Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-01-13
TREATY IN THE SENATE
Contest Over Document In Execu-
tive Session.
senator HOnr For First Time In HI.
Life Advocates Open Session.-Thc
Democrats Hope TO Defeat the
Treaty with Spain.
(By Telegraph to virgianianPnot)

Wy ieieSrapH 10 Nlrgiani3D-P jot)
Washington, Jan. 12.-The supporters
and opponents of the peace treaty in
the Scnat e had their first contest over
that document to-day in executive sos
sion. While the debate technically was
upon Senator Berry's motion providing
for the consideration of the resolution
of ratification in open session, the en-
tire question at issue was gone over 10
n considerable extent. The discussion
continued from IL few minutes past
o'clock until about 1--WE when the SEN
ate adjourned for the day without
reaching vote upon the Berry mo-
ton.
There were no set speeches in the
usual acceptance OF that phrase made.
1t was a running debate in which SEN
ators Berry. White. Hale. Hoar. Vest
and others in opposition to the treaty,
met Senators Davis. Frye. Teller. Gray
and others in advocacy of ii. Probably
twenty Senators spoke, but many OF
them did little more than ask ques
tons. Still speeches of some length
were made by Messrs. Teller and Frye
Oh the one hand and by Messrs. Hale
and Hoar on the other. There were
many animated colloqules between Sen
ators and for a Time an exceptional de-
gree Of feeling Was shown.
OPEN SESSION ADVOCATED.
The proceedings opened with a speech
by Senator Berry in support of his
motion for open sessions. and was re-
piled TO briefly by Senators Davis and
Frye. Senator Vest coming in later III
support of Mr.. Berry and Senator Tel
Ter joining with the forces in opposition
TO the motion. The discussion over this
point hinged entfely upon the conten-
ton on the one hand that the public
was entitled TO know what was taking
place in the disposition of so important
Il question rs the ratification OF the
peace treaty, and on the other that the
debate was sure 10 develop facts and
call forth uttcranccs which should not
be given to other nations. 1t was ar
gued by those favoring the motion that
no harm could come by taking the pub
lie into the Senate's confidence while
those opposed stated that vast inter
national questions were involved which
could be considered in "a far more iu
dicial and calm manner behind closed
doors than with the whole world in
vDted 10 listen.
OPEN DOORS OPPOSED.
The Senators who had acted as mem
hcps of the Paris Commission-Mcss
Davis. Frye and Gray-were all pres
ent and antagonized the motion for
open doors. They stated that from their
experience in the negotiation of the
treaty many questions involving grave
international controversies were liable
TO be raised. and all speaking from this
standpoint. urged the preservation Of
the Senatorial custom OF closed doors
Senator Teller sustained them in this
position. Senator IIoar. on the other
hand. for the first time in his life ad-
vocated open sessions. declaring that
no fact could be developed in connec-
ton with the treaty too important for
the American public TO know.
THE PEOPLES AFFAIR.
ut is the peoples affair" said Sena-
tor White. and the people Should be
invited at least To listen 10 the discus
sion of the question. if they could not
be given any more exalted privilege in
connection with it," He then proceed
ell 10 say that If the commissioners
who were present in the Senate had
any great secrets they should give them
to tho Senate forthwith in order tha,
all the members OF that body should
have equal light with these highly
favored gentlemen"
These circumstanc led 10 re-
newal of the discussion OF the wisdom