New-York tribune., 1900-03-04

our new possessions in the East
IL is hard according to DR. Becker ito say
whether the fhnplhos are In favor Of American
soVerhfneht' as there are between seventy and
eighty tribes and population of over ten million
one thing is certain. however and that is
met with difficulties and obstacles on every side
IN accomplishing my purpose" On the island
OF Negros DR. Becker was much hammered by
the insurgents, the most active of whom are the
Babaylanes, the name of the priesthood of the
pre-Christian and Mahometan religion in the
philippines, whose object Is to extermnate all
whites and who hope to establish conditions
and things as they existed prior to the arrival
OF the Spaniards in the islands. The Babaylanes
are in accord with Aguinaldo of whom DR.
Becker SAYS:
consider him honest but deIuded man.
he thinks if he could make himself the dictator
of the Filipnos he could advance their country
civilization and everything pertaining to the
Phlllppnes to happy solution. He is not a
bright man, but he Is something like the NAH
dis of the Soudan, and has astounding infiu-
ence over his people. We whites don't under
stand the secret of his power the people
and their love for him. In contact with us we
don't see any qualities which distinguish him
from thousands of other natives.
This Congress-" said an ancient member of
the lower house the other day will be ever
remarkable for the infant members who have
suddenly sprung into prominence AT both ends
of the Capitol without passing through the
usual stage of incubation. Such a thing as
new member or Senator taking an active
part in the work on the floor was never heard
OF In the old days when the rule was new mem
bers should be seen and not heard and it is
clearly against the traditions Of both House
and Senate. Ten years back. If a member or
Senator endeavored TO exploit himself in the
first few months Of his first term. he was made
the butt OF his colleagues and rendered himself
unpopular for ever and aye.
Il was in the House when Reed entered Con-
gress In the early days of his service he was
quiet a mouse. doing whatever was re-
quired OF him, and doing It we'll. but never pre-
suming to indulge in pyrotechnics. He did tell
funny stories in his quaint, dry way in the cloak
and committee rooms. and long before he be-
came famous his associates in Congress had
marked him a coming man. He was as keen
a blade. and studied the House a sopho-
more studies his 'tTg' Just before examination,
which made him the best equipped Speaker who
ever held the chair. 1t was the same with Nc
Kinley and all the other big men.
But things different now In the Senate
both Depew and Beveridge have shot quickly to
the front. The junior Senator from New-York
had an assured position when he entered the
Senate, and it supposed that greater license
would be granted him than ii is customary to
accord to new man. but his younger colleague
had no claim. and has assumed place and atti-
tude it takes most years to acquire He
may be able to maintain il and he may subsida
after this session. One can't predict. But in
the House, mark my words, Littlefeld has come
to stay. His speech the Roberts question
attracted wide attention. and his speech Of the
other day on the Puerto Rcan hill Is the most
famous made in Congress so far this session or
likely he made. People may not agree with |
him, but no can deny that his address was
a powerful He speaks but he hits |
the nail square the head, and TO the eff |
feet of his thunderbolts his Indifference Is as ]
enchanting as II is unusual"