The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-02-27
HOPE FOR AN EARLY Vote
A Chance to Pass the Army ApprO-
priatiGn Bill.
The Republicans Elnted Over Dis
posing of Certain Opposition-Ac-
tion Expected Fridny-A Long De-
bate on the Spooner Amendment.

posing of Certain Opposition-Ac-
tion Expected Fridny-A Long De-
bate on the Spooner Amendment,
In the language used by Democratic
Senator last night, there was something
DONG in the Senate all day yesterday.
Rumor had il that the Republicans, led
by Mr.. Spooner. had endeavored to effect
a compromise with those Democrats who
intended TO oppose the Spooner amend
ment to the Army Appropriation bill, and
thus force an extra session. In at least
four cases. II is said. the compromise was
effected by promises Of appointments and
legislation.
One Democratic Senator stated last
night that "A number of the fighters on
his side Of the chamber had decided to
lie down" As matters stand at pres
ent. only few of the strenuous Demo
Gratis viii continue to oppose the amend
nent. These include Messrs. Butler, AL
len, Pettigrew, Caffery Turner, Teller,
and Rawlins. Mr.. Jones of Arkansas has
decided not to oppose any legislation
which will prevent an extra session.
The Republicans, on the other hand are
highly pleased with the result OF yester-
days advances, and Mr.. SpOOner pre-
diets a vote on the bill by Thursday
night or Friday. How nearly correct this
is remains to be seen. as even five mon
could hold up the measure for a week.
Even with a vote on Friday. there is
danger of an extra session, as the Sundry
Civil. River and Harbor. and General
Deficiency bills remain to be enacted in
the two remaining days.
No progress was made on the Army bill
yesterday, although the Senate debated I
from 1l:50 a. m. until midnight Mr.. Nor
gan completed his address begun on Mon
day, and asked that the Spooner and
Platt amendments be stricken from the
bill. that vote might be had. Mr.. Myr-
gan spoke from II 30 a. m. until p. IN.
The Spooner amendment is gradually
assuming the bulk of the Ship Subsidy
bill, with respect to amendments. Al
ready twenty-siX amendments to the
amendment have been offered. with more
to come All of these will be voted on
and debated
Mr.. Turner spoke for a time on the
Spooner amendment but the majority OF
the night session was taken up with de-
bate on foreign matters. Mr. Turner said
that If he could he would talk the amend
ment to death.
MIR. SEoup, in charge of the bill at
tempted to get an agreement as to an
ment Mr.. Teller objected. saving that
no vote could be had at this time, and
that the Senator knew this when he
made the request.
When the bill was called up at II 80 yes
terday morning Mr. Pettigrew asked IN 1t
certain copies of kilograms sent by the
President to the Peace Commissioners at
Paris be printed with other documents.
Mr.. Lodge objected
Mr.. Foraker said that the kilograms
should be printed if they were auth ntic.
The matter was referred to the Commit
tee on the Philippines.
Mr.. Hoar offered an amendment pro-
Viding that no sale or lease of public
lands in the Philippines shall be permit
ted and no transfers shall he made W tn
out the consent Of the President Thu
amendment was adopted. as Mr.. HoaT
said that it would remove much of the
objection to the Spooner am ndmept.
MIR. Bacon gave notice that he would Of
fer an amendment to the amendment
Mr.. Morgan stated that he had no in
tention of hlibustering against the bin
and to his knowledge no other Democrat
would hlibusteT The Cuban and Philip
pine amendments. however. he said were
so important that he must insist in "a s.
cuszi..- In,m ~ length. He then con-
tinued his speech begun yesterday alter
noon
Mr. Platt Of Connecticut said that he
would not withdraw the Cuban amend
ment. He began TO explain his position
when Mr. Bacon said that he (Mr. Plato
did not speak loud enough to be heard
4 am speaking as loud az | can, said
Mr.. Platt.
Louder said Mr. Chandler.
Il will not say another word said Mr..
Platt as he sat down in huff
Later he arose and said that the Cuban
constitution had not yet been sent to Con-
gress and that there was plenty of time
TO insert the provisions Of his amend
ment.
Mr. Morgan then called the attention of
the Senate to the strange attitude in
which the President was placed by this
wishes tackled onto an appropriation bill
and handled like an appropriation for an
outbdilding. He spoke at length on the
purposes OF the American Army in China
and the Philippines.
The President comes in at the last
minute. on last bill" said he, and loads
II down with Cuban and Philippine laws.
Why. he might well put the Subsidy
bill on this measure. He cannot explain
his position away. Never before has an
Administration attempted such a trick
Both Of these amendments are grossly
unconstitutional, and give to the Presi-
dent unlimited and dangerous powers
This is an outrage on the Senate and
upon the Democratic party. Why should
powers to him. Why does he come here
and ask this extraordinary thing? Who
will dare defend him or apologize for
him.
Mr.. Morgan then read from number
OF authorities as to precedents for this
legislation.
Mr.. Morgan protested against enteria,.
upon the discussion OF Il question upOn
which the Senate did not have all neces-
sary Information. He himself was ignor-
ant Of the details involved in the pending
amendment He was familiar with many
facts respecting Cuba and ne did nor want
to be accused Of niibustering If he discuss
ed them pretty fully.
Mr.. Plat said that an unofficial transla
tion Of the Cuban constitution was bcinf.
made. bu- 1t might be several days before
II was available. However. he thought the
draft Of the constitution already printed
was sufficient for the Senate TO act uDrr
sc far as the pending amendment was con
cerned.
After protesting against being forced 10
pass upon questions the facts concerning
which We're obscure. Mr.. Morgan resumed
his discussion Of the Philippine question
urging the Senate and Congress not To-
confer such extraordinary power upon the
PRESIDENT as was contemplated by the
Philippine amendment.
Continuing. MIR Morgan said that while
the Constitution was recognized in Ha-
wall. il was not recognized in the Philip-
pines. The old Spanish law was in effect
there. he said. and Congress had made no
attempt to establish a government there.
He read a decision OF the Supreme Cour;
holding that all territory acquired by the
nitsd states must be governed by the
laws Of the United States
Mr. Daniel offered an amendment Ia
the Army Appropriation bill. providing
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