The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-04-04

srshtp OF the Junior senator from ONO
(Hanna), would extend the power OF con.
gress to the Territories unaceompanied
by the constitution in order to accom-
plish the Industrial enslavement of peo-
pie struggling to be free
He appreciated that this was a grave
charge. but maintained that it was we'll
founded and that the course proposed was
a tarnish upon the fair fame OF this coun-
try. He contended that whatever might
be said of the constitution as a whole,
had been annexed OF the application of it's
provisions relating to S,Ities. exercises and
imposts and these plainly prohibited the
imposition OF any duty on the commerce
between the United States and Puerto
Rico. Mr. Culberson took strong ground
against RELOCATING the control Of the az
fairs Of Puerto Rico to congress uncon-
trolled by constitutional provisions. Con-
gress was apt to be partisan. and such
being the fact. profiigacy and oppression
we're TO be expected. Already the sklrInish
had been thrown out for change on the
and Beveridge, the later EXPRESSING a
preference for the unwriten constitution
OF TIE aristocracy of Great Britain, AS for
himself. he prayed God that the time
wolld never come when congress or any
other power should have unlimited con
troll over the humhiest individual in the
country. He would have The constitution
applied in all Of its parts Bat here
could be no question that the president
had violated the constitution when he
levied duty on articles exported from the
United States to Puerto Rico
Mr.. Culberson also argued that the tax
proposed would be oppressive, Such a
sep as was proposed, he sid was ealcu-
lated not only TO wo,'rli the public con
science. but 1t was IN disregard Of the
plighted faith.
He continued TIC pile up argument. fact
and authority to prove that the constitu-
ton extended to Puerto Rico as Terri
tory OF the United states and that the
imposition of this tax was a violation ut
the constitution.
son said: AS final argument they tell
us the duty ispllght and inconsdorable,
How fallacious this claim is has been
shown by the distinguished senator from
Kentucky Lindsay and something of It's
oppressive character may be seen from
tax by SO per capita per annum up1a the
impoverished Puerto Ricans than is levied
upon the people of Texas, who are pros
porous and happy. But II the duty we're
light this would not pslliate or justify the
offense Not many years ago Benjamin
Harrison. gifted beyond all the presidents
In felicity in speech, In discussing a pro-
posed tariff from his standpoint. declared
that 1t was not so much the length as
the direction of the step which was alarm
ing So II is here. 1t Is something to
put away our solemn duty. 1t is humlli-
and PROSTATE people at the dintation of
avarice and greed. 1t wounds the pub
lie conscience TO disregard our plighted
faith as Nation. But to do these things
in violation of the organic law is an as
sault upon our institutions and a crime
against free government
The entire speech was distinct triumph
for the young senator. He has won his
senatorial spurs and carved for himself
a place In the senate second to none as
a constitutional lawyer He has evidenced
the wisdom OF the people of Texas In
sending him here, for in him they have
as able an advocate OF their rights and
the rights of the people as any man who
ever occupied seat in the senate from
the Lone Star State. He had also taken a
place high up as an orator. He has the
best voice and delivery of any man in
the senate. From now on he will be in
demapd by the democratic leaders as
speaker on every bill OF Importance to the !
country on account OF his ability as an
orator and lawyer
At the conclusion Of his spsech he was
was warmly congratulated by his demo.
cratic colleagues and by many republicans.
The only thing to be regretted is that he
lid not have the time necessary to ex-
haust his subject. because Senator Mason
occupied most OF his time. and many sen
ators said that he should have spoken
EARLIER in the debate.
The Post correspondent spoke to a,num-
Der OF senators concerning Senator Gull
Derson's speech and all were earnest In
heir praises OF the speech. Senator
Bates OF Tennessee said 1T was one OF
he strongest and best speeches aud con
arguments that has been made
IN this bill"
Senator Money 81 Aiasissippi said. nj,
was beyond all question the elearsst. mos.
ucid. strongest and aDsest speech that has
been delivered during tho debate. The
Ipsech aas the distinct merit Of orisi-