New-York tribune., 1900-05-25

army of any decent Government IN the world %
The way the Army is run to-day" asserted
MI Allen 1T Is certain that no officer would
thus tnlperil his position"
ihere never was a time IN all the iIlustrious
history of our Army" replied Mr. spooner
warmly when it better or braver or more
honorable than ii is to-day. The Senator's Off
Ger friend would receive full protection. Gen
eral Otis signs his statements I have not much
respect for man who goes behind the back OF
MS commanding general TO malign him"
Mr. Allen-The statement made by General
Otis is not the truth
We have had here said Mr. Spooner "a
statement that the President OF the United
States is liar that Admiral Dewey is a Har
and now told that General Otis is q pre-
varicator~
III say simply that General Otis is mis-
taken said Mr.. Allen.
Mr.. Spooner expressed the belief that the peo-
pie would believe General Otis against the word
or any unnamed and unknown person
A few moments later Mr.. Spooner said that
the last words Of the chivalrous Lawton We're:
That men over here-the so-called anti-im-.
periaIsts-were prolongtng and melting the
Philippine rebellion I wish to Cod" said Gen
eral Lawton, the whole truth Of this Filipino
situation could be known as I know II II I
shot by Filipino bullet, It might well be by
one Of my men"
Mr.. Pettigrew interrupted to declare that there
was foundation for that statement: that II
had been denied
This is q extract from q letter written by
Lawton 10 John Barrett" said Mr.. Spooner. 1T
is authentic. I have not the original but I
and will produce it,
Mr.. Allen said he had the authenticity Of
the letter questioned and when asked by Mr..
spooner who had questioned it. said: -Oh. sew
eral persons. reporters and other people who
ought to know" .(Laughter.)
MERELY FOR POLITICAL EFFECT.
Continuing his argument, Mr.. Spooner said
there had been an attempt TO make an issue OF
imperialism where none actually existed II
was done merely for political effect and to OBJ
the political Issues Of 1896. The issue
had been employed by Mr.. Bryan and was being
exploited by every branch of the opposition to
the Republican party.
Mr.. Teller interposed to say that the issue had
not been raised by Mr. Bryan. but by men in
the Senate Chamber who opposed the ratifica-
tion of the Treaty of Peace. It was unfair he
thought, for any to take the position that
MI. Bryan the author Of the doctrine of
anti-inperialism-
''Nr Bryan is one Of the principals in the en-
ployment Of the anti-imperialisric doctrine" de-
clared Mr.. Spooner. "and since the ratification
from single speech I say there is no issue as
between Imperialism and anti-iupertalisn ex-
cept as II has been made for political effect
The Philippines are territory of the United
States. Who dispose Of it? The Presi-
dent? No. II is for Congress 10 say whether
shall hold those islands cede them to some
body else That issue is not here except for
party and partisan purposes II is a forced
issue. wicked issue. It is my opinion that IL
has already caused the expenditure Of millions
Of money and the loss OF many, many valua BILE
when
make II a legitimate issue"
What does the Senator propose TO do with
the Philippines" inquired Mr. Allen
THE POLICY IN THE PHILIPPINES.
Mr.. Spooner-To enforce the authority Of the
Government IN the islands
Mr.. AIen-Then what?
Mr.. Spooner-To give the people honest, even
handed justice and good government; pro-
tect life and property; to I'LL the land with
school houses; to give the people such part in
the government they may show themselves
fitted for; to maintain the laws honestly and
firmly that no man, however rich, shall be be
yond their reach and no man so humble that
he may not have their protection
Mr. Allen-That will take years.
Yes IL will take years. replied Mr. Spooner.
But all these things being accomplished where
is your issue Of Imperialism"
Mr. AIlen-Then what do you propose TO do?
Mr.. Spooner-I do not expect to be here. It
Will take years. That is why say IL Is wicked
and baIeful TO endeavor to make the issue now.
VIII the time ever come when the people
The power TO give those people sef-gov-
ernment lies with no President" responded Mr..
Spooner. 1T lies with Congress. IF the time
shall come when the Filipino people show an
ability to govern themselves, the American peo-
pie will give them self government"
Mr.. AIen-Yes but will the Republican party
give IL 10 them?
NEVER RISING ABOVE PARTY
"Ah," replied Mr.. spooner, there Is the trouble
with the Senator from Nebraska and those who
think with him. II is party. party. party. They
never rise above party And turning to Mr.
Allen. he asked sharply: What would the Pop
ulisu party do ,"
Hcan party is too cowardly to do replied Mr.
Allen warmly We would offer 10 those people
the blessings Of civil liberty Immediately. and
not go them with shot and shell. Then
would protect them against the greed and
croaChnlents Of Europe
THAT is all very we'll" replied Mr.. Spooner
merely to listen TO, but do not think the Sen
atOr knows what the Populist or Democratic
party viii do five years from this time. The peo-
pie OF this country will not be deceived. They
viii realize that soldiers in the Philippines
suffering because Of your efforts here TO
manufacture an issue 10 obscure our real dl.>y
and responsibility
After explaining the bill under discussion. and
saving that Il merely measure
10 Indicate that Congress was behind the Presi-
dent IN his effort 10 give good government to
people seven thousand miles away, Mr.. Spooner
said, IN conclusion: THE American people will
stand behind the American Army wherever il
may be under our flag"
Right or wrong?' interjected Mr.. Pettigrew.
'@Tt will be right" replied Mr.. Spooner hotly
but the American people will determine that
question, not the Senator from South Dakota
We Will do what is generous and right We will
give them good government-honest government.
II upon a dishonest emplOye we will
send him 10 the peniten tiary. Then the day will
come when those people enjoying the bless
ings Of prosperity, contentment and good gov