Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-01-28
ss,h CONGRESS-.
Continued from page ~

ing the Philippines against their will"
democratic applause.) While this was
his present opinion, however, he added
that when the time came to determine
this question he must know what his
duty to his country was.
Grow. Rep. Pa. argued that the fu-
ture of the Philippines was a question
for the future. Neither Filipinos nor
the Porto Ricans he said, had the right
to haul down the American flag. 1t
had been planted by the American peo-
pie and 1t must stand until the Amer
lean people replaced it.
Prince, Rep. ILL.,. supported the BILL
and Robinson. Dem. Ind, opposed it.
Cousens. Rep, Iowa, in support of the
bill. did not touch the Philippine ques-
ton. He said that the milk in the CO.
coanut of the opposition to this bill was
It's increase in the manifestation of fed
eral authority ANY articulation of
the national spirit is regarded by some
people as the voice of tyranny said
he, but IL a patriotic manifestation of
federal authority or assertion of the
rational spirit is a threat at personal
liberty and menace at our institu-
lions. then the very existence of the
national spirit must be an inherent
evil | have not lived long cough to
learn anything in the history of the
exploits of American soldiery or of
their service to justify that suspicion
which is cast upon the regular army OF
the United States by the imputation
that it could ever be used as menace
to the liberties of American CITIZEN
ship
Did there ever issue from the lips
now closed in everlasting love and
fame in that silent mausoleum by the
Hudson any word of menace to fu-
ture citizen; any thought save peace:
any oracle save liberty and union?
The lonly graves of Regulars dot the
Western plains unlettered and obscure.
Can it be possible that in those sepul-
chres of silence gentlemen hear echoed
and menacing our liberties"
Cousens mentioned in eulogistlc
terms the many notable exploits Of
American soldiers and said: In oil
the years of toll and strife and victory
that make the history of our republic
great the regular army has been its
shield and buckler."
Fitzgerald, DEM, Mass, closed the
general debate in opposition to the bill.
He antagonized the proposition to in
crease the size of the army and warmly
opposed the annexation of the Philip
pines. He advocated Filipinos the lib
erty and independence which were to
be granted to the Cubans.
In the course of his remarks he de-
clared that there was an element in
this country which was supporting i'm
perialism because it was backed by
England. England had, said he, never
been our friend until she needed us as
she did now in the partition of China.
But he declared no administration and
no party would dare to advocate an
alliance with England for the subju-
CATION of the people. Should it be at
tempted the strength of people who
had suffered from British misrule
would be felt at the ballot box.
Hull in charge of the bill. closed for
his side The number of enlisted men
provided for in the bill, he said, was
based not upon the personal view of
the members of the committee. but the
authoritative possession of those who
were on the ground. In cube the evac-
ration commission had declared that
$4,000 soldiers were necessary, not nee
essary. to enforce order, but to insure
peace and tranquility without blood
she'd In Manila, the commanding gen
eral, so days ago had cabled that 10000
men would be enough. but within the
last month he had increased that esti-
mate to 10000. The knowledge there
that public opinion was divided in this
country and the impression that pre-
vailed there that the administration
might be turned down, had multiplied
the dangers there.
The committee believed the maximum
should be placed at 100000, but was
willing to agree. in view of the oppo-
sition that absolute provision be made
for only $4,000: giving the President
the discretion to increase the army W
to 100. 600 Congress had an abiding
Earth in the President and he could he
trusted. In his hands should be placed
the power to maintain the sovereignty
of the United States wherever our flag
had been carried, until Congress should
finally determine what should be done
This ended the general debate and
the bill was read for amendment. UNI
der the 5-minute rule.
Speaking to a pro forma amendment
Shafroth. Col. argued that there coult
be no justification for authorizing 6
large permanent increase of the army
for what was admitted certainly. 81
far as Cuba was concerned, TO be
temporary condition.
The first vote was taken on the com
mittee amendment to increase tn
number of chaplains from 80 to 40 an'
it was carried. SIS to So.
Hay, Dem. Va. offered the following
amendment: Provided that the in
crease of the regular army beyon'
what it was before the war with Span
shall only be used in Porto Rico, Gu
ba, the Philippines, the Hawaiian is
lands and the Ladrones and provide
further that said increase. both ofilcer
and men shall be mustered out OF ser
vice within two years or sooner, II tn
exigencies permit. Hay declared tina
Hull mad abandoned the bin brough
into the House by Offering to reduce tn
proposed increase of the army by 5000
men. Hull opposed the Hay amend
ment on the ground that it was TEN
porary eXpedient.
Cox. Dem, Tenn. inquired what woui
be done with the proposed army. IVY
are going to place it where the Chlef E>