The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-02-21
HAWAII AND THE PHILIPPINES
TWO IMPORTANT PROBLEMS DIS
CUsSED IN THE SENATE.

| Senator Kenny, Who Voted for the
Ratification of the Treaty, De-
nOunces the War in the Philippine
IsIands-No Reason for the War or
for ImperiaIistic Policy to he
Found in the Treaty-Hawad and
the Labor Question.
Washington, Feb. 20-Discussiou of the
Philippine question was resumed for a
time in the Senate to-day. Mr.. Kenny
speaking against the retention by the
United States of the islands and urging
TO govern themselves.
After the passage of fifty-two pension
bills and number of bills on the gen.
eral calendar, consideration was resumed
of the Hawaiian government bill Some
amendments were agreed TO, but consid-
Grafton of the mea sure was not conclud-
ed
Mr. Kenny whose former colleague, ex-
Senator Gray was a member of the Peace
Commission, said:
81 am one of those senators who voted
for the ratification of the treaty of Paris.
believing that ratfration meant the enc
of the war we had commenced for human
ity's sake, and that the $50 100000 awarded
Spain was the act not only of a magnani-
nous victor, but as well tribute placed
on liberty's altar by a people who know
the value of freedom. Are there any who
know the history of the last two years
who will contend that if at the time the
vote on the treaty was taken it had been
stated on the floor of this Senate that war
in the Philippines was to go on and that
the millions awarded to Spain was the
purchase price for a people to be held in
perpetual vassalage, that instrument would
have been ratified? l do not think there
are any such.
II do know. Mr.. President, that of the
influences which moved members of this
Senate to vote for the treaty, the most
powerful were the desire to end the war
and commence the work of liberty and
freedom in those far away islands.
81 believe that there are senator's to-day
who are supporting the policy of the ad-
ministration, who at the time OF the vote
on the peace treaty never dreamed that
now they would be advocating territorial
and foreign politics for this government
which are strange to it's institutions and
traditions as they are unjust and iniqui-
tous But under the lash and spur of
wheeled into line and now stand ready,
not merely as passive agents, but as
workers to consummate that which must
have been the hidden purpose of persons
who dared not that the light of public
discussion should shine on their nefarious
schemes.
Authority Not Ina the Treaty.
'gThe reason for the war with the Phil
| ippines and the imperialistid policy of the
| Republican administrat ton must be sought
| for outside of the treaty of Paris, for in
| il there will be found authority for neitn-
er.
among these causes is the greed of
those of our oountrymen who set self
above honor and country; who for their
own selfish ends are willing to re-establish
slavery within the domain of this coun-
try and wishhold the constitution from a
part of the people. The horrors of war
are to them but a means to accomplish
| their sordid ends.
.Vrhat the Islands are territory of the
| United States and the inhabitants thereof
| citizens of this government there can be
no doubt. Whether they came to us by
| conquest of arms or by treaty with Spain
| there can be no difference. That title ana
| possession has passed TO us is beyond dis
| pute and with title and possession TO us
| the constitution has gone TO them.
1--WE have in honor left us but the one
| course, to give the lSldtiuS DdCk INTO the
| hands OF their own people, and in doing
this we must be satisfied that there is IN
them and their leader. Aguinaldo, fitness
| and ability for self-government"
Mr.. Kenny said the proofs We're over
whelming of that Fitness and ability"
! and presented an elaborate argument in
! support of his contention. He argued that
IN view of the facts the islands should
not be retained for any reasons, Let 1t not
be said of the American people that they
who first wrested freedom from a crown
and proved to the world that a people
could govern themselves. in the zenith OF
| their greatness, flushed with victory, for
| get what victory meant.
HawaiianABilI Taken Up.
Consideration OF the Hawaiian bill was
| then resumed.
Amendments excepting labor contracts
entered into since Aug. II, 1898. from the
| nrovision for continuing existing con-
tracts and that no bonds should be is
sued or Indebtedness incurred without the
| approval of the President of the United
| States were agreed to.
| long discussion ensued over a propos-
ed amendment 10 extend to Hawai- the