The times., 1900-04-12

Congress upon the bill. The constitutional
doctrine regarding the bill which he had
contended for was the doctrine OF che Re-
publican platforms of 1856 and 1850. al
though Mr. Dalzell Rad asserted 10 the
contrary, and was the doctrine Of Abraham
Lincoln. The doctrine he said might well
be called the GrosveuOr doctrine Tor in
speech last month General Crosyenor had
said that Congress could legislate for the
possessions OF the United States as it saN
fit. save only that it could do nothing fer
hidden by the Constitution. That was his
position exactly. Mr. Mccall said. He had
never coEtended that the Constitution was
in force in Porto Rico, but tna- it was IL
force on Capitol Hill. and that Congress
could DO nothing forbidden by it, He re-
GREETED that the leaders on the floor could
not have that nobler courage. yield the
whole miserable business md give fIef
trade to Porto Rico
Mr. Swanson Of Virginia criticised the
government features of the bill in ten
minute speech. No man on the floor. he
said. would be so recreant as to accept any
such government for himself or his constit
uents.
The bill was further discussed in brief
speeches in opposition by Messrs. Newiands
of Nevada, Rhea of Kentucky, Hay of Nir-
Cinia. and Gaines Of Tennessee, and in Sup
port Of the bill by Messrs. Hopkins of Hi
nois. who denied that the Republicans had
changed a single constitutional principle OF
financial policy in reporting the pending
bill from the position assumed by them in
reporting the original bill.
Mr.. Richardson closed for the Democrats,
repeating the story about Mr.. Iagccn's
opinion to the Secretary of War that the
Constitution of the United States extended
of its own vigor and effect to Porto Rico, to
introduce the statement that since he first
spoke Secretary Root had complied with
the resolution of the House last Saturday
and sent that opinion 10 the House. Since
writing that opinion Mr. Magoon had writ
ten another opinion of seventy-two printed
pages, to the effect that Congress must
first act before the Constitution could be
extended over the island.
Mr.. Richardson quoted from the first
opinion, dated May 81. 1899 extracts sus-
tanning the contention that the COnstitu-
tion applied to Porto Rico. and that Con-
gress. in legislating for the island. must
be guided by the Constitution, all Of
which were loudly applauded. Concluding
Mr. Richardson said he had no words of
commendation for Mr.. Magoon, the subOr-
dinate clerk, who changed his mind, but, q"
he added, what will the country think Of
1 a Secretary Of War who compelled him
to change it?'
The applause following Mr.. Richardson's s
| speech was so loud and extended that it
was several minutes before order could be
restored.
DoIliver Quotes Davis.
Mr.. Dolliver of Iowa followed in a char
acteristic effort supporting the bill, He
said that the gentleman from Tennessee
had brought up the opinion of subordi-
nate law clerk, who had thought to over
ride the great lawyer who presided over
that department as to the constitutional
rights and prerogatives of Congress. He
asked Mr.. Richardson if he would take the
opinion OF General Davis upon the subject
Mr.. Richardson-If you will give me
both opinions l will take my choice.
Mr.. Dolliver read from Governor Davis
official report which he asserted support
ed the principle of the bill Referring
to the charges Of bribery as affecting the
action OF the Republican party, he said
they were a little thing to make and too
contemplate to answer. He would charge
the gentleman from Tennessee with max
ing an effort to present the Sugar Trust
sixty millions OF dollars by the introduc
ticn Of a joint resolution, which he read,
the Chairman of the Democratic National
Committee, Senator Jones Of Arkansas.
was in the same conspiracy. He had in
uoduced a resolution to pay back to the
trust sl,SO0,0OO Of customs dues it had
already paid into the Treasury. Now"
he continued. Il don't charge these gen
tlemen with corruption, l am above that.
! only charge them with stupidity"
Concluding, he eXhOrted the Republicans
to stand together in this skirmish against
the enemy. preliminary to the great Pres
idential contest in the fall.
The debate was concluded by Mr.. Payne
of New York. The'proudest act Of his life
he said, was in connection.rNith this bill
from its inception 70 the present moment
Mr. Pierce of Tennessee-Which end arc
you proud of?
This query was received with an out
burst Of laughter. When it had ceased Mr.
Payne said that he would not answer that
He said he was willing to submit the ques-
tion to the American people for their YER
dict. Mr.. Payne closed with a general de
fence Of the bill. and the members, who
had been under a strain, increasing in in
tensity as the hours went by. greeted the
arrival Of the hour of ; o'clock with a sigh
Of relief.
The question on concurring in the Senate
amendments was put by the Speaker and
il was agreed TO.
The House then. at 5:35 o'clock, ad-
iourned until today.
PROVISIONS OF THE BILL.