Evening star., 1899-02-06
Canvass Against 1t, but Chances Fa-
vor Ratification.
EFFECT OF NEWS FROM MANILA
Opposition More Determined Than
Ever in Their Position.
MEN WHO ARE DOUBTFUL

The opening of hostilities in the Philip
pines has not caused the excitement among
senators, representatives and officials that
might have been expected. The informa-
ton possessed in congressional and political
circles for some time has led to the antici-
patton of such an outbreak. They have
been more prepared for it than has been
the public: The policies that have been
adopted by senators with respect to the
treaty have not been decided upon without
taking into consideration the probability
of hostilities breaking out at any hour
The feeling is intense, but it does not take
the form of excitement, for the reason that
there is no surprise in it.
On both sides of the question of the rati-
fication of the treaty the feeling has SIM
ply been intensified. The extreme oppo-
nents of the treaty appear more fixed in
their opposition, and, in spite of every view
to the contrary, they argue the condition of
affairs in Manila as a confirmation of their
position. and are making 1t an argument
in support of their course. 1t was natural
ly assumed, when news was received of
the attack upon the American troops by
Aguinaldo's forces, that the opposition to
the treaty would break down. To the sur
prise of every one such was not the effect
of the news The leaders of the opposition
firm this morning as ever and more
violent in the expression of their ooposi-
ton
Doubtful Men Affected.
The uncertain men are the only ones af-
fected, and they have become, for the most
part, utterly non-committal. Mr.. Clay
who has been expected to vote for the
treaty. and has therefore never been
counted by the opposition, has come out
openly this morning, and said that he
would vote for the treaty. He is trying to
induce Bacon to do the same.
A canvass of the Senate before ba eyec-
utive session resulted adversely to the
treaty, but the chances. in spite of this,
are decidedly in favor of ratification. This
paradox is due to the fact that several SEN
ators who register themselves with the op-
position on canvass will probably vote for
the treaty.
For instance, Jones of Nevada who is
one Of the thirty-three pledged to the op-
position, sent word to the President after
the receipt of the news from Manila that
the treaty would be ratified. He has not
said that he would vote for the treaty and
is still counted by the opposition, but the
friends of the treaty assume that his mes
sage means that he will vote for ratifica-
ton. McLaurin, another of the thirty
three, has said privately since hearing from
Manila, that he expected to vote for the
treaty, but the friends of the treaty have
not yet been able to get anything out of
him. McEnery, another of the thirty-three,
has become non-committal. These three
voting for the treaty would ratify it.
Mitchell of Wisconsin, Kenney, Mills Hirt-
field, Money and Smith are looked upon as
forming group among. the opposition from
which votes may be had for the treaty
Hale, it is said, would vote for the treaty
II his vote would change the result.
Chances Favor Ratification.
AS the situation stands the canvass is
against the treaty; the chances in favor of
it.
1t was not the intention this morning to
vote today on any of the resolutions with
respect to our policy in the Philippines
The opposition propose to make a desperate
effort TO amend the treaty, and exciting
and bitter debate is expected during the
brief time before the hour fixed for the
voting to begin. The leaders of the oppo-
sition are evidently relying upon holding
the weaker of those in their ranks by
arousing intense feeling and arguing that
the responsibility for the situation in
Manila rests on the administration for not
defining a policy.
Another argument they will present is
that by the ratification of the treaty
they will change the war in the Philippines
from foreign to a civil war.
AS ii stands at this hour the treaty has
but fifty-eght votes promised but there
Is no indication of lack of confidence that
the others necessary will be secured.
The fight of Agoncillo is expected by the
friends of the treaty to overcome the
opposition to the treaty by sentimental re-
gard for the Filipinos. Another thing that
is expected to have an influence upon the
sentimental friends of the Filipinos is that
two weeks ago Gen. OTIS, by direction of
the President, assured Aguinaldo's people
that the American troops would observe
strictly the attitude of friendliness and
would not make any hostile move upon the
Filipinos. In spite of this assurance the
islanders opened hostiltties.
Incited by the Spanish.
The suspicion is entertained that the Fill
1pinos are melted by the Spanish and that
they are being supplied and otherwise en-
couraged through foreign agencies. AS the
situation row stands The people attacking
our troops are Spanish subjects. Before
the close of this day, if the treaty is rati-
fled, they will be converted into domestic
insurgents.
An indication of how little the radical
anti-expansionists lave been affected by
the news from Manila was given today.
Mr.. Rswlins Of Utah approached Senator
Hanna today and suggested, 1t Is said, that
now was the time for the Senate to instruct
the President to haul down the American
flag at Manila and withdraw our troops,
giving the Philippines their independence.
Another senator is quoted saying that
he would not vote for the treaty If all our
troops at Manila were destroyed.