The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-03-03
Say They Fail to See Any Cause for
the Wave of Indignation That In
Sweeping Over the Country.
STATEMENT BY 0vERSTREET
HIS REASON FOR SUPPORTING THE
MEASURE WITH HIS VOTE.
Views of G. ID. Landis-Governorshi
Boom Deprecated by Mr.. Crum-
packer-Debate in Senate.
to the Indianapolis Journal.

Special to the indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON. March 2.-The Republic
an senators. representatives and members
of the administration are astounded and
alarmed beyond measure at the
thunderous roar of disapproval with
which the country greets the House
passage OF the Porto Rican bill. The
intensity OF popular disapproval of the
measure was not appreciated by the lead
ers until the act was done; they were deaf
to the protests of their associates who are
in closer touch with the people than they
are. and who could feel the force of the
bill has been sent to the Senate for it's ap-
proval, they begin to realize what the
masses OF the people actually think of the
proceeding. and are shocked and dismayed
at the power of the demonstration. They
ere, nevertheless, determined to press the
bin through the Senate under a full head
Of steam, acting on the theory that If the
business is hurried through the people will
then accept explanations which. in the
heat of passion, they now turn deaf
ear TO.
The Democrats in the Senate are unde-
cided whether to delay the passage of the
bill or to stand to one side and let the Re-
publicans carry out their programme un-
impeded. merely registering a protest.
Many OF them are thoroughly convinced
that the colonial policy. as foreshadowed
In the Porto Rican bill, will control the
administration and insure an overwhelm-
ingly Democratic majority in the House.
For that reason they are very much dis
posed to give the Republican leaders free
rein and let them execute their purpose
before they have time to think. and before
q power within their own party can re-
strain them.
MKINLEY'S MESSAGE.
The Presidents message to-day, and the
action of the House in compliance there
with. is accepted by politicians of all par
ties as a quick and emotional response to
an overwhelming popular revolt against
the Porto Rican bill, and as representing
the Presidents determination to quiet the
dissatisfaction without delay. The plan he
has adopted to accomplish this Is regarded
a. the very best thing he could have done
under the circumstances. Democrats con-
tend that II will be Intellectual, and will be
construed by the people as an evidence of
administration weakness. but. on the other
hand. most Republicans hold that 1t will
set the President right before the people
and satisfy them that the government at
and the Porto Ricans with absolute good
faith. The latter view is being impressed
upon every important constituency in the
country in the form OF interviews with
congressman. telegraphed TO their home
papers this afternoon and evening. This
convenient form of defense and explana-
tion is being more generally availed of In
the present emergency than ever before.
Republicans are extremely anxious that
their position shall be correctly understood
at home and that they can show they have
q sound explanation TO offer for what they
have done. In this display OF loyalty to
party great number of Republican repre-
sentatives have been placed In an exceed
ingly awkward position. Ninety-ive per
cent. OF them have yet TO go through with
the ordeal Of denomination. and their vote
on the Porto Rican bill has unquestionably
given ambitious rivals opportunity to ham,
mer them, and, in many cases, to knock
them out From the enormous number. of
letters and kilograms bearing on the Porto
Rican question. which senator's and rep
resentatives are receiving. IL has become
apparent 70 them that tumult Is raging in
every locality.
RAILING AT THE MASSES.
Those who voted for the bill are sore and
indignant and contend bitterly that they
have been maligned and misrepresented
and that neither the newspapers nor the
people who are criticising them know what
they are talking about They are disposed
to rail at the impertinence OF the masses
and OF the newspapers In jumping on them