New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-03-12
ELECTION OF SENATORS.
MR.. HOAR PROTESTS AGAINST THE
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE
CONSTITUTION.

CONSTITUTION
WASHINGTON March IA lively debate occurred
IN the Senate to-day over an effort the part of
Mr.. Berry. of Arkansas. 10 ascertain when the
Committee Privileges and Elections might be
expected report the resolution providing for the
election Of Senators by direct vote OF the people
Mr.. Berry said he had introduced. the resolution
early in the present session. This together with
similar resolution adopted by the House of Repre-
sentatives had been referred to the Committee on
Privileges and Elections. The House had passed
such resolution four times. but the question had
never been considered by the Senate. He was be-
ing pressed constantly. he said by correspondents
to know when a vote would be taken the ques
ton by the Senate. He did not want to move to
discharge the committee from consideration OF the
resolution. but he desired inquire of the chair
whether the Senate could not have a vote
the resolution at the present session.
Mr.. Burrows, of Michigan. chairman OF the Com
mlttee on Privileges and Elections. after saying
that what Mr.. Berry had said was true added: "I
viii say to the Senator that there is disposition
on the part of the committee TO shirk responsible
fty in connection with the resolution. Action It
will be taken and report on it will be made"
In time TO take a vote on It at this session.
inquired Mr.. Berry.
Il have doubt of it," replied Mr.. Burrows.
Mr.. Mitchell, of Oregon. in a statement in sup
port of what Mr. Berry had said. expressed the
hope that the Committee on Privileges and Elec-
uons would see its way clear to report the resolu-
ton either favorably adversely at early day
in order that the Senate might have an oppor-
tunity to act It.
DANGER OF CHANGE POINTED OUT.
Mr.. Hoar. of Massachusetts, one OF the members
OF the Privileges and Elections COMMITTEES and
vigorous opponent Of election Of Senators by direct
vote Of the people. said he thought the matter
ought not to be permitted to pass without few
words Of comment This is one of the most impor-
tant questions" said he that has arisen since the
adoption Of the constitution. Indeed, 1t is the
involved in the principles of the constitution. This
is proposition to change the principle on which
the constitution is founded and it is a matter OF
historical fact that without the Incorporation of
this principle the constitution never would have
been agreed to. The solemn pledge given to
States, small and great, that the equality OF the
States never would be destroyed without the
sent Of every Of them" EIe did not believe that
the adoption OF the resolution would be accom-
plished without breach Of the national pledge
which lies at the foundation OF this government 1t
was a question which he thought the American
people ought thoroughly TO understand because IT,
was one of the greatest ever brought into egis-
lative assembly for action anywhere in the world
He had received letters urging that Senators be
chosen by direct vote OF the people but every one/
Of them bore evidence Of worked up scntimentc
Mr. Hoar said he was willing TO 80 before any
representative American assembly 10 discuss the
proposition. which. TO his mind. struck at the very
heart Of the constitution, and to meet any cham
pion of the proposition. He Of his ulti-
mate success in such argument before the people
He referred TO the Supreme Court and the United
States Senate the great bodies Of tho govern
ment which free from the influence Of popular
movements and popular excitement The Senate.
he said, was the greatest deliberatve assembly IN
the world and he believed It the duty Of tho people
10 stand firm before the proposition 10 strike down
one of the two gIories of the republic
i will do my duty" said he, as a member Of
see a not but b b MIL net be 4uT T and the
IA ga
this was not the time TO discuss the merits Of the
a right 10 demand that the committee 10 which the
resolution had been referred should make kind
from Massa chusetts ar. HoaD could prevent re-
Mr. Dubois, OF Idaho maintained that the only
point t OF the constitution bearing on the question
manner Of their election was not vital principle
ton embodied movement fatal 10 the equality Of
the States in the Senate, To his mind it meant the
which It was founded ''''''''''' %"
DEBATE on THE SHIPPING BILL.
Mr. Mallory. OF Florida, made an extended speech
in opposition to the Ship Subsidy bill He held that
there was no good reason for its enactment into
law, saying he believed It would not accomplish the
results hoped for it by it's promoters HIS oppos-
Ton vas based chiefly on the ground that he be-
Sf f,ed I ~ W0uId extend the favor OF the United
ions Without just return for the expenditure.
Gave 6e Ra Iey ana %oa M d RRe
me senate tomorrow on the Ship Subsidy bin
said that the clause in Section OF the subsidy bill
winch directs payment to the owner or owners of
any vessel Of the United States duly registered by
a citizen OF the United States would place under
the provisions Of the bill the four ships that had
been admitted TO American register He therefore
submitted an amendment, which was adopted
making the clause read. Hereafter built and reg
lstereq IN the United States duly reg
Mr.. Allison, trying" as he said ito get an in
tefpretaton or provisions that a little blind to
me directed some questions at Mr.. Frye. His de-
sire ne said, was TO ascertain whether proper safe
guards had been thrown around the bifl 10 protect
the government in making so large an expenditure
as II proposed. The questions asked by the Iowa
senator were largely technical relating to the
Glasshc3tion OF ships. the number of vessels TO be
the aggregate. etc -
The coloquy which ensued developed the fact
that a coastwise vessel might register at any port
at which 1t touched and enter from that mort the
ocean carrying trade and receive subsidy urder
this bill 1t was developed also that a vessel en-
gagged in trade between the United States and the
Philippines would receive the subsidy until the
coastWlSe navigation laws should be extended bv
Congress TO the Philippine archipelago Afterward
no vessel engaged In the Philippine trade would re-
ceive the subsidy. ~
Mr.. Frye explained that the subsidy being based
on the classification of vessels, would be maid 10
ships without respect TO their age the worth Of a
vessel depending entirely its classification
At the close of the cOlloquy. and after reading q
veto message from the President. the Senate 5d-
journed. ~
PnOCE1TE1T IT'S I7TDCH