The Washington times., 1902-02-11
A DECLARATION OF PURPOSES.
Discussion on the Philippines
Tariff Bill.
TO CUT RATE OF DUTY.
Senator Foraker Proposes to Reduce
the Duty to 20 Per Cent of DinGley
Rates-In Accordance With SuE-
Eestions of Governor Taft.

Ter of Colorado were the speakers on the
Philippine question yesterday in the Sen
ate, both being against the Administra-
tion.
MIR. Turner concluded his speech begun
last Friday and Mr.. Teller made an ar
gument on an amendment to the Philip
pine tariff bill now under discussion sub
mitted by him last week, which provides
that the Constitution of the United States
shall be extended to the Philippines.
A Republic Established.
Mr.. Turner stated, in his opening re-
marks, that on January q, 1899, the Fill
pinos established a republic, and that
government, peace, and order were main
tained.
The attempt of the Government to
wrest these islands from the Filipinos,
declared Mr.. Turner, was monstrous,
outrageous, and unnatural The leaders
of the Republican party have dishonored
the nations name in their greed for
spoils ever since the war, and they have
attempted to lull opirion by the false
and blasphemous pretence that they are
but engaged in the work of advancing
liberty and freedom.
A blow at Liberty's Root.
'Instead of advocating the cause OF
liberty, they have struck it the worst
blow it has received since it first found
a foothoid on the American continent"
He maintained that the Republican
leaders had deceived and deluded the
people, but he did not believe they could
continue to do SO.
There will come an awakening" said
he, "and the day of awakening is not far
distant If l did not believe SO l should
despair of my country.
Mr.. Turner then discussed in detail the
attitude of the United States toward the
Philippine Islands under the principles
u international law. He maintained
under those principles the United States
Government had right in the islands,
and had no right to prevent the Fflipinos.
from setting up free and independent
government
Declarations of Senators.
Senator Turner read from speeches de-
liyered by Republican Senators IN Inc
Senate and elsewhere since the Philip
pine question came up for discussion in
this country, in which they asserted that
they were not in favor OF holding the
islands permanently as colony, but
either of giving them their independence
o. allowing them full self government.
Senator Lodge, the present chairman OF
the Philippine Committee, and Senators
Spooner and Foraker were among them
Nh Turner stated that so far as he
knew only one Senator-Mr. Beveridge-
has made a speech in favor Of perma-
+I,a eli nc a anlnny
Humanity and Justice.
Mr. Turner concluded by advising those
gentlemen who once spoke for liberty for
the Filipincs not now to forget their
sentiments OF humanity and Justice.
Senator Teller, when he arose to speak,
requested Mr.. Lodge to state whether he
would agree to the Teller amendment ex-
tending the Constitution to the Philip
pines. Mr.. Lodge stated that he must de-
cline to agree to the amendment. Sem
ator Teller stated that he would speak
on the subject, but before doing SO he
introduced a second amendment to the
bill.
This amendment declares It Is not the
intention of the United States to perma-
neutly annex the Philippine Islands as
an integral part thereof, but that 1t will
give its consent and assistance to the
Inhabitants in the establishment of a
government suitable to their wants and
condition, and giving them control of
their local affairs
1t also declares that the United States
does not intend to deprive the Filipinos
of their liberties or to subiugdte or op-
press them. But as peace and order are
necessary to the establishment of ma
tive government and the exercise of their
rights as freemen, the Government of the
United States Will at all times cooperate
with the peaceably disposed inhabitants
of the islands In the formation OF such
government, and will defend and protect
it from foreign Interference or attempted
control until such government is able to
defend itself.
Amendment Goes Over.
Mr.. Teller asked II the immediate con-
sideration of the amendment was in Or
der, and MIR. Frye. in the chair. stated
that 1t was not. The amendment then
went over under the rules.
Senator Teller made a legal argument
largely on the duty OF the United States
10 declare the Constitution TO extend to
the Philippines. He stated that In his
opinion the Constitution does not neces-
sarily follow the flag. and that a law en-
nctcd by Congress undoubtedly is neces-
sary to give any new territory the bene-
fits OF tho Constitution. He said, how
ever that in every case where territory
has been acquired by the United States il
has enacted laws giving the new terri
tory the Constitution.
A 10 Per Cent Cut.
Senator Foraker OF Ohio yesterday Of
fered an amendment to the bill providing
that the rate of duty on Philippine prod
ucts coming into the United States shall
be 20 per cent Of the Dingley rates. The
committee bill provides for 70 per cent
rate, but Governor Taft has argued in
favor OF the rate named in this amend
ment.
Mr.. Patterson, a minority member of the
Philippine Committee, offered an amend
nent repeating the statute of the Philip
pine Commission for the punishment of
treason and sedition.