The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-05-25
BACON REPLIES TO PLAT
Resolution Demanding Investigation
of Cuban Financial matters.
LITTLE OPPOSITION SHOWN TO THIS
Mr.. Spooner Charges An'i-Impefialis,s With
Creating an Issue Not Legitimate. Allen
and PetigreW Controvert Many
Of His Statements.
Of His Statements.
(By the Associated Press.)

washington, May 24--The duty of the
United States towards it's "island posses
sions,' was the subject of a heated dis
cussion in the Senate again today. Soon
after the Senate convened, Mr.. Bacon
(Ga.j began an extended reply to the
speech Of Mr.. Platt Comm, delivered
yesterday. His speech was largely sup
Elemental to that which he delivered
several days ago demanding an investiga-
tion of Cuban financial affairs. His res
olution, to which there is little or no
opposition, under the rules went to the
Commute on Contingent Expenses.
The remainder of the afternoon was
occupied by Mr.. Spooner (Wis0, in con-
Guiding his speech on the Philippine
question. The debate which he aroused
took a turn decidedly political. He
charged the so-called anti-imperialists
with creating an issue which was not
legitimate. Many of his statements were
controverted by Mr.. Allen (Neb.), and
Mr.. Pettigrew Is. d.. and the controversy
at times became almost personal
A bill providing for the investigation
records of the several States and Terri
tories and of the United States with a
view to their preservation by publication
was passed.
The conference report on the Indian
Appropriation Bill was agreed to.
Mr. Bacon (Ga.), then called up his
resolution and made his reply to Mr..
Platt. He said the great purpose of
L
er by fraudulent contracts or other de-
vices of corruption the millions handled
by the officials in Cuba had been dis
posed Of dishonesty. He said there had
been great looseness in the conduct of
Cuban affairs and that the Government
Departments there showed most enor-
nous and unparalleled salary lists.
He denied any purpose of making any
campaign capital and said in view of
what had been disclosed it was unrea-
sonable to ask that the investigation
be left to the postal office in the Depart
ment The construction of the military
railroad along the Havana harbor. Mr..
Bacon said. had cost $342 Gil, and the
matter ought to be rigidly investigated.
He said, too, that Robert p Porter. as
a tariff expert, was paid a salary of
$500 q month for five months during
which time he drew SO, 100 as expense
money. He understood the money was
paid out of the fifty million dollar emer-
gency fund.
He called attention to the reported
fact that what was known as the Van
Horne Syndicate had been organized with
a capital of 900 in whose interest, he
said it was understood Mr.. Porter had
gone to Europe.
Inasmuch as the tariff on machinery
and equipment Of railroads had been
recommended to be reduced from 40 to
10 per cent by Mr.. Porter, he believed
that the matter required keen and jeal-
Gus scrutiny.
In conclusion Mr. Bacon said:
Il would like, before adjournment, to
see action taken that will allow the ma :
ton to redeem it's pledge and to leave
the island of Cuba in the possession of
free and independent government
1t was then agreed that the Senate