The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-01-12
Occupies Nearly the Entire Time in
the Senate Yesterday.
Foraker Delivers an Address In Opposition
to the Vest Resolution.
Maintains the Legal Right OF the
United States to Acquire Terri
tory by Conquest and to Assume
the RESPONSIBILITIES That May
Accrue Therefrom.

Accrue Therefrom.
WASHINGTON, Jan. ia climax
was reached to-day in the debate on
the question of expansion when Is HI
pending in the Senate. Heretofore all
of the speeches, with the notable ex-
ception of that of Senator Paatt OF
Connecticut, have been in opposition
to what is presumed to be the policy Oh
the Administration with respect to the
acquisition of the Philippines. To-day
Foraker of Ohio addressed the Senate
in opposition to the declaration OF the
Vest resolution that the United States
has no constitutional power to acquire
foreign territory to be maintained as
colonies. While much of his speech
was devoted to a constitutional argu-
ment in support of the right of this
country as nation to acquire and gov
ern outlying territory, he gave particu-
lar attention to the utteranceS that
have been made in contravention of
that position, especially those of Vest
and Hoar.
Foraker has clear, direct and force
full style of oratory which commands
attention, not only by reason of the
recognized ability Of the man, but also
by his impetuosity and power as a.
speaker. He is at his best in a running
fire debate, and the frequency of in
Propositions to-day afforded him ample
opportunity to elucidate his argument
to the best advantage. He laid down
the broad proposition that to adopt the
Vest resolution was to declare that
our fathers had brought forth a nation
that was inferior to all other nations,
regardless of the generally accepted
idea that one nation was the equal of
another, and all equally restricted. He
maintained that the right to acquire
territory was an inherent right of ma
1ionality, and that as we have the right
to make war and to enter into treaty
agreements, it follows logically that We
have the power to acquire territory by
conquest and to assume the responsible
tiles that may accrue therefrom.
Foraker's strong assertion that the
acquisition of the Philippines was tenn
perary in character created sensation
in the chamber. He maintained, how
ever, that we have legal right to hold
the islands permanently.
Prior to the speech by Foraker a.
sharp debate was precipitated by Allen
of Nebraska by some remarks he made
upon a resolution he had introduced.
Hoar of Massachusetts and Gray of
Delaware We're drawn into it,
Vice President Hobart presided for
the first time since the holiday recess,
having been detained at his home by
an attack of grip.
hill a1,thorizinp Tio,,Aopopt Colopo1
Vifquain of the Third Nebraska to ac-
decoration Of the order Of the double
dragon for distinguished service rem
dered was passed.
Bacon of Georgia offered the follow
ing joint resolution:
First-That the Government and peo-
pie of the United States have not waged
the recent war with Spain for conquest,
and for the acquisition of foreign terri
tory, but solely for the purpose set
forth in the resolution of Congress max
ing the declaration of said war; the
acquisition of such tracts Of land or
harbors as may be necessary for gov
ernmental purposes being not deemed
inconsistent with the same.
Second-That in demanding and re-
ceiving the cession of the Philippines it
is not the purpose Of the Government
of the United States to secure and
maintain domain over the same as a
part of the territory of the United
States. or to incorporate the inhabi-
tants thereof as citizens of the United
States, or hold said inhab itants as vas
sails or subjects of this Government.
Third-That. whereas, at the time Of
the declaration of war by the United
States against Spain, and prior there
to, the inhabitants of the Philippine ISL
ands We're actively engaged in a war
with Spain, to achieve their independ-
ence; and. whereas said purpose and
the military operations Hereunder have
not been abandoned, but are being act
lively prosecuted, therefore, ia recog-
milton, and in obedience to the vital
principle announced in the great dec
laration that governments derive their
just powers from the consent Of the
governed" the Government of the
United States recognizes that the peo-
pie of the Philippine Islands of a right
ought to be free and independent: that
with this view. and to give effect to the
same, the Government Of the United
States has required the Government of
Spain to relinquish its authority and
government in the Philippine Islands,
and to withdraw its land and naval
forces from the Philippines and from
the waters thereof.
Fourth-That the United States here
by disclaim any disposition to exercise
sovereignty. jurisdiction or control over
the said islands, and assert their de-
termination, when an Independent Gov
eminent shall have been duly erected
therein entitled to recognition as such.
to transfer to said Government, upon
terms which shall be reasonable and
just, all rights secured under the ces-
sion by Spain, and to thereupon leave
the Government and control of the ISL
ands to their people.
Allen of Nebraska offered the follow
ing resolution:
That any aggressive action by the
army or navy on the part of the United
States against the Philippines would be
an act of war unwarranted on the part
of the President and the exercise of
constitutional powers vested exclusive
ly in Congress"
I'm submitting this resolution, Mr..
President" said Mr.. Allen. It desire to
make some observations, but will not
enter upon discussion Of the question