The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1902-02-19
WHAT POLITICIANS are DOING.
News and Gossip Gathered Around
the Capitol in Washington.


Washington, Feb. 17.-The wisdom
of the democratic sena ors in prolong-
ing the debate on the Philippine ques-
tion until all had time to fairly ex-
press their opinions on the subject has
been justified in the divergent inter
ests which are beginning to manifest
themselves on the republican side of
the chamber. In the face of the testi
mony of Governor Taft, and of the
contentious of the republican senator's
that the Filipinos are contented with
the existing state of affairs, there
has been received petition from the
Federal party in the islands, signed by
200, 600 of thefmore prominent citizens,
requesting that the ISLANDS be made an
integral part Of the United States and
given territorial form of government.
This, of course, is not at all in line with
the republican designs but it has pro-
duced considerable effect on the more
conseryatiy members of the party who
are beginning to realize that their
colonial policy is impractical and that
unless they accord the Filipinos terri
torial rights and hold cut to them the
prospect of ultimate citizenship, they
are likely to have continuous insur-
rection on their hands and; one that
will increase rather than diminish.
With Senator Foraker urging a reduc-
tion of rs per cent Of the Dingley tariff
rates and Senator Mitchell demand
ing reduction Of so per cent. the out
come of the: present bill is hard to pre-
dict but whatever the republicans
determine upon they have the strength
to carry. & more serious contest will
be preci pitated, however, when the
Philippine government bill comes up
for consideration.
It is something Of a commentary on
republican diplomacy that, while the
administration is endeavoring to estab-
lish relations with the Fillpinos and
inspire in them respect Of American
institutions, Governor Taft is testify
ing in Washington that they are ga
lazy, indolent people incapable of per-
forming jury duty or determining
questions Of justice. Of. course, the
press of the islands publishes these.
statements and doubtless the people
will be fattered into an immediate ap-
probation of the American sense Of
justice, quickness of perception and
keenness of Judgment.
To close observer, the trend Of the
government toward colonialism,
entangling alliances with foreign pow
ers and the attendant naval and
military development is necessarily a
source of anxiety. The sentiments ex-
pressed in the senate lobbies when the
news of the Anglo-Japanese alliance
was made known were more than straws
in their indication of the direction in
which the country is drifting. The
military strength of the country,
already weakened by the distant
possessions which must be protected
in time of war, must now be augment
ed and the country placed on the
highway toward a standing army and
a navy that can compete with the
European nations. into rivalry with
which we have entered in the new
struggle for colonial possessions and
ACKNOWLEDGMENT. AS is we'll known.
the efforts of our delegates to the Pan
American Congress were hampered by
thed belief of South American coun
tries that this government regarded
them with a covetous eye. The fear
was ridiculed by the press, out on Fri
,iav member of tie Senate Commit
tee on .Interoceanic Canals stated that
permanent ownership of the land
sfroagh which the Panama Canal
might be built was unimportant, as
long before tie zoo year lease would
nave expired tbs country would "own
ali that territory.
Opposition to this tendency found
voice in the House On Friday when
Mr.. Wheeler Of Kentucky made VIC
lent attack upon the administration
for IT'S policy in regard to foreign ma
tions and royalty. Had the gentle
mans speech been little more care,
fully prepared and had he omitted
some expressions to which he was
doubtless led by the excess of his
feelings, the address would have
proved more effective. Underlying
the somewhat extravagant language ne
used was the stratum of great truth.
Since the passage of the majority
anti-olemargarine bill by the House,
that body has been engaged IN tue
consideration of private bills dong
odd jobs,'' as one of the members ex-
pressed it when | asked him what was
going on inside. Today the Ways and
Means Committee will consider the
Cuban reciprocity question, not be-
cause it wants to, but because the un-
dalatable truth has been forced upon
the Committee that, in the words
of member, 1t must-or the Senate
WILL 1t is probable the committee
will report some measure OF, Of relief to
Cuba. What its terms willsbe cannot
be foretold but, whatever they are,
they will be made TO conform to the
well-known views of the President
when the measure is taken mp in the
Senate committee.
TODAY the House will take up the
re9eal of the war revenue taxes.
Before introducing the measure, how
ever. an attempt will be made to pass
J