The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-01-30
Pitchfork TiIlman Discusses the Phil
fppine Question and Attempts 40
Impale Mr.. Beveridge.
WARM DEBATE IN THE HOUSE
DEMOCRATS AGAIN AssAIL THE Sec
RETARY OF THE TREASURY.
Vigorous Defense by Republicans
Little Chance for the Bill Providing
Pensions for Weather Observers.

WASHINGTON, Jan. Ex-senator Mason.
of Illinois, arose to-day soon after the Sem
ate convened TO quetsion Of privilege and
sharply attacked the British government
and the British vice consul at New Orleans,
because of an interview in which the vice
consul had assailed Mr.. Mason for the posi-
ton he had taken in behalf OF the Trans
vaal Republic in its war with Great Brit
ain. Mr.. Mason attacked not only the con-
sui, but the policy of Great Britain in levy
ing war inferior nation.
Mr.. Hoar, thought the consul's purported
remarks so serious that 1t ought TO be in
vestigated by the government; but, at the
same time, he deprecated any attack on
Great Britain, with the people OF which
the American people ought not only TO live
in peace. but as loving and devoted friends
Mr.. Lodge sharply arraigned the British
consul for his utterances against a United
States senator. and believed it ought not
lightly to be passed.
Mr.. Tillman delivered forceful and quite
characteristic speech on the Philippine
question in which he maintained that this
government ought to extend to the Fill
pinos the right to govern themselves, the
United States guarding them against the
aggression of other nations.
At the conclusion Of routine business Mr..
Mason rose to a question of personal priv
ilege. He had read a newspaper clipping
of an interview with the British consul at
New Orleans saying that the British public
was disgusted with the position taken by
the American people and some of the SEN
ators in Congress on the subject of the
British Transvaal war. That position was
assumed. the consul was quoted as saying.
simply because the American people were
mercenary. To-day they were favorable to
the Beers, because they had achieved lit
tie success; tomorrow they would be just
as favorable to the British when they had
achieved victory. The consul also attacked
Senator Mason specifically. Mr.. Mason
saia the consuls utterance was scarcely
worth attention except that he was one OF
the accredited representatives OF a great
nation to this country. 1T is not the first
time" declared Mr.. Mason, ''that British
diplomat has attempted to run this coun-
try. So far as his personal attacks on me
are concerned have no concern. They 10
me honor. The more venomous the attacks
by the British upon me and those who
think like me, the more we are made the
subjects OF British stupidity and asininity
the sooner will the American people get
on the right side Of the controversy" He
declared that 50 per cent. of the people of
America were in sympathy with the Beers
in their contest with Great Britain.
WANTS TREATY RATIFIED.
'T want to say" said Mr.. Mason, 81 ask
for no special defense from the State De-
partment in this matter, for, with the help
of God. I'll try TO take care of myself
But" said he, there is one thing should
like to inquire about. What has become OF
the arbitration treaty that was submitted
TO the Senate? L ann told that the United
States government cannot mediate I'm this
war until that treaty has been ratified. IL
that is so, want that treaty discovered
and ratified so the barrier against media
tion shall be removed"
Mr.. Mason then urged the committee on
foreign relations, to which his resolution OF
sympathy with the Beers had been re-
ferred. to make a report upon 1t In order
that vote might be had upon IL.
Don't take that child to the graveyard" :"
urged Mr. Mason. ''for I give you notice
there will be a resurrection OF IL every day
after this week. You'll have a chance to
think about it at least once every day un-
less you go 10 the cloak rooms while
discuss it,
Mr.. Hoar after criticising the senator's
remarks. expressed regret that Mr.. Mason
had made his impassioned attack on q
friendly nation. 1t was quite natural that
Mr.. Mason's kindly sympathies should be
strongly stirred. he said. by the brave
Beers struggling against a great empire,
but the Senate was a part OF the diplo-
matte power of the government and II such
| utterances were made here. he doubted the
efficacy of any offers of mediation that
might be made by the United States. 1T
does not seem to me-" said Mr.. Hoar. ito
| be a logical position TO assume. 1 have
| hoped that the time would come when
either mediation between Great Britain and
| the Transvaal should be offered by the
government or that the position OF Ameri-
| can people would be made so clear as to
bring about peace. / suppose the attitude
| OF the people OF the United States for
| those OF Great Britain is one OF almost at
| tachment and love" Mr.. Hoar said IL Great
Britain were wrong in the present contest.
| she was regarded by patriotic Americans
| precisely as they would regard their own
| government II II were wrong. He did not
| believe. he said in the doctrine: MY coun.
| try. right or wrong" and did not thinl
| the people believed In IL.
| Mr.. Lodge. I'm brief speech. also criti
cised the British consul's remarks as highly
improper.
MIR. PLATT"S PROTEST.
| Mr.. Mason replied briefly. but 90 vs-
| hemently TO the points made BY Mr..
Hoar that Mr.. Plat, Comm said: II aa