The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1899-02-28

Speech Against the Measure.
| Washington, Feb. 27.-After a con-
/ test that will be memorable in the mis-
/ tory of the senate, the compromise
army reorganization bill was passed
this evening at 7:10. When the senate
convened at IL o'clock this morning. il
seemed more than likely that the bill
might be passed during the day. Mr.
German of Maryland insisted that his
amendment providing that the army
should not be increased permanently,
or beyond July l, 1901, be incorporated
in the measure. For several hours il
appeared probable that his insistence
at least would throw the bill over until
tomorrow and perhaps defeat it. An
agreement was reached finally, how
ever, and Mr.. Germans amendment, in
a slightly modified form, was accepted.
The notable speech Of the day against
the measure was delivered by Mr. Vest
of Missouri, hut his brilliant eloQuence
aVailed nothing against the measure
as finally agreed upon.
Tonight the senate took up the sun
dry civil bill and completed its read
ing, all the committee amendments be-
inS agreed TO, except those relating to
the District of Columbia. The bill was
then laid aside to be completed tomor-
row.
Consideration of the army reorgan-
ization bin was resumed, and Mr.. Bate
of Tennessee, member of the mill
tary affairs committee, addressed the
senate in opposition to an increase of
the army and against warfare on the
Filipinos.
He regarded the measure as probably
the most important Of the present ses-
sion. He objected to the bill because
it provided twice as many men as the
eEigencies of the situation required, be-
cause 1T made invidious distinctions be-
tween regulars and volunteers. against
the latter, and because it was an en-
tering wedge which makes US depend
on the regular army, instead of on the
consent OF the people themselves. If
we were compelled to fight for control
of the Philippines, we ought to charge
the coSs against the $40 900, 600 said to
be due Spain. Until the president indi-
Gated TO congress his policy and pur-
poses, no additional troops should be
granted him.
Mr. Kenney Dem.) offered an amend
ment to the pending BILL providing for
the creation of a veterinary corps, to
consist of a chief veterinary officer,
with rank. pay and allowances of a
colonel; ten veterinarians, each with
the rank, pay and allowance of a first
lieutenant of cavalry; and twenty vet
erinarians. each with the rank, pay and
allowances cf a second lieutenant Of
cavalry.
REST ON THE PHILIPPINES.
Mr. Vest antagonized the bill, all
though he said he did so with hesita-
ton. because OF its sCrong advocacy
by his colleague, Mr.. Cockreil. He de-
clared his belief that the war in the
Philippines was not being conducted
with the idea of giving the FIlipinos
lf-government.
Il believe" ne said. that this gov
ernment is to take the Philippines as
an indemnity. 1t has so been stated
by the imperialistic press. But 1 ask
now whether it ia true that the pree4-
dent telegTaphed 10 our commissioners
to take nothing less than the island OF
Luzon, as Porto Rico was worth only
$40, 600, and would not be a proper
indemnity for the war. I ask now
whether such a dispatch was sent?"
Mr.. Frye-There was not.
Mr.. Vest-Is the statement true or
false?
Mr.. Frye-It is not true.
Mr.. Vest-Was no dispatch to that ef-
feet sent by the president to the COM
missioneTs?
MIR. Frye-Not to that effect.
Mr.. Vest-Was there not a dispatch
sent that nothing less than the island Of
Luzon would be accepted?
Mr.. Frye-The instructions of the
president when we started out We're
to take LuzOn.
WAS there not a dispatch that Porto
Rico was worth only S40.000,000. and
that we must have Luzon for an indem-
nifty for the WARP"
Mr.. Frye-Not a thing of the kind.
Mr.. Vest-Was not mention made of
Porto Rico not being a sufficient in
demnity for the war?
Mr.. Frye-Not at all. The senator has
heard read in executive session every
telegram, cable and letter of instruc-
tion that passed between the president
and the peace commissioners
Mr. Vest-The statement have made
was published in the imperialistic press
of the country and it has never been
contradicted until the senator (Frye)
contradicts now.
M'KINLEY BLAMES THE LORD.
For the purposes of my argument"
continued Mr.. Vest, Il content myself
with the statement that we were to
take nothing less than the island of
Luzon. If that be true, how is it that
the president said in his Boston speech
that this contingency has come upon
us by the act of God? He says there
has been no disposition to exercise the
power of conquest; that the people of
the United States are called upon now
under an omnipotent providence to dis
pose of the responsibilities placed on
them by accident of battle. If the is
land was to be taken, why does he tell
us that he is an instrument of provi-
dence?
II know of but one parallel of this
scheme of Christian philanthropy. 1t is
to be found in one of Dickens novels
CBIeak HouseO. An eminent divine lays
his hands upon Poor Jo' and says to
him Young man. came with me and
will do you good
LET me alone cried the vagrant.
Let me alone. Take your hands off
me-
I'm solemn and sepulchral tones,
equal to those of my friend from Mon
tana (Mr. Carter), the Rev. Mr.. Chad
Continued on Page II