The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-03-03

shall be hereafter collected on imports
from Porto Rico for the benefit Of the peo-
pie of the island. Mr.. Cannon explained
that the sugar and tobacco piled up in
Porto Rico controlled by the sugar and
tobacco trusts, which was awaiting ship
ment to this country would be shipped to
the United States II this bill passed and
that every dollar of duty paid by these
trusts would be devoted TO the storm
swept and starving inhabitants of the
island IRepublican applausel ''You have
been shedding crocodile tears over there"
he concluded. Now come up and vote for
the bill every man of YOU" [Repewed ap-
plause.]
Mr.. Bailey, replying to Mr.. Cannon
evoked round of Democratic applause by
his first sentence. If he had known when
the request for unanimous consent was
submitted that the bill placed at the abso-
Lutte disposal of the President $.0OO,O0O now
In the treasury and an indefinite sum here
after TO be collected. he said he would him.
self have taken the responsibility of object
ing. He would never consent, he said, to
turn over to the discretion of one man
money in the treasury of the United States.
Undoubtedly the people Of Porto Rico had
been subjected to unjust taxation. and
there should be an atonement. But the
money should be returned by the direction
Of Congress, not at the discretion of the
President.
Mr.. Bell, of Colorado, said that such
chapter of inconsistencies that had taken
place on the Republican side in the last
few weeks never before had been witnessed
in the American Congress.
BAILEY PROPOSES A CHANGE.
Mr.. Bailey then attempted to secure the
consent of the other side to an amend
ment limiting the appropriation to the
money in the treasury. and to define the
purpose for which it should be used, but
Mr.. Cannon declined to yield and turned
the floor over to Mr.. Grosvenor. who said
the Democrats had been vastly more agi-
tated about politics than starving Porto
Ricans. The burden of their cries had
been that the taxing power Of the United
States was being used to take money out
of the pockets Of the Porto Ricans for the
enrichment of the treasury of the United
States. Now the Republicans proposed to
show them that the administration was the
best possible guardian of the people of
Porto Rico.
"why did you not adopt the Presidents
recommendation relative to the Porto Ri
can tariff bill?" shouted a Democrat.
"I have heard that question $50 times"
replied Mr.. Grosvenor. 1--WE are now COM
ing to the point where we are in accord
with the administration. We on this side
are anxious to sustain the administration.
How do you feel?" [Republican applause.1
At this point Mr.. Bailey reiterated his
request that the bill be modified so as to
limit the appropriation to the money in the
treasury, and to specify the purposes for
which it was to be employed. If those
notifications were made. said he. the
whole Democratic side would support the
bill.
1--WE cannot place ourselves In opposition
to the administration retorted Mr.. Gros-
venor, amid laughter and applause.
MIR. Maddox, sof Georgia, denounced the
message and the bill as a piece of cheap
political capital you were blistered by
the country" said he, "and now you are
using OIL.
Mr.. Sulzer, of New York. said: ''The
President is a good politician. He has
heard from the country. Democratic ap-
plause.] He is trying to square himself
and you with the people. who protested in
the name of justice against the unconstitu-
tional and iniquitous tariff bill you passed
on Wednesday. You come here with a con-
fession that the bill was wrong, and now
you seek to return a portion of the stolen
goods, like conscience-stricken thief"
lApplause]
RICHARDSON PROTESTS.
Mr.. Richardson, who arose to close the
debate, had but four minutes remaining.
He appealed for more time, but it was re-
fused He protested vigorously against the
methods employed by the majority In all
his experience, he said, he had never known
such an unfair advantage to be taken of
the minority. The bill had been brought
in prepared in secret after a nights con-
ference with the President and precipi-
tated upon the House In the hope of get
ting some 'cheap john advantage [Dem-
ocratic spplause.1 'You hoped and prayed
that some one on this side would object to
this bill." he said, addressing Mr.. Cannon,
who sat smiling at him. "Why did you de-
sire that some one should object?" he pro-
ceeded. mot to prevent this appropria-
ton. 1t was privileged matter and could
nave ptcl Cdlicu up ot ally tliuc. XNO, yUu
wanted an objection to get even on the
loss sustained by your party in the treat
ment of Porto Rico. 1t Is too cheap; too
cheap, gentlemen. The Republican press is
blistering you, and you hope in this way
to fool the people. But you cannot do it.
I warn you that in the ides Of next No
vember hurricane In. comparison with
which that which devastated Porto Rico
was a mere zephyr will sweep over the
land and sweep you out of power in
this Congress and in the White House."
prolonged Democratic applause.1
Mr.. Cannon said he wished to see the
Porto Ricans secure relief. and this bill
was well designed to give it.
Mr.. Bailey asked why specific provision
was not made that the funds be turned
over to Porto Rico.
pose of the bill, as the President was to
use the funds for island purposes. With
President who was responsive to every con-
sideration of justice there was no question
as to the purpose for which the revenues
would be used.
SIBLEY VOTED WITH MAJORITY.
The previous question the passage Of
the bill was then ordered, 152 to 125; pres
ent and not voting. 5. The vote was a
strict party vote with the exception of Mr..
Sibley Dem., Pa). who voted with the
Republicans.