Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-02-28
DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS.
Members Of The House Of
Representatives Confer,
POLICY AS TO THE PHILIPPINES
Resolutions Adopted Strongly Lgiin4
Permanent Contro.
GENERAL WHEELER sPEAKS.
He rraes THAT the Presideurs Hands
he Upheld. sss rhat nemocratio
rsrty shall, Not Oppose the
War.


WASHINGTON. ". c., February Il
At caucus OF the Democratic members
~ the House " Representatives. held IN
the hall oI the House tonight the fol-
lowing declaration OF policy aud rescnu-
lions as to the Philippines were adopted:
we hold that the Constitution OF tho
United states states was ordained and
established Tor an intelligent aud liberty.
loving and self-governesl people. and can-
not successfully be applied to "A people os
different virtues and conditions. We.
therefore, hold that "A colonial policy ~
contrary TO the theory OF our govern
ment. and subyersiyo OF those great prln-
clples OF civil liberty which We have been
taught TO cherish.
I'VE believe with The Declaration OF In
dependence that an governments derive
their Just powers from tho consent OF
the governed, and We are unalterably op-
posed 90 the establishment of any gov
ernment by the United states without tho
consent of the people 10 be governed.
and. la conformity with these principles
We instruct the minority members Of tho
Foreign Affairs Committee TO lntroducs
and urge the followlhS resolution.
No PERMANENT CONTROL.
Resolved, That the United states here.
by disclaim any disposition or intention
10 exercise permanent sovereignty lufis-
diction, or control over the Philippine
Islands. and as.ert their determination,
when an Independent government shalt
have been erected therein. 10 transfer 30
mid government. upon terms witch shall
be reasonable and Just an rights secured
under tnc cssalon by spain. and thereupon
TO leave the soyc,pnei and control of
the islands to their eople"
Another resolution. offered ~ Mr..
/ Guegs. was adopted as follows
1--WE. the Democratic memb'fs Of lhe
I House OF Representative In caucus as
spmbled. commend the signal loyalty apd
/ yaior OF our soldiers and sailors IN the
performance of every military dutY 20
which they have been assigned by proper
authority. however much We may depl0rs
I tao policy Of the administration now o.
recung tncif movements, and W. pledge
/ t0 them our hearty support and sympt-
B fhy under au clrcumHtnnc,s, ana where
/ over they may boz engaged
/ WINfNiN llflN lfAR Rlititi'.
! The following resolution offered W Mr..
/ Livingston of Georgia. VAS lost
"Iesolyed That the United states Con
eress. as soon as the treaty of peace be-
tween this government and spain IL rsti-
/ ned FiVe notice 40 the inhabitants ~ the
/ philippines that it Is not oar desire or
puru0He to hold them under permaDens
millt. " control or 90 colonial subject.
/ and 8H soon as practicable 20 aid them 40
/ establish "a republican form ~ g0ysfn-
ment and tO become independent aud self
sustaining. OF under the pr0teciofais of
/ the United states. az may De agreed on
/ between us. Meanwhile We shall afford
/ them the lnrgest possible liberty under
! tha circlfnstanreH"
cArCfs rOUR HOURS fONG.
The caucus began at T.. " and lasted
! uutu nearly midnight The dttsndsnps
| was large. ana little division ~ ssniiment
| was manifested ou the general features
/ OF tho ffsOiufionH
The drsf resolution WIS offered By Mr..
/ Gaines. ~ Tennessee. OEe ~ the Demo-
| cratic members ~ the Foreign Affairs
/ Committee. and vas the text Of most 0f
the speeches.
Among those who spoke were Repre-
s.ntatiyes Bailey ~ Texas. Alien ~ Mis-
/ slsrlppi Wheeler ~ Alabama. Lsnn Of
! Obl,. and Cowherd u Missouri.
WflEELERS SPEECH
The speech ~ General Wheeler was
ro,sDle 8s differing with The prevailing
view. Ie urged thar nothing should DO
done which could BE- construed 40 lack
oe ugyorf 70 our soldiers. The hands ~
the President should b. upheld ne said.
when nghtiug was going on,
A. IA matter of eKpediency also he
urged thar the party should NOT oppose
the var wars were popular, be declared.
and at that present time the spirit Of fhs
pe0ple va shown ~ me feet thAt every
boy had his drum and sword. whns The
mothers were proud n ibis patriotic
! spirit.
The votes were Dract caily unanimous
0n the Two resolutions adopted. sof tbs
Livingston resolution Was G'fsaisd ~
large majority