Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1900-03-29
FREELAND, PA, MARCH %, 1900.
WASHINGTON LETTER.

washington, March 70, l9OO.
The house of representatives has de-
cided to investigate the statements
made by former Consul Macrum after
his return from the South African re-
public. In view of this fact, Secretary
Hay refuses to discuss the latest charge
brought against the administration
both by Herr Vessels in London and
by Mr.. Macrum in the United States,
who assert positively that peace con-
ference was held at Boemfontein, be-
fore the beginning Of the war; at which
the United States representatives were
present as well as representatives OF
Presidents Kruger and Steyn. At the
direct request of these last, Consul
General Stowe cabled to the state de-
partment, begging it, in the name Of
the two presidents, to ''intercede" with
Great Britain to prevent her making
war against them, and practically offer
ing to agree to any terms that President
Mckinley might think just. Rsmem-
Der, this was before the war began,
when a word from the president might
have prevented the frightful bloodshed
that has occurred. But Mckinley
feared too much to offend his ally and
contemporary ignored the request of
the two presidents, who did not give up
hope of his mediation until forty-eight
hours before the war began.
t t /
Senator Tillman utilized his pitchfork
to toss few aggrayating questions to
the almost distracted Republican SEN
ators, which furnished considerable
amusement to the occupants of the gal
leries and to the Democratic senators.
Among the questions, which no Repub-
lican seriously attempted to answer.
were the following: Has the president
changed his mind or not? Is the presi-
dent for free trade with Porto Rico
today, or is he not? Is he leading his
party or has he surrendered to the
dictates of special interest, following
the triumphal car like a prisoner OF
war?" After waiting in vain for re-
ply to his questions, Mr.. Tillman said
with a sardonic laugh: "a dumbness
tails upon us ALL" He then vividly
sketched the present troubles OF the
Republican party,i and predicted that
the people would sweep it from power,
for not recognizing that the flag, the
constitution and liberty must travel
together, and charged the Republican
party with indiscretion, hypocrisy, and
dirty work.
Senator Cockrell, speaking for the
Democratic senators just before the
senate passed bill authorizing the ap-
pointment Of commission to go to
China and Japan and make a report on
commercial conditions in those coun-
tries, said: THE Republican party is in
absolute control, and we on this side of
the chamber are powerless to prevent
the enactment OF any legislation coming
from the Republican party and deemed
necessary by it. | will not antagonize
this bill, although | do not agree with it
in principle. | want it understood now,
and understood distinctly, that hereafter,
absolute responsibility must rest upon
the Republican party for the passage
OF all the resolutions and bills"
!
Boss Hanna, Manipulating to con
vince all OF the Republican senators. by
telling them that the passage of the
Porto Rico tariff bill was necessary to
get certain big campaign contributions
is now vigorously welding the party
whip on the shoulders of the kickers.
with able assistance on the quiet from
Mr.. Mckinley. 1t was to help him that
Senator Foraker got the senate Porto
Rico bill sent back to committee. This
leaves the deck clear for the house bill,
which deals exclusively with the Porto
Rico tariff Every energy is now to be
bent to force that through the senate
without amendment. Five or six Re-
publican senators still threaten to
filibuster against vote.
! I
One result of the investigation. now
being made by the house military com
nttee of the use of Federal troops in
Idaho, is the resolution offered in the
house by Representative Lentz. of Ohio,
and in the senate by Senator Allen, of
Nebraska, calling for the withdrawal of
Federal troops from the Cnur d'Alene
district in Idaho; the revocation of the
labor permit system, and restoration of
the right of habeas corpus. The reso,
luton declares that the further use of
United States troops in aiding and as
sisting the maintenance of martial law
Is improper, unnecessary and unlawful.
Inc cannon presented by the war