The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1902-01-30
Debate in Senate Brings This
Statement from the Secre-
tary OF War.
LODGE DEFENDS WHEATON
Says the General Had Perfect
hight to Criticize Schurman's
Speccl--Narm Discussion
Between Senators.

WARRINGTON, Jan 29.-FOr an
hour today the senate had under dis
cusslon the question as 10 whether
censorship Of the press dispatches ex-
listed In Manila. While no such tur-
bulent scenes as yesterdays we're ex-
acted the debate for a time was very
spirited
The secretary Of war was quoted az
saying that no press censorship now
existed in the Philippines. and lct-
ter from General Greedy, chief signal
officer OF the arm was presented by
Beyeridge. Of { ana, making the
statement officially that there was no
censorship Of press dispatches aud
that the press Is entirely free" It
was contended by the opposition that
press censorship did exist IN the Phil
ippines and that copies OF every news
dispatch filed with the cable C m
pany was filed first nth the military
authorities That 3, was maintained
constituted a virtual censorship.
Lodge said that a careful examia-
alton Of the Associated Press dis
patches from Manila showed ;hat
General Wheaton had no, criticised
the senate. but had confined his COM
ment to utterances ot Ir. Schurmln,
who he had a perfect right 10 crit
iclse, in Lodge opinion.
Galllnger read an extract from an
Associated Press dispatch from Mani
la. published, today saying tha, Gen
eral Wheaton's vigorous criticisms re-
ferred entirely to Professor Schur-
mans speech Boston He did not
think the senator from Idaho would
contend that General whrs.p has
not the right TO criticise private
citizen.
What contend replied Dubois,
is, that It is in exceedingly bad
taste for an army officer to cridclse
the utterances Of Professor Schurman.
Il man who was sent by this govern
ment to the Philippines in respon-
sible official capacity to ascertain the
facts OF the situation over there.
Il am glad continued Dubois,
that the gentlemen on the other side
" the chamber is sorced 10 admit the
accuracy OF the d,srl.,n introduced
here. That dispa' n Itself was cen
sored. l will say thera is a censor
ship in Manila, in my Judgment No
newspaper man can file dispatch
with the cab, "a Manila
without filing an eXac, copy or dupH-
cate OF 1t with "a, militia " authori-
ties. You may quibbe over that fact.
in my opinion ,hs; is a censorship"
Lodge said H. han yal ed upon the I
secretary OF war las; evening and had
been assured by him that there was
no censorship of press dispatches in 1
The Philippines. Now said Lodge. |
Il give my authority The senator /
from Idaho give his My state |
ment is made upon my responsibility |
as a senator" replied Dubois
Beveridge presented Il ietter from F.
General Greedy, chief signal officer of |
The army, dated today, the essential
portions OF which are as follows:
censorship in the Philippine ISL |
lndS has been removed entirely be- |
.ween these islands and Europe and |
America, save in case of code mes /
'ages OF unauthorized firms having no
The press is entirely free. |
limited censorship is |
over messages in the Phil /
ppine archipelago and to adjacent |
points wherein insurgent troops and |
agents are in active hostility against |
The United States, Press messages are !
not censored to any place in Europe |
nr in America, but only to points. 4
where insurgents are actively engag-
ID, through juntas or other agencies. !
such as in Hong Kong or Singapore"
Beveridge thought General Greeley's |
etter ought TO settle the questions Of |
censorship Of press dispatches.