Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-02-22
PHILIPPINE DEBATE.
Senator Kenney Speaks Against the
Retention of the Islands.
FIFTY.TWO PENSION BILLS PASSED.
Tho Hawaiian Government Bill Considered
The Puerto Rican Tarin Bill Debated
In the House Republicans Nervous
Over lts Fate.

Washington, Feb. 2l.-Discussion OF
the Philippine question was resumed
for time in the senate yesterday,
Senator Kenney speaking against the
retention by the United States of the
islands and urging that the Filipinos
be accorded the right to govern them
selves
After the passage of 80 pension bills
and number of bills on the general
calendar, consideration was resumed
of the Hawaiian government bill.
Some amendments were agreed TO
but consideration of the measure was
not concluded. A long discussion en-
sued over proposed amendment to
extend to Hawaii the inhibition
against contract labor importation,
which exists in the United States. All
senators were anxious to frame the
law as to eliminate absolutely con-
tract labor in Hawaii. TO this end
the section of the bill relating to
contracts'was amended finally by the
addition of the following paragraph,
framed by Senator 1loar and per-
fected by Senator Spooner: "Provl-
ded, that no proceeding shall be
maintained for the specific perform
ance of any contract heretofore or
hereafter entered into for personal
labor or service and there shall be
no criminal proceeding for the breach
thereof"
Puerto RIcan Tariff Bill In House.
Washington, Feb. 2l.-Again yes
terday there were but three speeches
in the house upon the Puerto Rican
tariff bill. Five hours were consumed
in their delivery Mr.. Hopkins, OF
Illinois, spoke in support OF the bill
and Mr.. Newlands, of Nevada, and
Mr.. Swanson, of Virginia, in oppo-
sition to it. The speakers devoted
themselves almost exclusively to the
constitutional question involved and
were listened to with attention. The
republican leaders are becoming ner-
yous over the fate of the bill. They
have only majority of "A over the
opposition which is solidly opposed to
the measure. Eight votes from the
republican side would therefore de-
feat it and there are from IL to Ii
republican votes in doubt. A move
ment for a republican caucus is be-
ing agitated and, although no call
had been issued up 10 the time OF
adjournment last night, the general
understanding was that one would
be held tonight. The republicans
reported to be opposed to the bill
are Messrs Mccall, of Massachusetts;
Littlefield, of Maine; Powers, of Yer
mont; Tompkins, of New York
Cromwell Of Ohio; Lorimer, of Hi
nois: lleatwole, of Minnesota
Tongue, of Oregon; Loud, of Califor
mia, Jones and Cushman, of Washing
ton, and Crumpacker, of Indiana. A
the conclusion of Mr. Swanson's re
marks Mr.. Hepburn tried to reach al
agreement for the consideration o
the Nicaragua bill, March 81 but Nh
Payne, of New York, objected.
Mr. Richardson, of Tennessee, in
troduced resolution aimed at the pa
per trust on the lines of his resolu
ton against the sugar trust. 1t pro
hibits the transportation of WOO
pulp and printing paper suitable 70
the printing of newspapers, period
Gals or books after six months unit
the interstate commerce commission
is satisfied that such articles have no
yielded to the manufacturers thereo
IA profit of more than four per cent.
Mr.. Bowersock, of Kansas, has intro
dueed a bill to prevent the selling 0
dealing in beer, wine or any ntox
: eating drinks in any post, exchange
canteen or transport, or upon an
premises used for military purpose
by the United States
At five o'clock the house adjourned
, -------l-ass~a
Damaged More by Water Than Fire,