The Saint Paul globe., 1899-02-12
ARGUMENT BY CANNON
SENATOR VESTS SATIRE UPON
PHILIPPINE PROGRAMME NOW
BEFORE THE SENATE
FILIPINos TO BE coERcED

That Was the Meaning of the AdOp-
ton of the Peace Treaty, Says
Mr. Nest-American Doctrines to
Be Shot Into the People of the
Philippines-Resolu Dean-
ing Intentions of the Government.
WASHINGTON, Feb. IL. - After
spirited debate of more than two hours
this afternoon, by unanimous consent
agreement was made by the senate to
vote upon the resolution of Mr.. Nc
Emery Dem., Lao declaratory of
policy of the United States as to the
Philippine possession. The request for
the unanimous consent agreement was
made by Mr.. Mason (Rep., ND after
what seemed the conclusion of the
debate upon the question, and after
several senators who were known to
be opposed to any action on the reso-
luton temporarily had left the cham
ber. Upon their return to the cham
Der they learned what had happened
in their absence, and later in the af-
ternoon Mr.. Hawley (Rep. Comm
gave notice that at a proper time he
would endeavor to have the agreement
vacated.
Mr.. Allen early in the session asked
that a vote be taken upon his resolu-
ton, as it only reiterated the doctrine
of the Declaration of Independence.
Mr.. Stewart (Nev.) said he had no
knowledge that the Declaration of In
dependence had been abrogated. If
the senate was to vote to reaffirm that
document, some good reasons should
be given the people for such a vote.
Mr.. Mason Qll.), interjecting a reply
to Mr.. Stewards implied inquiry as to
the necessity of adopting the Allen res
olution, said: 1T is simply to declare
to the Filipinos that when we kill them
We are comforting upon them the bless
ings of liberty"
A spirited skirmish followed, in
which Mr.. Allen, Mr.. Platt, of Connec-
ticut; Mr.. Lodge, Mr.. Mason and Mr..
Tillman took part as to whether there
had been a private agreement to vots
upon the McEnery resolution. All Of
the Republicans declined to commit
themselves.
Mr.. Carter, of Montana, spoke briefly,
deprecating the nature of the debate,
while Mr.. McEnery pleaded for action
on his resolution.
Mr.. Vest (do.) said any action upon
the pending resolutions would be like
sending for a physician after the pa
tient was dead. What" he inquired
'can be a broader farce than the pass
age of these resolutions when we al
ready have declared our policy at the
mouth of the cannon, amid the rattle
Of musketry, and in shooting our doc
trines into the people of the Philip
pines" He declared that when the
peace treaty was ratified, it followed
logically that the Filipinos would be
coerced.
At , o'clock the resolutions, under
the rules, went to the calendar, no ac-
tion being taken.
Mr.. Vest CMo) presented the creden-
tials Of his colleagues, Mr. CockrelI.
elected to the senate for his fifth term
Of six years. which will begin on
March 4 next.
The legislative executive and Judi
cial bill was then laid before the SEN
ate. Pending its consideration, Mr..
Mason asked consent for a vote upon
the McEnery resolution next Tuesday
at 2:3O p. m.
Mr.. Hawley objected.
Mr.. Mason then called attention to
the fact that month ago he had ask
ed vote on his resolutions. saying that
If he had disregarded that thing call
ed senatorial courtesy" he supposed he
G could have forced vote but he had
not chosen to do this. Mr. Hawley had
objected in the beginning, as he had
To-Day, saying he had no respect for the
measure. ''aS though" said Mr. Mason.
L was not his equal. claim to be his
peer" he continued, "and to represent
as good a state as he in the senate"
Mr. Hawley interrupted to say that
he had meant no discourtesy to the
senator. but only that he did not ac-
cept the doctrine Of his resolution.
FILIBUSTER THREATENED.
Continuing Mr.. Mason gave notice
that he meant to continue his warfare
in the interest Of the resolution. and
he would stay here until the snow
should fly next December, If necessary.
to get the resolutions adopted. It was
he said. more necessary to adopt these
resolutions than to take money from
the treasury as proposed in the appro
priation bills He continued by saving
that in the Philippines we are now
fighting our allies. The moment the
Jingle of gold had been heard In connec
ton with the Paris conference and
when we had descended from the high
pedestal of independence, the trouble
began and the people commenced their
revolt against the treaty In Cuba we
are still contending for liberty. and
there peace reigns; in the Philippines
the reverse is found, and there hell is
found. He asserted that the United
States had been the aggressors in the
Manila conflict by trampling upon the
rights of the Filipino. They had sought
every means of securing a peaceful
settlement. and We had kicked them
cut When Aguinaldo had asked the
roor privilege of conference our com
mander had refused without knowing
what he had to offer. His request had
been ignored. and we had gone on burn
ing his villages and shooting his people
like dogs, la Weyler. Mr.. Mason gave
deliberate notice of a filibuster, saying
he would speak each day until the res
olutions We're acted upon. 81 will take
all the time l want" he said. 81 be-
gin TO appreciate the glorious privilege
of senatorial courtesy
SENATORIAL COURTESY.
Did the senator expect to get vote
on the resolutions when he agreed to
vote for the treaty?" Mr.. Money asked.
Il did" responded Mr.. Mason 81 was
not entirely familiar with senatorial
courtesy. 1 hope to know more next
time. and when grow older learn who
TO trust and when to trust"
Mr.. Mason then entered upon the con-