The Van Buren press., 1899-12-02
Senator Jones Talks Politics.
nnIs Rennhllc Rnreau.

The ST. Louis Republic Bureau.
WASHINGTON Nov. 23 -SenatorJ James
K Jones of Arkansas, chairman OF the
Democratic National Committee, re-
turned to Washington today from his
trip to Chicago, where he went to attend
a conference of the committee.
There was some effort on the part of
outsiders, - said the Senator, Ito make
it appear that very significant business
was being transacted by the committee.
As plain matter of fact, there was
little or nothing of popular interest in
the meeting. 1t was simply to arrange
some matters of organization.
"What will be the policy of the
Democratic Senators toward legislation
this winter2' he was asked.
Democratic, speaking generally, -
was the Senator $ reply. Il don t
pretend to speak for anybody but myself
when | talk about any particular
measures. | believe in resisting to the
uttermost the proposed gold standard
legislation, the abolition of greenbacks
or extension of privileges to national
banks The Hawaiian Islands are now
part of our domain 10y annexation, and
the people there should be admitted TO
all the privileges of government that are
accorded to residents of the United
States.
''If we are to regard ourselves as
christian gentlemen, standing by the
Declaration of Independence, | do not
see how we are to force upon the Cubans
or the Filipinos any form of government
without the full consent of the governed.
1t seems to me TO be out Of the question
TO ever make State out of the Philippine
Islands. We are already pledged to
give the Cubans Independent self govern
ment. | haven t the least doubt in the
world that had it been known that we
were going to acquire the Philippines
through our war with Spain. the words
and the Philippines would have been
inserted in the pledge for independence
TO Cubans.
Would you support any immediate
Legislation looking towards a change in
the government in Cuha7'
II must frankly confess that have
not kept well posted on recent develop.
ments in the Island, replied the
Senator; Il went to Europe the past
summer to rest and rested. If progress
is being made in Cuba towards an in
dependent government Tor the Cubans
in good faith, would not hurry un-
necessarily about its establishment. II
there is not good faith in the steps that
are being taken should be in favor OF
shaking things up. ltmakes no difference
TO me If 80 per cent. Of the Cubans are
in favor of annexation and should sc
express 1t by their vote regard il all
important for us to entirely withdraw
from that Island and leave the Cuban;
free to act for themselves.
'"fhe case of Porto Rico is somewhat
different. The Island is not large. anC
1t has fancied Importance as eoalinl
station. We should have no difficulty
with the people there. They will b'
easily assimilated.
Senator Jones asked with considerable
concern about the developments in thu
case Of Senator Quay of Pennsylvania
Apart from personal considerations, h
said. he shonld regard it as a very grav,
error for the Senate to allow Mr.. Quay
10 retain his seat.
''The precedents are 80 strong agains
this, - said Senator Jones, THAT re
verse vote now would give the countr,
at large the idea that the Senate VA
playing politics