The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-12

shall be taken on the motion to coiscur in the
said Senate amendments gross. And all mem,
bers shall have leave TO print on the subject OF
said bill and amendments for ten days from thc
edoption of this r1le.
When the reading OF the resolution haG
been concluded. Mr.. DalZell demanded the
previous question on its adoption, which
was ordered, and which, under the rules
gave twenty minutes for debate on each
side.
Explaining the resolution, Mr.. Dalzell
reviewed the history Of the pro-eed ngs
upon the bill in the Senate and House
which sent back the bill with a provision
attached for civil government for the isi-
and. The majority OF the House, he sa d.
believed that these matters had been suffi-
ciently discussed. and that what the pub
lie interests demanded was action. net
talk. The purpose of the rule was to Sc
cure vote on concurring in the Senate
amendments.
Mr.. Richardson, leader of the minority.
said that the Senate had added the in
iquity Of an imperialistic form of gov
ernment for Porto Rico. 1t had not been
the original purpose of the Republican
party to enact that legislation and he said
he supposed that the change of policy OF
that party regarding the question of free
trade with Porto Rico was acknowledged
on all hands.
The Mngoon Opinion.
He would ask the Republicans to de-
clare the reason for these changes. He
quoted then from the expressions of prom
tnent Republicans. including officials. TO
show that the original purpose Of the par
ty had been 10 grant Porto Rico free
~
had been changed. Referring to the re-
ported action OF Judge Magoon, Law Clerk
of the Division of Insular Affairs in the
War Department. in furnishing Secretary
Root with an opinion that the Constitu-
tion was extended over Porto Rico.
Mr. Richardson said upon the strength
of that opinion a proclamation had been
prepared declaring free trade with Forte
Rico, and sent TO the Presidents summer
home for his signature, but it had not been
signed. The House had asked for a copy
of that opinion. but he Secretary of War
had failed to respond. and TO a personal
request by the Speaker for the opinion
no attention had been paid. According TO
8 paper which published part of that opin-
ion, Mr.. Richardson said. Mr.. Magoon haG
written another opinion that the CGnstitu-
tion did not eX proprio yigore extend over
the island.
He read from the first opinion and the
assertion contained therein that the Con-
stitution did extend TO Porto Rico was re-
eeived with applause by the Democrats.
Discussing the reasons for the changes
of policy by the Republican party Mr.. Rich
ardson quoted from the letter of Prof
Worcester. member of the Philippine
Commission, TO the effect that the trusts
had gone down to Washington TO take the
Republican party by the throat. hence the
change, and from the published statement
crediting a Republican member of the
House with saying that the change was
made to secure a big contribution for the
campaign fund.
The Republicans, Mr. Richardson said,
were not consistent in the matter; they
refused to give the Porto Ricans $3.50. 900
of tariff duties, while voting to give them
six times as much in an appropriation
bill.
Mr. Richardson quoted President Nc
Kinley. Secretary Root, former President
Harrison. former Speaker Reed. and other
Republicans of national reputation in favor
of free trade with the islands. and drew
applause from the Democratic side by
characterizing the President in the lam
guage Of former Speaker Reed as the EN-
percr of expediency.'
Mr.. De Almond, in a speech lasting a
minute and half closed the debate for
the Democrats on the rule. saying that the
presentation of the rule indicated that it
was deemed necessary by that portion of
the Republicans determined TO crush indie
aenderce in their ranks. He warned the
Iarty that they could not always suppress
conscience and judgment
Defence of Republicans.
Mr.. Babcock. Chairman of the Repub-
lican Congressional Campaign Committee,
resented the charge of Mr.. Richardson
that the Republican Campaign Committee
had received a money consideration for
the Porto Rican Tariff bill. he denounced
1t as absolutely without foundation.
Mr.. Pierce Of Tennessee tried to inter
rupt Mr.. Babcock. but the gentleman from
Wisconsin waved him aside.
He withdraws his challenge" shouted
a voice on the Democratic side, amid Dem
ocratic jeers.
General Grosvenor, a member of the
Committee on Rules, foll,,wed in support of
the resolution, making a speech that stir
red both sides of the HoLse with radically
different emotions. 1t was a great satis-
faction to him, he said, TO witness the anx-
jety exhibited by the Democrats on the
floor. ether persons outside. and a mug
wump press that the Republican party shall
not destroy itself. In all his experience in
the House of sixteen years he had never
Known the Democratic party so sorrowfully
jealous that the Republican party should
do itself no harm
The Democrats had ransacked every
telegraph Office in the land to summon 9b-
sent members here, and Cor what pur-
pose? ITO prevent the Republican party
from bringing upon itself the anger and
contempt of an outraged majority"
. AS he went ON General Grosvenor grew
more and more severe and caustic upon
the Democrats and their leaders, his po-
Htical associates applauding him as he
proceeded and the Democrats interrupt
ing frequently with outbursts of resent
ment. At one point Speaker Henderson
demanded order in vigorous manner. at
which the Democrats laughed The
Speaker said:
The Chair will protect both sides; and
In his efforts he ought to have the support
of every gentleman on the floor"
Continuing, General Grosvenor said he
needed no protection; that he was pro-