The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1899-01-18
Congressional Proceedings.

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 12.-In the Senate, Mr..
Bacon OF Georgia offered a resolution to the
effect that the government and the people
Of the United States have not waged re-
cent war with Spain for conquest and acquisi-
ton OF foreign territory, but solely for the
purpose set forth in the resolution of. Con-
gress making the declaration for said war,
acquisition Of such small tracts OF land or
harbors, as may be necessary for govern
mental purposes being not deemed incon.
sistenJ with the same. Further, that the
United States hereby disclaim any disposi-
ton or intention to exercise sovereignty,
jurisdiction or control over said islands and
assert their determination that when an in.
dependent government have been duly
erected there and entitled to recognition as
such, to transfer said government upon
terms which shall be reasonable aud just,
all the rights secured under the cession by
Spain and to thereupon leave the govern
ment and control Of the islands to their peo-
pies. The resolution was ordered to lie.
Senator Foraker defended the policy OF ex-
pansion in brilliant speech When he
took his seat there was demonstration OF
approval from the galleries, which was I'M
checked by the presiding officer.
The House worked on the codi6cation OF
the criminal law In Alaska. An amend
ment was adopted providing a high license
system in the territory with species of To-
cal option. Liquor dealers by its provisions
are to pay license OF 81 900 per year, with
the consent OF majority OF the white citi-
zens residing within two miles. Liquor es-
Establishments must be obtained before IL
cense can issue. An attempt to recommit
the bill for the purpose OF securing the
adoption OF provision excluding convicted
| felons from service on juries was defeated.
| The House noD-concurred in the Senate
amendments to the District Of Columbia APP
preparation bill and asked for a conference.
THURSDAY, Jan. 1.-THE Senate in ex-
| al in ia-
cussing the treaty. But little business was
transacted in open session. Sixteen bills
| on the private pension calendar were pass
| ed and a joint resolution extending the
thanks of Congress to Miss Clara Barton
and other officials of the Red Cross society
for their beneficial work in Armenia and
Cuba was adopted. In connection with the
resolution Mr.. Gallinger Of New Hamp
shire and Mr.. Proctor of Vermont discussed
briefly some alleged interference with the
work of the Red Cross society in Cuba by
some of the military officers. Mr.. Barton
thought the matter was not serious. Mr.
| Hawley declared that If the facts SHOULD
show that the officer was at fault he ough
| to be csshiered from the service. The reso
luton was then passed.
The House passed the diplomatic and con
sular appropriation bill without amend
ment. During the general debate two Sc
speeches were made against imperialism b.,
Messrs. Carmack and Gaines of Tennessee
The diplomatic and consular is the sixth o
the regular appropriation bills to pass thu
House Seven budgets yet remain.
FRIDAY, Jan. 13.-In the Senate Mr. Nc
Laurin OF South Carolina took strong grount
| in a carefully prepared speech against
policy OF expansion by this country. HI
cited as one of the principal reasons VIII,
the United States should not assume do
minion over peoples who are widely dissim
liar to the people OF this country the expe
rience of the South with the negro race
He advocated the adoption Of the Vest.res
olution declaring that this country coult
not mainain permanently as colonies sucl
territories as the Philippines and held tina
it would be in opposition to this spirit o
American institutions to do so. The Sen
ate devoted the remainder Of the day t
considering the Indian appropriation bill
- The entire time of the House wa
taken up with discussing the naval person
mel bill. No vote was reached.