Daily Kennebec journal., 1900-05-25
5sth CONGRESS
CONTINUED from page ~

| and elections, the resolution as to TIL,
| Montana senatorial case was postpon-
| ed until Wednesday, May so. At the
| instance of Platt. Conn.,, the resolution
of Bacon was referred to the commit
tee on contingent expenses.
Spboner then resumed his speech on
the Philippine question. In discussing
| the responsibility for the continuation
| of hOstilities, Spo0ner quoted a dis
patch from Gen. Otis giving an ac-
count of an interview he had with
Judge Terres, one of the Filipino COM
missioners who suggested that neu-
| tral zone be established between the
hostile armies. Gen. Otis informed
| him that the suggestion of the estab-
| lishment of a neutral zone or an arm
| istice in the circumstances would have
| to come from Aguinaldo. An officer
was sent to Aguinaldo by Judge Terres
with a request that an armistice be
arranged. and for reply Aguinaldo sent
to Gen. Otis a copy of his declaration
of war.
II received in the noon mail, today"
continued Spooner. IAN insulting letter
Imperialists of Boston, in which he
denounced Gen. Otis as a liar"
At that point Allen interrupted to
say that an army officer-a friend of
his-had informed him that that state
ment of the interview was not true;
that Gen. Otis had misrepresented it.
An officer who charges falsehood
against his commanding officer" re-
torted Spooner, Ought to make it in
the open
He could not do it," said Allen
Then he ought to shut up" declar-
ed Spooner.
IF he should make the charge in the
open" said Allen, his position would
be imperied."
"Well," replied Spooner, eff he told
the truth a courtmartial would take
care of his case and of that of the COM
manding general. too. He would not
imperil his position in the army of any
decent government in the world"
THE way the army is run. today" as
serted Allen. 'it is certain that no of
ficer would thus imperil his position"
There never was a time in all the
illustrious history of our army" re-
piled Spooner, warmly, when it was
better or drawer or more honorable
than it is today The senator's officer
friend would receive full protection
Gen. Otis signs his statements. l have
not much respect for man who goes
behind the back of his commanding
general to malign him.
Allen-''The statement made by Gen
Otis is not the truth
1--WE have had here" said Spooner.
"a statement that the President of the
United States is a liar. that Admiral
Dewey is a liar and now we are told
that Gen. Otis is prevaricator."
TN say simply that Gen. Otis is
mistaken" said Allen.
Spooner expressed the belief that the
people would believe Gen. Otis against
the word of any unnamed and unknown
person.
Spooner said that BRYAN had at
tempted to make an issue Of imper-
ialism, to obscure the political issues
Of 1900
Teller, Col, interposcd to say that
the issue had not been raised by Bryan
| but by men in the Senate chamber who
| opposed the ratification of the treaty
of peace.
Mr. Bryan is one of the principals
| in the employment of the anti-Imper-
ialstic doctrine" declared Spooner.
| What does the senator propose to
do with the Philippines" inquired AL
| len.
| Spooner-"To enforce the authority
of the government in the islands"
Allen-"Then WHAT"
Spooner-"To give the people hon
est. even-handed justice and good gov
ernment."
Allcn-"That will take years"
Yes. it will take years" replied
Spooner, but all these things being ac-
complished, where is your issue Of i'm
peralism?"
| Allen-"Then what do you propose to
do?'
Spooner-'I do not expect to be here.
1t will take years. That is why l say
| il is wicked to endeavor to make the
issue now"
"Will the time ever come when the
people will govern themselves" urged
Allen.
THE power to give those people self
| government lies with no President,
| responded Spooner. 1T lies with Con-
gress. If the time shall come when the
! Filipino people show an ability to gov
ern themselves the American people
will give them self government"
Allen-'Yes. but will the Republican
party give it to them?"
"Ah," responded Spooner, there is
the trouble with the senator from Ne
braska and those who think with him.
nrtx