The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1900-01-12
WARM DEBATE
IN THE SENATE
Sensational Charges Made
Against Administration
INFORMATION SUPPRESSED
The President Accused of Start
ing the War.
STEWART ANSWERS GAGE REPORT
Lively Tilt Between Senators Tillman
and Allen-Latter Likened Unto
'Possum Dog Barking Up
an Empty Tree
STEWART ANSWERS GAGE REPORT

Washington, January 11.--A spirited and
at times sensational debate was precipi-
tated in the senate today the Philippine
question, the basis for speeeh-making be-
ing a resolution of inquiry offered several
days ago by Mr.. Pettigrew of South Da-
kota, to which substitutes We're proposed.
Mr. Pettigrew attacked the administra-
tion's policy in the Philippines and also
made some startling charges against those
who were supporting the administration
He declared that systematic effort was
being made to prevent accurate informa-
tion from reaching the people of the United
States, and that it was a political scheme
ITO further the candidacy of Mr. Mckinley
for denomination and reelection.
The debate was terminated by a resump-
tion of consideration of the currency bill
at O'Clock. Mr.. Stewart of Nevada made
an elaborate speech on the question of ma
tional finances.
An unusual amount of routine business,
including the presentation of petitions and
introduction of bills, was transacted by the
senate during the morning hour today.
Among the bills introduced was one by
Mr.. Spooner, which provided That when the
lnSuTreCllOn IN Ine fnllipplutS SHdal Adfo
been suppressed, the government of the
islands shall be vested In such person or
persons as the president may direct, or
until congress shall direct how the islands
shall be governed.
At the conclusion of the morning routine,
the resolution offered by MIR. Pettigrew of
South Dakota several days ago, together
with the substitute for it offered by Mr..
Lodge of Massachusetts,, was laid before
the senate. The object of both the resolu-
tion and the substitute was ito obtain from
the president, If not incompatible with pub
llc interests, all information in regard to
the insurrection in the Philippines.
Mr.. Lodge suggested that both Mr.. Petit
CREWS resolution and his own substitute
be withdrawn and that the resolution Of
fered by Mr. GIoar with suitable amend
ments be adopted as substitute for both.
Hoar's Resolution Sweeping
The resolution offered by Mr.. Hoar was
sweeping in it's call for information relat-
ing to the Philippine insurrection, but Mr.
Lodge said his desire for all information
concerning the insurrection was so great
that he proposed to offer an amendment ex-
tending its provisions. It had been stated,
he said, that there was danger of an up
rising in Manila by the Filipinos, with the
object of numbering Americans and all for
eigners. 1t had been stated also that Fill
pinos had threatened to throw bombs into
the funeral procession of General Lawton.
He wanted information upon these points
as well as upon others.
He wanted to know what information the
-.
upon other tribes by Aguinaldo and the
Tagalos.
He wanted especially to know how the
Filipinos had treated American and Span
tish prisoners, there being wide divergence
of information upon that point. If the gov
eminent had information relating to the
encouragement received by Aguinaldo and
the insurgents from the United States, and
what effect that encouragement had had
upon the course of the rebellion. he thought
the senate and the people were entitled to
1t.
1t was matter, too, of common report
that the anti-Imperialistic league had been
urging our soldiers to oppose the war. This
work, Mr.. Lodge thought. had had little
effect, because of the insignificance of the
persons engaged in 1t. Mr.. Lodge thought
there was no dispotion in any quorter to
suppress information.
Mr.. Hoar assented to Mr.. Lodges plan,
and said he should also like to include the
presidents instructions to the peace COM
missioners in Paris But he presumed there
would be- objection to that, and he would
not press 1t. But he said, however. he
would press the request for instructions to
the Philippine commissioners.
Mr. Lodge suggested that the resolution
of Mr.. Pettigrew and his own substitute
be laid on the table and that of Mr. Hoar
with his proposed amendment be adopted
PettIgrew Objected
To this Mr.. Pettigrew objected. He had,
he said, asked in his resolution for specific
information. and IT should be passed. 'The
resolution of Senator Lodge should read"
he said: "If not incompatible with the in
terests of a candidate for reelection"
He then launched into a sensational
speech, containing many bitter attacks
upon the administration, whose conduct. he
said. .ss in line with the policy - conceal
ing the news and suppressing the facts"
The information covered by the amended
resolutions Of the Massachusetts senators
WAS not all that might be called for. Sem
ntors might ask, he said. for Information