The National tribune., 1900-05-17

places of arms. would be, by that very act,
the enemy of the United States. 1t would
be impossible for us to submit to any such
thing as that. Such an act by any Euro
pean power would mean war.
The Monroe Doctrine is the greatest
protection of the United States. To that
doctrine we all, without distinction 10 party,
adhere. | am by no means Convinced
that some European power, perhaps one
Of those whose navy is just now receiving
such rapid increase, may want to test that
doctrine, and that we may find ourselves
called upon 10 protect Brazil or some other
South American State from invasion, and
TO See to it that no new European State Is
established in the continent 10 the south
/ am not conjuring up imaginary dangers.
| think that they exist and are very real
| trust they Will never find actual result in
war; but am sure that the way to prevent
any such test of the Monroe Doctrine, the
way TO prevent peaceably the sciZlTe Of
any part of the South American conti-
nent or of the West Indian Islands by any
European power, is 10 have an American
navy which no power in the world can afford
10 disregard
"1f trouble should come, if the Monroe
Doctrine should be attacked. if our coasts
should be in danger" continued Mr.. Lodge,
eve would find it but cold comfort when We
were short of ships, when our fleets were
overmatched, and our coasts assailcd, to
say that, at least we had curbed an egregi-
Gus monopoly and saved ourselves from
eXtortioudta prices.
"The Danish Island scare" remarked
Senator Tillman, 'haS no terror for any
man who is informed on the subject. We
know that our Navy is superior to that of
Germany"
The Germans have now 18 battleships," :"
replied Mr.. Lodge. "They have authorized
IS more battleships, and the Emperor has
shortened the time so that those ships will
be completed in 1908. By that time they
will have SO battleShips. AS to the Danish
Islands scare, do not believe myself that
any nation is going to take them. ] think
they know too much for that II they do
not, they can be taught. Butif the Senator
thinks that there is no danger of an in
fringement Of the Monroe Doctrine in
Brazil or in some other of those South
American Republics, he differs very widely
from the conclusion which / have formed
from pretty careful study of the subject"
Senator Bacon and Senator Daniel ar
gued for the construction of Government
armor plant, the latter referring TO battle
ships, in view of the discovery of soft-nosed
as iron candle boxes"
The day was spent in discussing the
pending amendment of Senator 1illman,
providing for straight price of $500 per
ton for armor and an armor plate factory
TO be built by the Government at cost not to
exceed S4,0O0,00O.
The House broke all records in the matter
Of passing private pension bills. In all $50
bills were passed. Among them was the
Senate bill to pension the widow of the late
Gen. Guy V. Henry. AS the bill passed
the Senate it carried S10o per month, but
the House reduced this amount to $50
The House adjourned over until Monday.
The list of bills will be given in our next
issue.
In the Senate on Saturday the T'ilIman
was defeated by a narrow
margin, rejecting the proposition to erect,
without reference to the price at which the
Government could secure armor-plate for
its warships, an armor-plate factory.
After a discussion lasting five full days,
he Senate Monday passed the Naval
appropriation bill. Practically four days
we're devoted to the consideration of the
proposition, which was agreed
% finally as reported by the committee.
With the exception that the Secretary Of
he Navy is authorized to make contracts
,nly for such arnor as may be needed
rom time to time. By the committees
to the House bill, the Secre
ary Of the Navy is authorized to procure
irmor of the best quality at S445 per ton;
,ut if iis he unable to obtain it at that
'rice, he Is then authorized to pay S545
,er ton for the armor for the battle-ships
Maine, Oitio, and Missouri, and proceed
o erect an armor factory, TO cost not to
Xceed 81, 900, 900, one-half Of which amount
s made Immediately available. Monday
lfter the rejection Of the pending amend
nent offered by Mr.. Chandler, the com
nittee's proposition was agreed to by a
'ote Of 80 to 10. The Secretary of the Navy |
5 directed to purchase five Holland tor
'edo-boats, at a price not exceeding S170,- |
100 each.
The Free Homes" bill, which passed the |
1ouse several days ago, was passed by the |
senate without amendment.
In the House on Monday the day was |
hiefly occupied with the consideration of |
he general deficiency bill, which was re-
'orted by Chairman Cannon soon after the |
ournal was read. 1t carries So, ,839, ,021. |
After two hours debate the bill was passed |
Without amendment.