The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-01-24
TO EXTEND SCHLEY
A VOTE OF THANKS
Senator Mason Introduces a
Joint Resolution.
IT GOES TO COMMITTEE
Execution of Scheepers Characterized
as Assassination,
THE GENEVA CONVENTION VIOLATED
Teller Uses Strong Language in Speaking Of
The Matter. Consideration Of The De-
partment Of Commerce Bill
is Resumed.
(By the Associated Press.)

Washington, Jan. 23.-An effort was
made in the Senate today by Mr.. Mason
Illinois, to obtain consideration for a
joint resoltion which he introduced, ex-
tending the thanks of Congress to Rear
Admiral Winfield Scott Schley for his
brave and able conduct while in COM
mand of the American fleet at the vic
torious battle of Santiago" The effort
however was not successful. On motion
of Mr.. Hale the resolution was referred
to the Committee on Naval Affairs.
Mr.. Mason'S resolution follows:
That the thanks of Congress be hereby
rendered to Admiral Winfield Scott Schley
for his brave and able conduct while in
command of the American fleet at the VIC
torious battle off Santiago.
That a sword be presented to him by
the Secretary of the Navy of the United
States; and the sum of so, 900 or so much
thereof as may be necessary is hereby
appropriated for the purpose OF this
resolution out of any money in the
Treasury not otherwise appropriated.
THAT the Secretary of the Navy shall
memorating the battle of Santiago and
men under command of Schley during said
battle. of Santiago"
Mr.. Mason said the resolution was
practically identical with that adopted
in the case of Admiral Dewey
II think we would better let this reso-
luton go over suggested Mr.. Hale,
chairman of the Committee on Naval Af-
fairs. This matter involved is in con-
troversy 1t ought to so to a committee" >"
II do not see that 1T is necessary, -
said Mr. Mason, that the resolution
should go to a committee. 1t is a state
ment of historical fact which has been
passed upon by the American people,
Under the rules it can be read a second
time and passed
When the resolution was read a Sec
ond time Mr.. Hale moved that it be re-
ferred to the Committee on Naval Af-
fairs.
To this motion Mr.. Mason objected urg-
ing that the facts being known of all
men every Senator knew precisely how
he would vote upon It,
By viva voce vote the resolution was
referred to the Committee on Naval
Affairs.
Mr.. Teller, Colorado called up his
resolution providing for the Intervention
OF the United States Government in be-
half of Commandant Scheepers of the
Boer army. He explained that he had
introduced the resolution because his
attention had been directed TO what seem
a. n hn n x-in lot ion, nf Arfi n1 and
OF the Geneva convention.
Since introducing the resolution, how
ever. he said, he had been informed by
the Associated Press that the death SEN
tence upon Commandant Scheepers had
been executed last Saturday.
1T is said" continued Mr.. Teller.
that the resolution might be offensive
to the Government of Great Britain; but
if the Geneva Convention to which both
the United States and Great Britain were
parties means anything, it means that
we should intervene in such a case as
this. IT thiS man was captured as stated,
while lying in hospital, Great Britain.
in putting him to DEATH is guilty of a
vile assassination. 1t was the business
OF this Government 10 have ascertained
the facts regarding this case and to have
protested against this execution. Are
we so pusillanimous, so afraid of Offend
ing the susccptibiltes of Great Britain
as 10 have refrained from doing our duty
in case where humanity was about to
be violated?"
Mr.. Teller referred to what he said
vas Great Britain's efforts 10 DESTROY
TWO struggling republics and asserted
that if the truth had been told by Brit.
ish official reports more Beers had been
slaughtered" during the past year than
lad been admitted by Great Britain to
have been r arms in the whole of South
Africa.
Mr.. Teller, in view of the execution OF
Comman1ant Schcepers asked tha4 tie
resolution be postponed indefinitely. il
was SO ordered.
Consideration of the Department of
Commerce Bill was resumed The pond
ing amendment was that offered ~ Mr.
Pcttus. Ala, providing that the Depart
nent Of Labor be not transferred TO toe
Proposed now department Ny PettuS
made a brief argument in supper; OF bis
amendment, to which Senator Nelson re-
pliod.
Mr.. Bacon (GaD. strongly supported
Ai. F1ftfis' amendment aud urged that
h aIsence some very good rea
au profess cred by Samuel Com
sla he American Fedora
tsos of inst the transfer OF the