Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-03-17

said: Senators owe il to themselves
not to show such discrimination on the
one hand and such outrage on the
other
He was going to vote for the nend
ing bill. he said. because the enactment
of the measure was the only way to re-
store to the people of Puerto Rico
taxes taken from them wrongfullv and
unconstitutionally.
The United States has not given the
people of Puerto Rico sent and If is
high time he said. that we gave
back to them the money we have stolen
from them"
Tillman declared that the govern
ment established now in Puerto Rico
was worse than that forced upon the
people by Spain, particularly as to the
islands fiscal affairs, as under Spanish
rule the Puerto Ricans at least had a
free market in Spain for their goods. ;"
This assertion Gallinger disputed
calling Tillman's attention to the fact
that Spain levied duty upon Puerto
Rican products, especially coffee. which
constituted four-fifths of the exnort
of the island.
Tilman read extracts from Gen. Davis
report, stopping in the midst of the read
ing to exclaim: Lets cast this constitu
ton like honest white men; let's not have
any mandy pambyism and hypocritical
philanthropy about it. That is all | am
trying to get senators to agree to now
There will be no trouble about the main
question. That question will either be
adjusted by Congress before adjournment
or 1t will be adjusted by the people. next
November and don't YOU forget it,
He thought the way to help the people
of Puerto Rico to get on their feet was
to give them market through the means
of free trade with the United States
Tillman favored civil government for
the island and criticized the expenditures
under the present military system as ex-
penSive
There is no sense. no justice and no
honesty" he said. in having those poor
devils robbed simply because they have
| come under our dominion
He thought the Republican party was
in a dilemma but thought it would come
out all right.
You are the best old party ever
saw. he said, and no matter how you
talk I've no doubt you will all round up
on the vote
Tillman referred to what he said would
be the monumental salaries of the Off
Gals in the insular possessions, particu-
larry noting the members of the Philip
pine commission.
Foraker informed Tilman that he had
been told that the highest salary of any
member of the commission would be 49,
600 a year.
That may be disappointing to the SEN
atOr. suggested Foraker.
No. replied Tillman. I'm gratifed.
| am always willing to trust VIM. Nc
kinley, but it is his bad and wicked
partners that ] am afraid of. He is a
patriotic and noble man. although just
now he may be carried off his feet by the
dream of a place in history alongside of
Jefferson and others who added largely
to our territory"
In conclusion he asked Congress to take
its hands from the throat of the Puerto
Rcans and give them a chance to govern
themselves even if we had to guide them
a little at first.
At Tillman'S suggestion Jones withdrew
his amendment in order to facilitate a
vote on the bill but Pettus insisted upon
a vote on his amendments which in effect
were the making of 4 direct appropria-
ton for the relief Of the Puerto Ricans
without any reference to the tariff or
customs duties collected. They We're de
feated.
The bill as reported by the Senate COM
mittee was then passed without division
only a few scattering noes" being heard
against it.
A bill was passed To amend the Revised
Statutes relating 10 the signing of bills
of exceptions.
Mason then entered motion that the
foreign relations committee be discharged
from further consideration of his rcsolu-
ton expressing sympathy with the Beers.
Under the rule the motion went over.
The Senate went into executive session
and later adjourned until Monday.