just what
ought to be done with the Philippine islands
beyond thts-that we ought, as instantly as
possible, to complete the withdrawal of
their sovereignty from the kingdom of Spain
and that We ought ourselves to assume its
Obligations and pTudently to discharge them
until we have had fun opportunity in our
own councils TO determine their best DISPOSE
ton. This is all that the treaty of Paris
proposes or imposes. 1t is all that the admin
istration has at any time suggested. 1t is
no more than safe and conservative policy
advises. 1t Is no less than our public obll-
cations require. 1t is plain, clear positive
duty. 1t is one of those duties that are not
to be got rid of by evasion nor even by de-
NAL. 1t would remain after YOU had rejected
the treaty. 1t lies in the nature of the situa-
ton. Your army your navy and your flag
are at Manila. You can add to their dangers
If you will But their duty abides and the
viii of the Nation must be DONE.
At the opening of the session to-day sew
eraI members gave notice of speeches on the
expansion question. Mr.. Mason asked unani-
nous consent for vote on his resolution,
declaring it to be the policy OF the United
States not to attempt TO govern the people
or any other nation, next Friday at 10
clock and Mr.. Hoar for vote on his
resolution declaring that the Fflipinos ought
10 be free and Independent, but Mr.. Carter,
of Montana, objected to both.
MIR. HOARS THREAT.
Showing evidence of annoyance, Mr.. Hoar
rose and said: Il desire to give notice that
if we are not to have a vote the ques-
ton presented by this resolution, a question
which is immediate and practical, / will
keep my resolution, or that of the senator
from Illinois [Masonl, before the Senate
during every morning hour until we obtain
vote upon them"
Mr.. Gallinger intimated that Mr.. Hoar
would encounter some difficulty in carrying
out his plan to keep the resolution before
the Senate.
The following resolution was offered by
Mr., Sullivan, who asked that it lie on the
table,.
That the ratification of the pending
treaty with Spain shall in no wise deter
mine the policy to be pursued by the United
states in regard to the Philippines nor
shall it commit this government to a colonial
policy; nor is it intended to embarrass the
establishment of a stable, Independent gov
ernment by the people of those islands
whenever conditions make such proceedings
hopeful of successful and desirable results
After some parliamentary sparring, Mr..
Mason obtained the floor, and spoke briefly
in advocacy of vote on his expansion reso-
luton. Mr.. I. G. Platt then delivered his
speech.
At the close of Mr.. Platt's speech. Mr.
Fairbanks precipitated some discussion by
a statement which he submitted with re-
spect to the anti-eXpansion propaganda. He
said that on Thursday certain clippings from
agricultural newspapers from various parts
of the country were inserted in the Record.
There is very systematic and subtle at
tempt to mislead the people of the country
with respect to the question of expansion,
said Mr.. Fairbanks, "and the agricultural
papers are being used as medium for this
he had been credibly informed that Mr. Her.
bert Myrick, the editor of an agricultural
paper at Springfield Mass, had sent to ag-
ricultural newspapers throughout the coun-
try the letter of Andrew Carnegie to Secre-
tary Wilson in opposition to expansion, and
had urged them to print 1t and comment IA
vorably upon it, the space in their papers to
be paid for at the usual rates. He then had
read some Of the communications sent out
by those who were opposed to the policy of
expansion, remarking in conclusion, that he
desired simply to put the Senate in posses
sion of the information contained therein,
without commenting upon it.
CHANDELIERS QUERY TO FAIRBANKS.
Mr.. Chandler inquired whether Mr.. Fair
banks could inform the Senate who paid
for the publication of this literature and
whether he objected to the payment for it
by anybody who was able to do so.
"The matter, some of it 1 may say" re-
piled Mr.. Fairbanks, lis being systemati-
cally published and sent to senators in this
chamber at the expense of somebody /
do not know. and do not say who pays the
bills. 1t was my desire simply to bring the
matter to the attention of the Senate"
Mr. Hoar said that the matter which had
appeared in the agricultural papers with
reference to the question of expansion was
simply being supplied to the Senate for its
information ana as guide, so far as il
might be considered to be such, 10 senators
as TO the views Of the great agricultural
class Of this country. If there could be he
said Il more absolutely harmless method
of communicating public opinion, he did not
know what il was. He indicated that the
expansionist press was being employed to
the same end and said he did not enter any
objection to it.
Then Mr. Chandler inquired Of Mr.. Hoar
if he knew of any man with more or less
money who was paying for the expansion
propaganda.
Mr.. Hoar replied that he was merely stat
ing the facts and had no desire to impugn
the motives eff anybody
The pension appropriation bin, the sec
ond OF the general appropriation measures,
then passed after some debate. Mr.
German was the principal speaker. After
calling attention 70 the large amount car