The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-01-13
they are to be given an opportunity to

they are to be given an opportunity 10
govern themselves
with the determination cf the uifi-
mate policy respecting the Philippines,
replied Senator Foraker, their feelings /
will have much TO do. No one, so Tar
as I am able to learn. is preparing by
force and violence to take and hold
them. I am willing to trust the ad-
ministration. I have no sympathy win
those who talk OF making war on Agui-
naldo any more than had with those
who talked of making war on Gomez.
''Thang God for that" murmured
Senator Hoar from his seat, but In
voice audible throughout the chamber.
II repeat continued Senator Fora
ker, that we had four choices as 70
what we should do and I affirm that
the president acted wisely. 1t is nc
for congress to investigate whether t..e
Philippines are capable Of self-govern-
ment and whether they desire self
government. We will all know in
short time what the feeling of the
population of the island is. Then we
can act intelligently and / know We
will act justly
In conclusion, Senator Foraker said
he would place in the record the re-
cent proclamation Of the president to
the insurgents as declaration of the
spirit and purpose of the United States.
When he took his seat there was
demonstration of approval from the
galleries which was unchecked by the
presiding officer.
At the conclusion of Senator Fora
ker's speech, Senator Allen, of Penn
Sylvania, continued briefly the debate
upon the constitutional questions re-
lating to the acquisition of Philippines.
He cOmbatted the position taken by
Senator Foraker, maintaining that the
United States government could not
constitutionally acquire the Philippine
islands without the ultimate objections
of admitting them into the union as
a state.
Prior to the speech by Senator For
aker, Senator Bacon, of Georgia, Of
fered the following joint resolution:
1. THAT the government and people
Of the United States have not waged
the recent war with Spain for conquest
and for the acquisition of foreign ter
ritory, but solely for the purpose set
forth in the resolution of congress,
making the declaration Of said war, the
acquisitions of such small tracts of
land or harbors, as may be necessary
for governmental purposes being not
deemed inconsistent with the same.
2. THAT in demanding and in receiv-
ing the cession of the Philippine islands
it is not the purpose OF the government
of the United States to secure and
maintain dominion over the same as
part Of the territory of the United
States or to incorporate the inhabi-
tants thereof as citizens of the United
States or to hold said inhabitants as
vassals or subjects of this govern
ment.
8. THAT whereas at the time of the
! declaration Of war by the United
States against Spain and prior thereto
| lands were 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 still be-
ing actively prosecuted Hereunder,
therefore, in recognition of and in obe-
dience to the vital principle announced
| in the great declaration that govern
| ments derive their just powers from
| the consent of the governed the gov
| ernment of the United States recog-
| nizes 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 it's authority and
| government in the Philippine islands
| and to withdraw it's land and naval
! forces from the Philippine islands and
| in the waters thereof.
4. ''That the United States hereby
| disclaim any disposition or Intention
| to exercise sovereignty or control over
| said islands and assert their determi-
nation when an Independent govern
| ment shall have been duly erected
| therein entitled to recognition as such
| to transfer to said government upon
the terms which shall be reasonable
and just, all rights secured under the
| cessiOn by Spain and thereupon to
| leave the government and control Of
the islands to their people,
| Senator Allen introduced a resolution
declaring that aggressive action
| against the Philippines would be un-
warranted and in a speech said he
| did not think war could be waged with
! out the consent of congress.
Senator Hoar asked Senator Gray, one
| of the peace commissioners, where the
| power came from to use force against
| the Philippines.
| Senator Gray said technically we
! were still at war with SPAIN but un-
der truce, and if making war upon
| the Philippines was violating the pro-
| tocol it would be a matter between the
| United States and Spain; that the
| United States was bound to maintain
the protocol until the peace treaty was
| ratified.
| Senator Gallinger objected and the
| resolution went over.
At $40 o'clock the senate went into
| executive session.
| In brief session at the conclusion
| VI tHe executive session, senator Nor
| gan announced that Senator Sullivan,
| of Mississippi, was not ready to pro-
| ceed with his speech on the Nicara-
! guam canal bill, and on his motion, at
( 3:35 o'clock p. m. the senate adjourned.
| HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE
The house today completed and pass
| ed the bill for the codification of the
| criminal laws of Alaska, upon which
it has been working intermittently for
week. An amendment was adopted,
| providing high license system in the
| territory, with a species of local op-
| ton. Liquor dealers, by it's provisions,
are to pay a license of 1000 per year
| and the consent Of a majority Of the
| white citizens residing within two miles
of liquor dealers establishment must
be obtained before a license can issue.
| An attempt to recommit the bill for
| the purpose of securing the adoption of
/ a provision excluding convicted felons
| from service on juries was defeated.
] The speaker laid before the house
today the resignation of Mr.. Pitney, re-