The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-01-16
SEVERAL SENATOR'S REPLY
Maine Man Says He Meant No Reflection.
Pension Appropriation Bill is Passed by the House-Program for Me Kinley Memorial Services in
 Hall of Representatives.

Washington, Jan. 15.-A spirited dis cussion was precipitated in the Senate today by some remarks submitted by MT. Hale (Maine) in regard to bills relating to the, formation of a naval reserve which he introduced. He took strong ground against the organization of a naval re- serve, his comments being construed by some of the Senators into reflection upon volunteer soldiers and land mili- tia. Half a dozen Senators were on their feet in an instant to defend the volun- teers and the National Guard of the various States, and the debate took so wide a range that Senators went back in their references to the days of revolu- tionary war to seek illustrations for their arguments. While no action was possi- cussion upon the measure. should they be reported, will be very lively.
 A concurrent resolution was adopted providing for the printing of $500 copies of the proceedings of the Schley Court of Inquiry.
 A spirited discussion, which took a wide range, was precipitated by MT. Hale (Msine) in respect to the value to the country of a militia force. He introduced some bills relating to the organization and maintenance of a naval reserve, and in doing so, declared that the reliance placed by some people upon the naval re- serve never would be realized. Experi- ence had shown. he said, that at the be- ginning of a war plenty of young men were ready to enlist in the navy and en- ter the ranks of naval militia. but at sthe conclusion of the war, the interest in the organizations ceased, and it was found difIicult to maintain them.
 In time of stress, he was certain that the country would be obliged to depend upon the volunteers. called out in an , emergency, or upon some form or com pulsory service. England. he said. had tIearnesl this lessen from her smallest and wickedest war"
 sTf.'' he said. i've are to become a great war power, we will have to learn the lesson other nations have learned. Ev- cry one of the nations of the world that stands snarling at another, depends to some extent upon some part of compul- sorry military service"
 MT. Hale declared that England was about to resort to conscription to raise men to fight "a band of free men thous- ands of miles away" It had been proved, he said, that naval militia was not a success.
 "If we have determined" he concluded, "that we are to become great war power, with great army and great navy, no system of volunteering will an- swer the purpose"
 In response to an inqniry from Mir. Hawley, Mr. Hale said he did not sup pose that the United States ever would dispense absolutely with the militia. It would continue to be maintained in a half-hearted way. In time of war, he did not think 1t would be worth reckoning with.
 MT. Spooner pointed out that the dis play made by the National Guard of va rious States on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington on the occasion of an inaug- lraI parade was a sufficient evidence Of the practicability of the militia. ''Yes" responded MT. Hale, 'Tbut the loss of life on Pennsylvania Avenue never is serious"
 Several Senators, among them MT. Ma son QIls), Mir. Teller (Colo.), MT. Hoar (Mass), and MT. Bacon (Ga.), were drawn into the debate in defense of the militia forces of the various States. Mir Hale finally disclaiming any intention to reflect on the National Guard.
 Mir. Hoar, referring to the training of sailors in civil life, said our independence in the war of the revolution had been won at sea. England could have con- tinued for hundred years, if necessary, the land war of the revolution, because she was able to pay the cost. It was not the French alliance, but the rate of mar time insurance which compelled the un- willing monarch to come to peace. It was the ship owners of Bristol who won the battle by privateers, and not the navy.
 After MT. Bacon had protested that it was the valor of our soldiers and sailors that enabled the colonies to gain their independence and not the rates of insur- ance on English ships. MT. Tillman in- sisted that MT. Hoar should give some of the credit of achieving independence to other colonies than New England. Amid laughter and applause, he declared:
 There's glory enough to go round. as our great Admiral in command at the battle of Santiago said"
 At the conclusion of the discussion, MT. Hoar introduced the following resolu- ton:
 "That the President if in his judgment it be not incompatible with the public interest, be requested to inform the Sen ate whether the Department of State has official information whether the British Government exacts duties on goods in- tended for prisoners of war in Bermuda in violation of Article 16 of the conven- ton adopted at The Hague. which is as follows:
 Gifts and relief in kind for prisoners of war shall be admitted free of all du- ties of entry, and others, as well as of payments for carriage by the Govern ment railways"
 In explanation of the resolution, MT. Hoar said that some charitable organiza- lions in this country had sent supplies and comforts to Boer prisoners detained in Bermuda. Upon these supplies duties had been collected in contraVention of The Hague treaty.
 The resolution was adopted, and at 1:15 D. m the Senate went into executive ses- sion.
 A bill was passed appropriating $15O 900 for enlarging the public building at Dal- las. Tex.
 Mir TilIman then announced the death of J. w. Stokes. formerly d Representa- tive fin Congress from South Carolina.