The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-01-28
ATT ON THE PHILIPPINES.
,,,v Work. SENATOR URGES INIME-
DATE RATIFICATION.

SAYS Much of the Talk on the Other
side Has Not Been Genuine-iie
u.,ie,es in Ultimate SeIf-GOvern-
-, for the Neutrality-suspicious.
zion of resolutions Against Expan-
,.,, objected To-The Pension Bill
Passed.
v-,.,t,e,on Jan. 2-Particular interest
,.,s manifested in the Senate to-day in
1r,,f .peech delivered by Senator T. c.
pan of New York on the general subject
Of expansion.
Mr. Plat took for. his text the anti-ex
mansion resolution offered by Mr.. Vest
of Missouri but in the course of his speech
merely touched upon the constitutional
question involved in the proposed decla-
ration,
He spoke in a Gear, resonant voice, and
NOT only because it was the first speech
he has delivered in the Senate since his re-
turn 10 thar body, but also because tho
address wa. a thoughtful aud wen consid-
cred statement he was accorded the undi
vided attention of his colleagues on the
floor. AMI a large audience in the gal
leres.
Mr. Plat took strong ground for the
ratification of the treaty, holding there
was nothing in the constitution to prevent
the United States from acquiring foreign
territory Continuing, he said:
THE disorder now existing in the Phil
ippiua Islands, 70 which senators who are
opposing the treaty may well afford to
consider how far they are contributing.
the unwIlingness of the armed natives to
accep, American authority, does not con-
sttute IN my mind the slightest ground
on which TO base a vote against the Paris
agreement On the contrary, it affords
nov reason why our action should be
the more prompt and unanimous.
Discussion Not to the Point.
"No senator has had the hardihood to
suggest that We shall now return these
islands 10 the Spanish government, and no
other Opposition of them than that is in
consistent with a vote to confirm the
treaty
'Imputatons have been made here upon
the purpose of those who advocate the
assumption by the United States of Phil
ippne sovereignty. which can scarcely be
genuine, All this talk about forcing our
government upon an unwilling people, all
tAls eloquent invocation of the spirit of
the Declaration of independence is far and
away IRON any real point that controls the
senate IN this discussion. No senator can
suppose that there exists an American
statesmen who approaches the consider
auon 81 The Philippine problem with apv
oIher than the most benevolent intentions
concerning The FHipinos and their future.
4A,fe are reasons why the natives o.
e"ese stands after their experience with
spanish msru.e, should misunderstood
vie presence az Manila of an American
army, but there is no reason why an
Alue'lean senator should misunderstood
o'' no justification of his course in
ms esenuns ii. He knows that there
is no American in ali this broad land u,b,
"I9"es any other fate to any single ma
1--WE OF the Philippine Islands than his
se argument Of a prosperous life. He
o"s mat close in The wake of Amer
'e 'heie would come to the FilfDinos
merry that they have never known
alu far greater liberty than thew coui1
wv, I. We under the arrogant rue of ma
Ultimate ScIf-GovernmeDt
s.,i ne KNOWS moreover that it would he
-. .Ae rule of the islanders to the finn
49, vi lnelr capacity in that direction
dor. '-'' tdch successive American Priest
COMA ''i' welcome the time when ne
ernn+sr, oli''hehd new leases of self-gov-
- 10 an advancing and inonro,,ine
teop'e. The Filipnos NAV moi lnoI, tk lal7
l,9aa.. Ss0 but every American senator
CO., 'lem and puts himself and hi
tr-r' i' false position when nv a.
erce.,-.7 me spirit of conquest and ag-
clsd 10 those whose po.icv has res.
nov. liIpinos from Spain and voulo
enco,'raae Them from native tyrants. he
sentir,Cs. mem to doubt the generous
"T OF our people.
40 not say that thesa oo,,~i,1.....,-..
absolutely conclusive Of 80
o1, ~ assume the direct ana aSoI,,si,.l
ha,s Hl of the Philippines for I'VE
but own interests to think sbont
floor ~ lly they forbid the use on ms
perf NJ, .y argument which tends to i'm
VIII "e safety Of our troops at Mantle -,
men, oe 59 one whit to the ernbarrass-
siu,,;o, Ie administration in the irving
nv "Hlch II is confronted.
.. "e Duty of the Nation.
don't ,+.I resident, do not know. and 7
Wbaf o.llN any one else can know inst
Island 10 be done with the Phil;nnjne
quickly 'oH1 this, that we ought as
dravaI aS .'ossihle 20 complete the with
kin - 'ner sovereignty from +ba
-7'om of Spain. and tbo+ ~.
nrp5.a 20 assume its obligations ara
had fru 10 discharge them until we have
da,arm Ir opportunity in our councn SO 10
all r5.- ~. laeir best disposition. This is
nm. me treaty of Paris pronoess o.,
bos.s 1t as all that the ad11inistrat,o ol
than all. lime suggested. II is no more
vises II ana conservative policy ad.
lions rso ~, s no less than our public obIiqa-
duty 7, '.l' 1t is plain, clear. positive
by 5 Wv o. got rid of by evasion. nor even %.
rejected would remain after YOU had
of tbs IN, we treaty. 1t lies in the nature
and fac '' sr. Your army your navy
the1. d- are al Manila. You can add 10
s5i5. dangers if you will. But their ru d,,t 70
done" ana the viii Of the nation must be
some Objections offered.
Illinois 1ole All. Mr. Platts speech, Mr.. Mason Of
I Eole neAt Friday at oeloc consent sc e., for
I'M, declaring it to be the nojic,, 80 -.