The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-01-30

acteristic Speech ON Philippines.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2s.-After the rou-
tine business in the senate Pettigrew pre-
sented resolution calling on the pres-
dent. II not incompatible with public inter-
ests. to inform the senate IL the people
Of Samoa have consulted with reference
to the recent treaty regarding the Samoan
islands. The resolution went over. lac
senate then adopted the order presented
by Allison deciding to proceed to the cleo
ton of secretary and sergeant-at-arms OF
the senate This was the second step In
the reorganization of the senate which mas
been pending for several weeks. Allison
then in succession presented resolutions.
first that Charles G. Bennett, of New York,
be elected secretary of the senate and Sc
cond that Daniel M. Ransdell, of Indiana,
be elected sergeant-at-arms. After an
agreement was reached that the officers
were not to take their place until Feb
ruary. the resolutions were adopted with
out division.
Mason,s Personal Grievance.
Mr.. Mason at the conclusion of the
morning business rose to question OF
personal privilege. He had read news
paper clipping of an interview with the
British consul at New Orleans, saying
that the British public was disgusted with
the position taken by the American people
and some of the senators in congress on
the subject of the British-Transvaal war.
That position was assumed, the cohsui
was quoted as saying simply because
the American people were mereenary. 10
day they were favorable to the Beers be-
cause thew had achieved a little success;
tomorrow they would be just as favorable
to the British when they had achieved VIC
tory The consul also attacked Senator
Mason especially
Mason said the consuPs utterances were
scarcely worth attention. except that ne
was one of the accredited representatives
of a great nation to this country.
at is not the first time." declared
Mason, "that a British diplomat has at
tempted to run this country. SO far as his
personal attacks upon me are concerned
/ have no concern. They do me honor.
The more venomous the attacks by the
British upon me and those who think like
me. the more we are made the subjects OF
British stupidity and assninity, the sooner
will the American people get on the
right side of the controversy. he declar-
ed that 95 per cent. Of the people OF Am
erica were in sympathy with the Beers in
their contest with Great Britain.
VIII Try to Defend Himself.
..I want 10 say said Mason. IT ask for
no snecial defense from the state depart
ment in this matter for, with the help of
God. I'll try to take care of myself.
"Rut." said he ''there Is one thing that
fa fnnt
become of the arbitration treaty that was
submitted to the senate? I am told the
United States government cannot mediate
in this war until that treaty has been rat
flied If that Is so, l want that treaty
discovered and ratified so that the barrier
against mediation shall be removed"
His sympathy for the Beers.
Mason then urged the committee on for
eign relations, to which his resolution OF
sympathy with the Beers had been re-
ferred to make a report on 1t. in order
that vote might be had upon it.
"Don't take that child to the graveyard"
urged Mason, "for ! give you notice now
that there will be a resurrection OF 1t every
day after this week. You'll have chance
to think about it at least once every day
unless you go to the cloak rooms whle
discuss it,"
uoar Also Thinks 1t Serious.
Hoar regarded the utterance of the Brit
ish consul as very serious, an attack, in
fact upon the character OF United States
senator and upon the American people.
It seemed to him that inasmuch as the
matter had been brought officially to the
attention of the senate. it ought to be
referred to the committee on foreign re-
lations SO that committee might bring it
to the attention Of the president. He
thought it might be proper ground for the
revocation of the British consuls ex-
eauatur, and perhaps II might properly be
made the subject of representations to
the government of Great Britain.
Continuing, Hoar expressed his regret
that Mason had made his impassioned at
tack upon a friendly nation. Ii was quite
natural that Mason's kindly sympathy
should be strongly stirred, he said. by the
empire, but the senate was a part of the
diplomatic power Of this government, and
If such utteranges We're made here he
doubted the efficacy of any offers of me-
diation that might be made by the Untel
States.
Mason's Position Illogical.
"It does not seem to me-" said Hoar.
.ato be a logical position to assume l have
hoped that the time would come when
either mediation between Great Britain
and the Transvaal should be offered by the
government or that the position of the