The record-union., 1899-02-06

once to occupy 1T with troops and send
reinforcements, which was sufficient to
cause alarm. The dispatch of several
thousand more regulars lately, of
course, created apprehensions on the
part of the people of the Philippine
Republic. We should do now what we
should have done in the first place
state to the people of those islands our
good intentions, and say to them: 'Es-
tablish your republic, and We will not
allow other nations to interfere. Give
us your bonds to reimburse us for our
expense in securing you your liberty;
we welcome you to the family of re-
publics of the world The course of
the Administration, on the contrary,
has been one of criminal aggression
and apparent bad faith. There can be
no question in the mind of any one who
has read the instructions to the Peace
Commissioners that the Presidents
purpose always was to make a perma-
nent claim to the island of Luzon. To
turn upon an ally in this way is cer-
tainly the greatest international crime
of the century, I believe the treaty
should be amended at once so as to
give assurance to these people of our
good faith. and thus make them our
friends, even under these trying cir
cumstances. We should even now
withdraw our military forces and allow
them to establish a military Govern
ment Of their own
Senator Eslkins, who has been very
active in favor of the treaty, expressed
the opinion tonight that enough votes
would be found to ratify it, This morn
ing he said he did not see where they
were to come from, but he has had in
formation since, indicating that one or
two wavering Senators would find in
the conflict which has occurred at Ma
Mia an excuse to vote for the treaty.
Senator Hale, one of the Republican
opponents of the treaty in the Senate.
could not be seen.
Senator Martin of Virginia, who is
one of the opponents of the treaty, said:
THE news from Manila will not have
any effect on the treaty. No man will
change his mind on this account"
Senator Teller, a stanch supporter of
the treaty, said: "Our army is in Ma
Mia by right of conquest and under the
laws of war. We are justified in main
tanning our position there against all
who may attack us.
Il think it most unfortunate that the
peace treaty was not ratified the first
week after it came to the Senate. II
DO not suppose that the islanders have
read the speeches which have been made
in the Senate predicting the wicked
things the United States would do. but
have no doubt the delay has had the
effect of causing the opinion among the
natives that our Government would he
embarrassed by the sentiment of the
American people, and that this condi-
ton of affairs has tended to complicate
matters. / think it very much to he
regretted that the attack on the treaty
has assumed political aspect
Senator Frye, member of the Peace
Commission, and supporter of the
treaty, said: 1.-THE condition is what
have been predicting every day since
the discussion of the treaty began. The
absurd compliments that have been
heaped upon Aguinaldo and the delav
IN ratifying the treaty, have had the
erect. of encouraging him to make an
aluack before reinforcements from the
United states could arrive at Manila IF
the treaty had been promptly ratified.
IL is my opinion that the Philippines
would nave been as quiet and peaceful
to-day as are the United States. had
1ully expected that the rejection of the
treaty would be followed by an attack
upon our forces in Manila. and If has
come only a few days in advance of the
Tune l expected. As for our status in
the philippines, we are in Manila and
Manila Bay by virtue of the protocol
and under well-established principles of
International law We have a n,erfeet
right to defend Manila and ourselves
if attacked"
senator Rawlins, whose vote has been
counted as unfavorable to the treaty.
put VINO mas been regarded as doubtful.
said:
Our status in the Philippines, as
understand it, is this: The inha.bi-
tants OF the islands still owe allegiance
10 the Spanish Kingdom, but our troops
are IN temporary military occupancy
OF Manila under the terms of the pro-
tocol. II they have attacked the Unit
ed States forces, they have done so in
violation of the protocol, or armistice
between Spain and the United States
Tor which, if it were worth while, we
might hold Spain responsible in some
way Which do not undertake to sug-
gest. The attack indicates that the
natives are not friendly to the United
States and that if we undertake to re-
tain control there. we shall, for a, time,
have the same difficulties which Spain
has encountered. If we owe the ma
tives any obligations at the present
time, they do not seem to appreciate
our method of discharging it. The
:,
being rid of the responsibility thrown
upon us as soon as we can possibly
dispose of it,
Senator Lindsay, who will vote for
the treaty, says: ITO my knowledge,
it would have been better if there had
been an earlier disposition of the
treaty by the Senate, for 1 think a col
lision would have been prevented by
ratifying the treaty. We have never
acknowledged the independence OF the
Filipino Government and the United
States forces are lawfully at Manila. Of
course, we will defend ourselves from
attack no matter whence it comes. 1t
is difficult to say what effect the
trouble at Manila may have upon the
Ser ate's action with respect to the
treaty. Senators on both sides of the
question of ratification may be rem
dered the more determined by the oc-
currence. In law. until the treaty
shall have been ratified, the Filipinos
are Spaniards, and particularly in the
present circumstances, are our enc
mics"
Senator Harris, who has been gem
orally regarded as in the doubtful list
in the vote on the treaty. said II
announced several days ago that I OK