The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-02-10
THE TREATY RATIFIED
The Opposition Confident and the
Treaty Advocates in Doubt Until just
Before the VOte-The News From
mi Changes Enough Senators to
Secure Ratification.

Washington, February 6.-The treaty
of peace negotiated between the COM
missioners Of the United States and
Spain at Paris was today ratified by the
United States senate. the vote being 81
ayes to ~ nays, or one vote more than
the two-thirds majority necessary to
secure senatorial concurrence in a trea-
ty document. The vote was taken in
executive session, and until the injunc-
ton of secrecy was removed, the result
was supposed to be private; but the
vice president had no more than an
nounced the figures before senators
rushed out Of every door leading from
the nat chamber declaring that the
treaty had been ratified. Some made
the mistake Of stating hat there were
three votes to spare. There was in
fact only one vote more han was nee
eSSary.
Senators Aldrich, Lodge and Elkins,
who have given their especial atten-
ton to securing the necessary vote to
insure ratification were doubtful of the
result when the secret session began,
while Senators German Inc Jones, the
leaders Of the opposition, considerd
their forcee intact. Half an hour after
wards it "a Whispered about that Sem
ator McEnery had been won over on
condition that his ~declaratory resOlu-
ton should be adopted subsequent to
h passage of the ratification resolu-
ton. When this news was confirmed,
it was known that ratification was as
sured, for Senator McLaurin had al
ready announced his intention to vote
for the treaty in view of the condition
of affairs at Manila. Senator Jones,
of Nevada, went over at the last mo-
ment, making the one vote more than
was necessary.
There was no applause when the re-
suit was announced but many senators
heayed 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 hat 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 a brief written
speech announcing his intention to sup
port the treaty as in the interest of
peace
Senator Money reiterated his oppo-
S1tlOn to the treaty and made a last
plea for a modification of the agree
ment. He asserted that if the friends
of the treaty had agreed to a modify
ing resolution the treaty would have
been ratified much soone and that as
it would have carried assurance of pa
cific intentions on the part of this gov
eminent it would nave prevented the
hostile conflict at Manila.
Senate Teller here interrupted the
Mississippi senator and there was quite
a lively exchange of words. senator
Teller announced his belief that the OPP
position TO the treaty were responsible
for the Manila battle and Senator Mon
ey declared this view to be absurd.
Senator Fairbanks spoke at some
length, his speech being the first he had
made since the debate began. He
made an appeal for unanimity of ac-
ton in order that the country might
present a harmonious front to the out
side world in dealing with so important
a question. He referred to the opening
of hostilities at Manila and expressed
the view It al the ratification of the
treaty woul1 do much to prevent fur.
Their bloodshed n restore quiet.
Promptly at 3 o'clock the vice presi-
dent interrupted Senator Money who
wac then speaking. to announce that
the hour had arrived for a vote. But
an amendment was offered, that pre-
pared by Senasor Vest, placing the