The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-01-13
THE SENATORS FROM MAINE.
FRYE AND HALE CLASH DURING
THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.

berry Resolution Calls Forth an Ar
Iaignmcnt of HOnr and Mason.
Fry Charged That They Were I'm
Amcrican-His Antagonistic Col
league Took Up the CudgeI, But
Was WOrsted in the Fight.
The Treaty VIII BE Ratified.
Washington Jan. 12.-(speciaD.-An in
tenseIy exciting senatorial sluggiug match
took place in executive session to-day dur
ing the first regular consideration of the
peace treaty, with the two senator's from
Maine as the principals in the oratorical
bout.
1t is said to have been one of the warm
est exchanges of personalities within the
recollection of the Oldest members of that
usually courteous and dignhed body. 1t
is well known that there is not a very
strong tie of friendship existing between
Senator Frye and his colleague, Senator
Eugene Hale.
Senator Hale has frequently been refer
red to as the Senator from Spain" be-
cause of his friendly regard for the inter
est of the Spanish government during all
the preliminarles leading up to the war
with Spain. On the other hand, Senator
Frye has been an advocate of vigorous
American policy in dealing with Spain,
and they have frequently clashed on this
as on other matters
To-day's row between the Maine sena-
tors was brought on during the discussion
of the proposition of Senator Berry of Ar
kansas to discuss the treaty in open ses-
sion. OF course the motion received but
scant support, for there are many ques-
tions in connection with the treaty which
cannot properly be spread upon the pub
lie records.
Frye Goes for HOar and Mason.
The discussion on the Berry resolution
had been running on for more than an
hour the majority of the speeches being
in opposition to the open door suggestion.
No vote was taken, for it was apparent
that the sentiment of the Senate was
largely against the motion.
The treaty was before the Senate, and
the discussion was about to proceed, when
Senator Frye arose and delivered a severe
arraisnment of those senators who in dis
cussing the Vest resolution in open Senate
had he said, been giving aid and encour-
agement to the rebels In the Philippines"
Then, in his characteristic style, he ad-
dressed himself particularly to Senator
Hoar and Mason, indirectly charging them
with un-American instincts, and comment
ing upon the effect their public utterances
have had upon the Filpinos, and the ad-
ditional embarrassment thereby caused
the United States government in its effort
to solve the difficult problem now under
consideration.
Hale Comes to the Rescue.
Senator Hale jumped to the rescue Of
Senators Hoar and Mason. He chided his
colleague for his severe language, and
challenged him to show where any un-
American sentiments had been uttered by
any of the senators who have thus far
spoken on the subject in open session.
Senator Frye Immediately accepted the
challenge and for nearly half an hour the
senators were treated to a regular Sharkey
and Mccoy word combat between Senators
Frye and Hale. The senator's sat around
the senatorial ringside smoking various
brands of cigars, while Sena tor Frye as
"Sharkey," proceeded to deliver heavy and
effective punishment upon his scientific
and clever antagonist. 1t was sight long
to be remembered, and when the bout was
ended Hale was carried to his corner in an
helpless condition.
senator EFye'S victory.
Senator Frye is noted the world over for
his vigorous Americanism, and he never
hesitates to express his sentiments at any
time or place. He and his colleagues
differ as widely upon the question of ex-
pansion as do Senators HOar and Lodge
of Massachusetts. During the exchange
of personalities between the Maine sena-
tors Senator Hoar ably second his friend
Hale, but Frye was able to take care of
himself as the result showed.
The treaty was temporarily lost sight
Of. and The tong session to-day was not
able to accomplish much, because of the
sharp conflict between the two senators
from Maine. 1t is conceded that the CON
siderauon of the treaty may consume sew
eral weeks, although the friends of that
instrument hope that a week or ten days
will he sufficient 10 convince the opposi-
ton that more than two-thirds of the SEN
ators favor the ratification of the treaty
as a last resort.
Treaty VIII he Ratified.
The point was not reached to-day where
a test of strength could be made but I
am informed that the friends and oppon-
ents of the treaty agree that the treaty
will ultimately be ratified.
There Is a proposition being considered
behind the scenes, looking TO the adoption
of a compromise resolution or declaration
to the effect that upon the ratification of
the treaty, the United States pledges IT.
self to recognize the independence of the
Filipinos when they demonstrate their
ability to set up and maintain an inde-
pendent government.
--e-e-s