The times., 1899-01-26
Two REPUBLICANS
In HOSTILE DEBATE
Many Exciting Scenes in the
House of Representatives.
Johnson of Indiana and Dolliver of
Iowa Antagonists.
The Former Opposes the Acquisition
of the Philippines, While the
Latter Fayors Ii.

The debate in the House yesterday was
enlivened by thrillingiy interesting
speeches from Mr.. Johnson of Indiana, the
champion word utterer of the House, and
by MIR. DolIiver of Iowa, one of the most
entertaining members from the West and
regarded by many as the only real orator
in the House.
Both men are Republicans of the purest
type. Mr. johnson having had his early
teacher in the school of politics Oliver p
Merton. perhaps the most consistent Re
publican within the history of that party.
Mr. johnson comes from the old home of the
great war nor-Richmond-and in his
campaigns for Congress he has at all times
espoused the cause of the Republican or
ganization. He stated yesterday, however
that he had broadened since he came 10
Congress, and he was not willing any
longer TO support his party when he he
lieyed it was wrong, as he does on the
question of expansion.
Mr.. Dolliver is as loyal TO his party as
any man ever was. and in his speech yes
terday he defended it against the attacks
of Mr. Johnson with great force and won
the admiration of all who heard him re-
gardless of party lines.
The measure under discussion was the
Hull bill. providing for the reorganization
of the army The debate between the two
gentlemen was confined almost exclusively
TO the subject of expansion and what
should be done with the Philippine Islands.
The debate was general in its scope, en-
bracing every feature of the question Inc
House and galleries were well filled
AT times the House was in the greatest
confusion. During the exciting scenes
many members rose TO their feet waving
their hands high in the air and shouting
al the top of their voices, and feeling as If
something had broken loose not alone IN
Georgia but all over the country.
Mr.. Delivers tribute to General Wheeler
was beautiful and pathetic, and was en-
dorsed by every member on both sides OF
the House.
The debate was opened by Mr.. Gibson
of Tennessee. After he had finished MI
johnson secured the floor and the House
rapidly filled up. Mr.. Johnson is most
entertaining man. and even his opponents
are always glad TO listen 10 him. He be-
gan by paying high tribute TO the brav-
ery and heroism of the Filipinos, claiming
that such people deserved liberty
We are told" he continued. that these
people are incapable of self-government.
Tyranny always has some ground TO set
Up for its aggression. Did We not
justify human slavery? This plea ne
said, was mere pretence.
The thrilling point of the debate was
reached when Representative johnson
tried to get an answer from Representative
Dolliver as to whether he favored forcible
annexation of the Philippines and the use
of force TO subiugate the inhabitants 10
this Government
Early in his remarks Mr.. Dolliyer had
promised to answer this question when he
got TO il. and as he neared the end OF his
remarks Mr. johnson reminded him OF 1t.
We have not got TO the question oil
force yet. returned Mr.. DolliveT. When
We do. We shall take care of it.
After Mr Dolliver hal finished Mr.. John
son was granted five minutes 10 reply
He said that he did not design TO oiier
defence to the glittering generalities OF
Mr.. DolIiver He had stood by the Pres
ident when that gentleman mad fought the
reconcentrados of the House in the inter
est of peace. But he did call the attention
Of the country to the fact that Mr. Doill-
yer had refused TO answer his question IN
regard to the Philippines.
Mr.. Dolliver answered that he favored
any action made necessary by the Philip
pine insurgents or by the political agita-
tors in the United States.
His Answer EvasiVe.
Mr.. Johnson claimed that Mr. Delivers
answer was evasive. The gentleman's s
speech consisted entirely of glittering gen.
eralities." he said of God save the flag
and three cheers for William Mckinley
Now put the question TO him again: Does
he favor forcible annexation OF the Philip
pines2"
Il deny that there is any such question
pending" exclaimed Mr. Dolliver in the
midst of laughter and ieers.
The gentleman still evades the ques-
ton" shouted Mr.. Johnson. lie cannot
tell US whether he objects to tyranny in
the Philippines or not. do not want to
embarrasss the gentleman. ! merely want
tC know where he stands
Mr. Dolliver was white with rage. 4
do not design to impugn the words of the
gentleman from Indiana" he said. Il sim
ply wish to maintain that his intellectual
faculties are obsolete
Il can answer plain question. shouted
Mr.. Johnson. and you can't Then, as
the House broke into roar of laughter,
Mr.. Dolliver rejoined sharply: Il do not
forget all the courtesies of debate
Answer the question: reiterated Mr.
Johnson.
Il don't know that force is needed n
the Philippines" answered Mr.. Doliver
\ believe there IL an intrigue there b..
tween foreign naval officers aud natives
and ! know there is an intrigue in this
country to rob us Of the fruits of Dewey!
victory. l would furnish the p. eziden
with a force sufficient to maintain th'
status in the Philippines and trust to him
fer result that will maintain our dig
nifty"
Scene Of Confusion.
wild scene OF confusion now existed
on the floor. Members were croHd d
around the speakers, cheering. laughing
and applauding. For quite five minutes
the Chairman raped with his gavel befor,
order Was secured.
Mr. Johnson warned the anneXatiOnist
that the huge commercial advantage
claimed for the absorption of the island
would prove Dead Sea fruit; that from be
ing nation blessed by peace we wou
be a people oppressed by war and ey
mourning for our sons who fall in IN
fields or rot in the swamps of the {. opics
He concluded his speech by discussing III
cost Of the annexation policy If carrie
out. He pointed out that financial ruin vii
be matter OF but few years for th
Government If we continue to increase ou
expenses al the enormous rate at Whic
We are now proposing to go. Ruin will b
the result unless the taxes are increase
10 point where they will break the back
Of the people.
Mr. Johnson denounced President Nc
kinley, who. he said followed publi