The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-02-07
Vote IN Senate Fifty.seven to Twenty-seven,
One More Than Two Thirds.
VOTE NO TEST OF EXPANSION
This Will Have to be Fought Out aer--The Philippine
Outbreak Won Three Doubtful Votes Which Assured
Ratifcaton--There was Great Applause in the
Capitol When the Vote was Announced.

Washington, L eD. O.--IHe treaty VI
peace negotiated between the commits
sioners of the United States and Spain
at Paris was ratified by the United
States Senate, the vote being 81 ayes
to 81 nays, or one vote more than the
two-thirds majority necessary to secure
Senatorial concurrence in a treaty docu-
ment. The vote was taken in executive
session. and until the injunction of
secrecy was removed, the result was sup
posed to be private; but the Vice-Presi
dent 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 was necessary.
No vote has been taken in the Senate
since that ON the repeal of the purchas-
ing clause of the Sherman law that has
been followed with as close interest as
was the vote to-day. This anxiety was
due not only to the magnitude of the
question at issue, but to the uncertainty
which attended the matter UP to the
last moment.
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 waiting eagerly for the news from
inside.
Within the chamber the interest was
even more intense.
Very few Senators left the chamber
in trying on the one size to gain votes
for the treaty and on the other to pre-
vent break in the ranks.
Senators Aldrich, Lodge and Elkins
who have given their especial attention
to securing the nece-sar vote to in
sure ratification were doubtful of the
result when the secret session began,
while Senators German and Jones. the
leaders of the opposition, considered
their forces intact. Half an hour after
wards it was whispered about that Sen
ator McEnery had been won over on
condition that his declaratory resolution
should be adopted subsequent to the
passage of the ratification resolution
When this news was confirmed it was
known that ratification was assured
for Senator McLaurin had already an
nounced his intention to vote for the
treaty in view of the condition of af-
fairs at Manila.
Senator Jones New, went over at the
last moment making the one vote more
than was necessary.
There was applause when the result
was announced, but many Senators
heaved a sigh of relief and rushed
from the chamber to give the news TO
the waiting world.
In advance of the voting Speeches
were made by Senators Ross. Money
and Fairbanks. Senator Stewart, who
had just arrived from his successful
campaign in Nevada for reelection. an
nounced informally during this period
Of the session that in his entire trip
across the continent he had not en-
countered one man who was opposed to
the ratification of the treaty.
Senator Ross read brief written
speech announcing his intention to sup
port the treaty as in the interest OF
peace. Senator Money riterated his OPP
position to the treaty and made u
last plea for modification of the agree
ment. He asserted that if the friends
of the treaty had agreed to Il modifying
resolution the vote could have been re-
ceived much sooner and that as it
would have carried assurance of pacific
intentions ON the part of this Govern
ment it would have prevented the con-
tiict at Manila.
Senator Teller here interrupted the
Mississippi Senator, and there was quite
a lively exchange of words. Mr.. Tellep
announced his belief that the opposition
To the treaty were responsible for the
Manila battle and Mr.. Money declared
this view to be absurd. Mr.. Fairbanks
spoke at some length, his speech being
the first he had made since the debate
began. He made an appeal for unani-
nifty of action in order that the country
might present harmonious front to the
outside world in dealing with so impor-
tant question.
He referred to the opening of hostili-
ties at Manila, and expressed the view
that the ratification of the treaty would
do much TO prevent further bloodshed
and restore quiet.
Promptly at 3 o'clock the Viee-Presi
dent interrupted Mr.. Money who was
then speaking to announce that the
hour had arrived for vote. But
one amendment was offered, that pre-
pared by Senator Vest placing the
Philippines on the same footing as
Cuba in the treaty. In the temporary
absence of Mr.. Vest it was presented
by Mr.. German.
The voting on this amendment pro-