The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1900-02-07
Washinpton Letter.

(From the Northerners correspondent
Washington, ID. G.. Feb e.
During recent executive sessions of
the senate, the facts in regard to the
peace negotiations at Paris are said to
have been fully disclosed. No public
revelation will be made, however, as the
only result would be to risk a misunder-
standing with Germany, who might take
umbrage if her part in the negotiations
which led to the United States taking
all the Philippines and not Luzon only,
was made officially known. The presi-
dent prefers that the public shall mis-
understand him, if they will, andeven
think him a reckless territory grabber,
rather than that this risk should be run.
His self-sacrifice contrasts strongly with
the conduct of senators like Hoar and
Pettigrew, who know all these facts, and
know the reasons for keeping them
secret, and yet persist in urging inquis-
tive resolutions designed to force the
hand of the administration and either
make it lose credit or disclose facts that
should be kept secret. The truth is that
Spain had made up it's mind to sell the
Philippines, and was then considering
a proposition from Germany to buy
them Germany offered S200O0000 and
we bought the islands rather than en-
danger the peace of the world by refus-
ing.
Republicans may dismiss any idea that
Mr.. Bryans trip to the East is connected
in any way with the reported disagree
ment between him and Senator Jones
-of Arkansas, or to any fear of disloyalty
to the Chicago platform. All stories to
this effect are mere buncombe and are
put forth to make it easier for the gold
democrats to take advantage of the cur
rency legislation to go back into their
party. The democratic party is still a
free silver party and will remain so for
SOME years to come. The real object of
Nr. Bryans visit was to lay plans for
4 capturing the German and Irish vote
by playing on the friendliness of the add
ministration towards England, by sug-
bs'esting secret understandings between
Bostonvo and by putting forth suggestions
,fraglsts vrinations against the Beers.
'mmittee Ately, the party has found
,e three a5ublican papers to play It's game
age 10 Wy harping on disagreements be-
ion Rev the members.
ork. % fact that Senator Morgan has
Practically won his fight for reelection
to the senate, is accepted in this city as
marked victory for expansion and as
showing the temper of the South on that
vital issue. Senator Morgan won on the
square-cut issue of retaining the Philip
pines as well as all other territory acquir-
ed from Spain. Senator Morgan staked
his whole political future on the fight.
Some of his timid friends begged him to
modify his position little as matter
of expediency. This he resolutely refus-
ed to do. In every speech he told his
people plainly that il they returned him
to the senate he would vote and work for
the permanent retention of the Philip
pines and their utmost utilization for
the extension of American commerce in
Asia. His victory, which is now assured,
joined to the fact that a number of other
southern senators have declared them
: selves as agreeing with him in greater or
lesser degree. has given rise to belief
that he will be asked to replace Senator
Jones of Arkansas as democratic leader
.he senate, and that the party policy
body will be altered.