The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-02-17
DEBATE IN THE SENATE.
Speeches by McEnery and iva on
the Philippines Question.

WASHINGTON, Feb. Reconsideration
Of the financial measure having been con-
cluded, discussion of the Philippine ques-
ton was resumed in the Senate to-day.
Mr.. McEnery Oem., La strongly opposed
the permanent acquisition of the islands
and believed the United States ought to
r~elinquish them as soon as the authority
of this country had been asserted. Mr..
Stewart took a pronounced position I'm
favor OF the admission of the products of
any on the island possessions of the United
States free of duty. The bill providing
a form of government for the territory
of Hawaii was read, but beyond that for
mality nothing was done with it.
sIt is the duty Of his government, now
that we are established on those islands,"
said Mr. McEnery in the course of his
speech. Ito assert its authority over the
Fflipinos. / believe we ought TO vote all
the money. men and ships necessary to
put down those who dispute the authority
Of this country. i am opposed TO ex-
Dansion and do not think we ought to have
disturbed those people in the place where
God made and placed them. My belief
Is that God himself will solve the prob.
lem by destroying the inferior races"
Through our possession OF the philippines
Mr. McEnery felt sure foreign complica-
tons would result with France. Austria,
Germany and Russia and We would be
forced to seek an alliance with our kins-
men, the British. across the sea-
Mr.. McEnery adverted to the troubles in
Kentucky, where. he said. an army had
been employed to prevent the lawful ses-
sions of the Legislature. The people OF
this country. he thought, had enough TO at
tend to without seeking troubles abroad.
IT am not willing said he. that the
Philippines or any part of them should
become the property of the United States.
and / am unalterably opposed to the in
habitants becoming citizens of this coun-
try" Mr.. McEnery complimented the eff
forts of the President TO establish civil
government on the islands.
Mr.. Stewart discussed what disposition
should be made by Congress not only of
the Philippines but also of. the other island
possessions of the United States. In con-
Guiding he said:
s"The discussion of the constitutional
power of Congress in connection with these
islands is Improbable. There is no doubt
that Congress has the power to rob the
territories In a thousand ways and render
the people of our new acquisitions more
miserable than they were under the horrf-
Bile system of Spanish extortion, which We
undertook to abolish. There is no doubt
that the people of the United States could
amend the Co %1stitution and re-establish
slavery IL they were wicked enough TO do
SO. 1t would be just as prohtabie TO dis
cuss whether the people could, IL they
would, establish a monarchy in this coun-
try as IL is to discuss the question whether
Congress has the constitutional power to
discriminate against the people of the new
acquisitions by unequal revenue laws or
any other form OF extortion which greed
may suggest. The country has a right 10
know that no imperialism or militarism is
intended. Whatever mistakes may have
been made in dealing with the Filipinos or
in falling to fully acquaint them with the
Policy of our government the Presidents
message recommending equal laws for