The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-24

pending before the Republican Congress.
before the American people. / believe 1t
to be the duty of every Republican and
Democrat to do the right as God gives him
to see the right.
Mr.. Littlefield referred to the resources
and inhabitants of the island. refuting
the statement that but 20 per cent OF
them could read by giving the figures OF
the census recently taken by United
States officer, showing that % per cent OF
them could read. The financial condition
OF the island at the time the flag was
raised was shown in detail. greatly to the
credit of the people. They were said to
be chiyalrous. self-respecting, intelligent
and honest, who had alone four times in
thc eighteenth century repelled the Eng
lish Navy and preserved the soil Of Porto
Rico. Their release of $4,000 slaves at an
exoe aditure of Si2, ,000.0 600 was said by the
speaker to be an act worthy of the highest
form of Christian civilization. Such
people, toward whom it was proposed to
act the part of good Samaritan" he
said, were worthy of the best and truest
treatment at the hands OF the United
States.
You have a promise made by General
Miles" said Mr.. Littledeld, the promise
relied upon by them. its construction by
hODt, secretary Vi W at. Auf SNsttt
ment of that magnificent Republican that
true patriot, William Mckinley, when he
said II is the plain duty 10 give these
people free trade. Put it upon the dag.
cmblazon 1t upon the banner write ii upon
a TRANSPARENCY, and walk through the
campaign with that proposition that Jour
own Secretary of War tells. that your ever
consideration of justice and good faith
REQUIRES you to give them free trade. and
you whip right around and give them the
other, and see where you stand before
the Intelligent, God fearing. conscience
loving people. | do not want TO defend
upon the stump don't know whether l
will get a chance or not-I do not want to
defend upon the stump the proposition
that the Republican party. with its eyes
open, with It's attention called TO the fact.
persisted in violating the good faith OF this
Government
Mr.. LittIefeld read General Miles ad-
dress TO the people of Porto Rico. pronis-
ing them the immunities OF citizens of the
United States, and described his reception
there THE delegates from Porto Rico.
he went on, stand here asking OF the Re-
publican party to make good the promise
made by General Miles when they delivered
this pparl of the Antilles into his all-col-
curing hands | never will vote to violate
the promise he made or to repudiate the
pledge The Republican party cannot af-
ford In this or any other campaign to yio-
late that sacred promise. 1t is written in
the blood of our heroes that fought at El
Caney. San Juan and Santiago. 1t Is made
I'm the presence of Christendom, and 1t is
sealed by the god OF battles, and the Re-
publican party or the Republic cannot vlo-
late that promise to these weak and help
less people unless they sully its honor and
tarnish its fame.
Il would not go before the civilized world
upon a proposition that We would break
faith with the downtrodden and the op-
messed. We cannot repudiate the promise
made by General Miles on the shores o.
Porto Rico. / believe the Republic can af-
ford to keep all OF its promises, no matter
what the consequences be"
The peroration of Mr.. Littlelield's speech.
which had occupied two hours and twenty
minutes in its delivery. was delivered with
ALI the fire and force of the speaker. and
fairly electrified the floor and galleries.
whose applause rang out as he closed, and
lasted several minutes. He said:
eve have heard a great deal in these
days about the glory of the Republic, about
the extension of civilization. ! submit TO
this House this sentiment and this motto
for it's action. May our flag float over the