The Indianapolis journal., 1899-02-28
CAUCUS OF DEMOCRATS
HOUSE MINORITY OPPOSED TO AN
NEXING THE PHILIPPINES.
Declares in Favor of America Leaving
the Islands and Giving Natives an
independent Government.

WASHINGTON, Feb 27.-At caucus of
the Democratic members of the House of
Representatives, held in the hall of the
House tonight, the following declaration
of policy and resolutions as to the Philip
pines We're adopted:
I'VE hold that the Constitution of the
United States was ordained and established
for an intelligent, liberty-loving and self
governing people, and cannot be success
fully applied to a people of different virtues
and conditions We therefore hold that a
colonial policy is contrary to the theory
OF our government and subVersive of those
principles of civil liberty which we have
been taught to cherish We believe with
the Declaration of independence that all
governments derive their just powers from
the consent of the governed, and we are
unalterabiy opposed to the establishment
of any government by the United States
without the consent of the people to be gov
erned, and in conformity with these princi-
pies We instruct the minority members of
the foreign affairs committee to introduce
end urge the following resolution
Resolved, That the United States herby
dlsclaim any disposition or intention to ex-
ercise permanent sovereignty, jurisdiction
or control over the Philippine islands, and
assert their determination when an inde-
pendent government shall have been erected
therein to transfer to said government,
upon terms which shall be reasonable and
Just, all rights secured under the cession by
Spain, and thereupon to leave the govern
ment and control of the islands to their
people"
Another resolution, by Mr. Griggs. CT
Georgia, was adopted, follows:
I'VE. the Democratic members of the
House of Representatives. in caucus assem-
bled commend the signal loyalty and valor
of our soldiers and sailors in the perform
ance of every military duty to which they
have been assigned by proper authority,
however much we may depore the policy of
the administration now directing their move
ments: and we pledge to them our hearty
support and sympathy under all circum-
stances wherever engaged
The following resolution by Mr.. Living
ston. of Georgia, was lost;
Resolved. That the United States Con-
greSs. as soon as the treaty of peace be-
tween this government and Spain is ratified
give notice to the inhabitants of the Philip
pines that it is not our desire or purpose 10
hold them under permanent military con-
troll or as colonial subjects, but as soon as
practicable to aid them TO establish re-
publican form of government and to become
Independent and self-suSJaiuing, with such
commercial and military privileges from the
United States as may be agreed on between
us. In the meantime we will protect borh
persons and property with the largest lib
crty to citizens possible under the circum-
stances.
The caucus began at D. m. and lasted
until nearly midnight. The attendance was
large. and little division of sentiment was
manifested on the general features of the
resolutions. The first resolution was Of
fered by Mr.. Clark of Missouri, from the
Democratic members, of the foreign affairs
speeches. Among those who spoke were
Representatives, Bailey. of Texas: Allen, of
Alabama; Lentz. of Ohio, and Cowherd, of
Missouri. The speech OF General Wheeler
was notable in differing with the prevailing
view. He urged that nothing should be done
which could be construed as a lack of sup
port to our soldiers The hands of the Pres
ldent should be upheld, he said, when fight
ma for of
pediency. also, he urged that the party
should not oppose the war Wars We're
popular, he declared, and at the present
time the spirit of the people was shown by
the fact that every boy had his drum and
sword, while the mothers were proud of this
patriotic spirit. The votes were practically
unanimous on the two resolutions adopted
ana the Livingstone resolution was defeated
by a large majority.