New-York tribune., 1901-01-05
DEBATE ON THE ARMY BILL
SENATOR HOAR SUGGESTS AN ATTEMPT
TO CONCILIATE FILIPINOs.

Washington. Jan. 4.-For five hours to-day the
Senate discussed the Army Reorganization bill.
The debate took wide range at times. but
sity for the increase in the Regular Army pro-
vided for in the pending measure. The Philip
pine question threshed at great length,
but few really new points were advanced. 1t
urged by rhe supporters of the Army bill
that the situation in the Philippines demanded
the increase proposed This controverted
by the opposition Senators. who, while they were
willing in a general way to provide for such
temporary force might be needful. We're Wig
orously opposed to the creation of permanent
standing Army OF 100000 men.
Speeches made by Mr.. Carter, Of Mon
tana; Mr.. Teller, of Colorado; Mr. Hoar, of Mas
sachusetts; Mr.. Stewart, of Nevada, and Mr..
Caffery, of louisiana There sharp coll
loquy between Mr.. Carter and Mr.. Wellington,
of Maryland. in the course Of which the Alaskan
boundary dispute was brought forward. the
Maryland Senator charging that the President
had relnqushed sovereignty territory the
title to which, he maintained. vested clearly
in the United States.
Mr.. Hoar suggested amendment looking to
the conciliation of the Filipinos and expressed
the opinion that in time of peace there should
be one soldier to each thousand of population.
He did not, therefore, he said, oppose the bill
the score of increase, but he did oppose it
because of the avowed policy of military control
of the Philippines. 'It is idle, he said, ito tell
that these people not fit for self-govern-
ment" and added, '"The way to prepare them
for liberty is TO set them free" He urged that
il would be most desirable TO have commits
sion appointed representing all phases of politi
cal life. of the highest character and stand
ing. to ascertain the facts to the Philippines
nd lraf krar m
people. He hoped such a commission would be
sion He proposed to afford the leaders of the
Filipinos a hearing. Let them come here he
said Let them state their case. They can
come and go in peace and honor. If we say to
the Filipinos that we will not consider their
case until they go dcwn on their knees. lay
their hands upon their hips and their lips in
the dust this war will go on, if there is a spark
of spirit and principle in their breasts until
every Filipino of one sex is exterminated and
until the women among them take up the fight
and are eXterminated also"
The text of Mr. Hoar's amendment is as fol-
lows:
Provided, That no further military force shall
be used in the Philippine Islands. except such
as may be necessary TO keep order in places
there now actually under the peaceable control
OF the United States, and TO protect persons
property to whom, in the Judgment OF the
President, protection may be due from the
United States. until the President shall have
first proclaimed amnesty for all political Of
fences committed against the United States in
the Philippines and. II in his power, shall have
agreed upon armistice with persons In
hostility the United States. and shall have in
vited such number-not less than ten-as he
shall think desirable. of the leaders repre-
sentatiyes OF the persons now hostile 10 the
United States there, TO come 90 the United States
and state their wishes and the condition. char
acter and wishes Of the people OF the Philippine
ISNo
shall have offered 10 secure 10 them safe con-
duct TO come. abide and return. and shall have
provided at the public charge for the expenses
OF their transportation both ways and their stay
in this country for reasonable and sufficient
-ime for such purposes.
Senator Proctor suggested the following
amendment. at the instance of the War De-
partment:
That when vacancies shall occur in the posi-
tion Of chief Of staff. corps or department. tho
and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
officers OF the Army at large not below the rank
Of lieutenant-colonel and who shall hold office
for a term OF four years When a vacancy in
the position Of chief of any staff. corps de-
partment is filled by an appointment OF an Off
Ger below the rank now provided by law for said
office. said chief shall while so serving have the
same rank, pay and allowances now provided
for the chief Of such corps or department. And
any officer now holding Office in any corps
department who shall hereafter serve chief
OF a staff, corps or department. and shall subse-
quently be retired, shall be retired with the
rank pay and allowances authorized by law
for the retirement OF such corps or department
chief provided, that long as there remain in
service officers OF any staff, corps or department
holding permanent appointments the chief Of
such staff. corps department shall be selected
from the officers remaining therein.
Mr.. Money suggested amendment limiting
the increase TO three years. and Mr.. Bate
amendment providing for company formation
for the Signal Corps similar to that of the Corps
of Engineers, and limiting the signal force to
ten such companies.