Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-01-26
tBy Telegraph to vlrr,nlan-Pilot,

tby Telegraph TO NlrE1nian-Pilot)
Washington. D. c., Jan. 25.-The
House to-day resumed the debate on
the Army Reorganization bill.
Mr.. Gibson (Republican. Tennessee),
was the first speaker. He advocated the
passage OF the Hull bill
Mr.. Johnson (Repub,ican, Ind) then
took the tioor in opposition to the bill.
AS he arose the Democrats applauded
and members squared themselves
around in anticipation of some sensa-
tional utterances.
While the President, in the pres
ence of what he may conceive TO be Il
popular demand" he began, lis hurry
ing the army and navy across the seas
to inflict upon an alien people gov
ernmcnt against their will. l propose
fearlessly, without regard to it's effect
upon my personal fortunes. to make a
plea for liberty and an argument
against the perpetuation OF injustice"
y CRISIS IMMINENT.
I'VE were on the verge of crisis"
said Mr.. Johnson. those who failed to
rush forward in support of tho schemes
of the imperialists were being denounc-
GU mere anu III the nuDiC press as
SpanlardS. and men who failed In their
duty. His answer was that IL the Chief
Executive would break his silence and
openly state that we did not propose to
enslave the people of the Philippines,
his word for it, the present strained res
latfons in the Islands would cease.
those who We're but yesterday our al
lies would return TO their homes and
there would be no necessity for this
proposed increase In the standing ar
my. No this would not be done. What
meant this hasty disavowal of Sena-
tor Foraker's statement that the adj
ministration had no intention of hold
ing the islands permanently? II the ad-
mlnistration do not mean to hold the
Philippines, what meant this clamor OF
the administration press? Why had the
Presidents commissioners demanded
tho absolute cession of the islands In
stead of simply their evacuation, as
they did In the case OF Cuba? Why did
not Senator Davis, who was In charge
of the treaty in the Senate agree to al
low the passage of 4 resolution disa-
vowing the Governments purpose to
hold the islands permanently? Those
were patent facts which could not be
lodged. They must be faced squarely.
Everything pointed in one direction
the purpose to annex the Philippines"
1876 AND 1895
Continuing he drew parallel be-
tween our revolutionary struggle and
the struggle the Fillpinos made for in
dependence. He argued that to-day
they had n stable government. Repub-
lican in form. president. vice pres-
ident, and Congress, the whole found
cd on the free conscns or the governed
To attempt to subvert that government
he charged would be an "unspeakable
crime that should bring the blush OF
shame to the cheek OF every free born
American"
Mr.. Johnson paid n high tribute to
AGuinaldo and to Agoncllo.
IF William Mckinley even. changes
his policy regarding the Philippines"
he declared. in stentorian tones, che
VIII bend to the weight of popular opin-
lon to which he bows. right or wrong"
a HOT REJOINDER.
This utterance raised storm Of ap-
plausc from the Democratic side. Mr..
,Frirtrs1t1- requested that srrc1 interrup-
tions cease as they took up his time.
Several times before he had made n
similar request.
81 should imagine the gentleman
could tolerate Democratic applause"
interrupted Mr.. Henderson (Rep.. OF
Iowa).
The gentleman can always tolerate
the applause OF honest men, no matter
when ii comes" replied Mr. Johnson
quickly. AS the applause which greet
ed this rejoinder died away he added;
And he can also tolerate the narrow
censure of those OF his own party as
he has done frequently in the past.
He has never been so we'll satisfied with
himself as when his narrow colleagues
were crying him down.
Il pride myself. Mr.. Speaker" he
continued. drawing himself up to hls
full height. "that l have broadened
since l entered public life. My party
is means. not an end with me. and
when believe my party is wrong moth
ing can make he abate my independent
convictions" Great Democratic APP
plause).
y POLICY OF EVASION.
Proceeding he denounced the Presi-
dents course as policy OF evasion"