The Indianapolis journal., 1899-02-28
HOUSE ALSO GOES TO WORK
PASSES THE ARMY APPROPRIATION
BILL, CARRYING S70,OOO,OOO,
And the FOrtificatiOns Bill, ApprO-
priatins About $4,000, O,OOO-DOckery's
PrOtest-Features of the Debate.

WASHINGTON, Feb. N-After q contest
that will be memorable in the history of the
Senate, the compromise army reorganiza-
ton bill was passed this evening at 7:1O.
When the Senate convened at IL o'clock this
morning 1t seemed more than likely that the
bill might not be passed during the day.
Mr.. Gorman 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 it appeared probable that
his insistence at least would throw the bill
over until tomorrow and perhaps, defeat it.
An agreement was reached finally, however
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, but his
brilliant eloquence availed nothing against
the measure as finally agreed upon.
At the opening of the session Mr.. Petit
grew presented resolutions adopted by the
Legislature of South Dakota in favor OF
placing the railroads of the country direct
" under the control Of the Interstate-com-
merce Commission; in favor of postal saw
ings banks and to repeal the law giving
Indian reservations immunity from paying
taxes The legislation asked for, he said
was not in harmony with the Republican
party. The resolutions were Populistic and
Sociaiistic and directly opposed to the policy
and doctrines of the Republican party
These resolutions clearly show" said Mr..
Pettigrew, that the people of South Da-
kota, at least, are preparing to leave the
Republican party, as they differ from it on
every principle on which it is founded These
resolutions indicate the drift Of Republican
sentiment in the West, which is opposed to
the policy Of imperialism, the policy of ex-
panson and the policy of plutocracy.'
FOR SAMPSON AND sCHLEY.
Mr. Chandler offered an amendment to the
naval appropriation bill authorizing the
President to appoint two vice admirals Cf
the navy. who shall not be placed on the
retired list until eight years after the pass
age of the bill except on the application of
the holders Of the offices, the offices to cease
to exist when vacated by death or other
wise. The bill is intended to advance Ad-
mirals Sampson and Schley.
Consideration OF the army reorganization
bill was resumed, and Mr.. Bate, member
Of the military affairs committee, addressed
the Senate in opposition to an increase of
the army, and against warfare on the Fill
pinos.
Mr.. Kenney offered amendments to the
pending bill providing for the creation of a
veterinary corps, to consist Of chief veter-
mary officer, with rank, pay and allowances
Of a colonel, ten veterinarians each with the
rank pay and allowances of a first neuten-
ant Of cavalry, and twenty veterinarians,
each with the rank, pay and allowances of
second lieutenant of cavalry.
Mr. Vest antagonized the BILL although he
said he did so with hesitation because of
F4e cfn .,lrs
Cockren. He declared his belief that the
war in the Philippines was not being con-
Quoted with the idea of giving the Filpnos
self-government. Il believe" he said that
this government is to take the Philippines
as an indemnity for the war with Spain. 1t
has so been stated in the imperialistic press
But ask now whether 1t is true that the
President telegraphed to our commissioners
to take nothing less than the island of Lu-
zon, as Porto Rico was worth only $40 600 900
and would not be proper indemnity for the
war. I ask now whether such a dispatch
was sent.
Mr.. Frye, one of the peace commissioners
There was not.
Mrs. Vest-Is the statement true or false?
AIr, Frye-it is not true
Mr.. Vest-Was not a dispatch to that eff
feet sent by the President to the commits
sioners?
Mr.. Frye-Not to that effect.
Mr. Vest-Was there not dispatch sent
that nothing less than the Island of Luzon
would be accepted?
Mr. Frye-The instructions of the Pres
ident when we started out were to take
Luzon?
Mr.. Vest-Was there not dispatch that
Porto Rico was worth only $4,000, 900, and
that we must have Luzon as an indemnity
for the war?
Mr.. Frye-Not thing of the kind.
Mr.. Veat-Was no mention made of Porto
Rico not being a sufficient indemnity for
the WARP
Mr. Frye-Not at all. The senator has
heard read in executive session every tele-
gram, cable and letter Of instruction that
passed between the President and the peace
commissioners.
Mr.. Vest-The statement have made was
published in the imperialist press of the
country, and it has never been contradicted
until the senator (Frye) contradicts it now.
LIKENED TO MIR. CHADBAND.
For the purpose of my argument" con-
tinued Mr. Vest, II 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 un-
der an omnipotent Providence to dispose of
the responsibilities placed upon them by ac-
cident Of battle. II the ieland was to be
taken. Why does he tell Us now that he is