The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-14

appeared. It looked too much like the old
Spanish method of governing the island be
said
Senator Hale followed Mr. Foraker in a
strong speech for protection. He contend
ed that it would not do to repudiate the
work Of the House and wreck the Repub-
lican party now by advocating free trade
in opposition TO the long-preserved policy
of the party Protection, he declared. was
The cardinal article Of faith in the Repub-
lican creed. and he could not understand
how Senator'S who professed to be good
Republicans, could advocate any other
policy.
Senator Frye in supporting the ar
guments of his colleague, said it was 4
new thing to rim to hear Re7uhii ans,
who worked in the party for years now
talking and urging the doctrine upo7 which
rested the opposition Of the party that had
always sought to tear down what the Re
publicans had built up. He declared his
antagonism to free trade with the island
and pointed out the mistakes that void
follow the immigration OF such pol cy.
Then Senator Proctor surprised his as
sociates He said he believed he was able
TO voice the sentiments of at least por-
tion of New England. He knew that he
understood the people Of Vermont and
he was prepared to say that they favored
free trade with the island. He quoted
from editorials in the leading papers of
the State and mentioned well-known pub
lie men, members Of the Repub lean party,
who had come out boldly for the PROPOSE
tion. Mr.. Proctor said that he was a p rty
man and he proposed to follow the party
in his state. They were for free trade
with Porto Rico and he was, as a natter
of course. for what the Republicans of
Vermont wanted.
Senator Gallinger. who originally favor
ed a protective tariff against the island
stated that he had given the subject much
careful study and had reached the con-
clusion that the only proper thing, all
things considered, was free trade between
Porto Rico and the United States. He
gave that policy his cordial adherence.
4 Protest From Mr.. HANNA
Senator Hanna protested against the
adoption of a policy of free trade between
the island and this country. He said it
was not only against the wishes Of the
President. but that il was against the ex-
pressed wish of the trade and labor organ
izations of the country. If the Republicans
passed such bin he warned bis colleagues
they would lose the labor vote of the coun-
try.
Senator Mason said that il the citizens
OF Porto Rico were entitled to all the rights
of any other part OF the United States, it
mattered little to him about precedents
that might be established. What was
right ought to be done. and the right never
harmed anyone He also warned Senators
that they were playing with fire; that if
they wanted to keep Illinois, which he in
part represented, in line for the Republican
ticket. free trade must be granted.
Senator Burrows in response to some
questions that were asked, made it known
that his sympathies were with those who
were advocating the fullest freedom OF
trade between the island and this country.
Even Senator Simon OF Oregon gave his
colleagues to understand that his section
Of the country, the Pacific Coast, was in
clined TO look askance at the idea of cut
ting the little island out of the rights
that come to American citizens.
Senator Foraker did not reiterate his
threat yesterday to offer pure territorial
bill with free trade. II was reported that he
had been talked out of that mood but
he was as insistent as ever that the bill,
Of agreed upon at the conference of last
night, should be adopted
II was apparent toward 6 o'clock that
the caucus could not agree. for not more
than half Of the Senators had had the
opportunity OF expressing their views.
Adjournment was accordingly taken until
this morning.