The Washington times., 1902-05-04
Republicans to Take Up
Cudgels in Defense of
Administration.
SENATOR LODGE TO SPEAK
Mr.. Rawiins Declares There Is an At
tempt to 0bstruct Efforts to Secure
Information - Wants Major Gardener
Sent For-Senator Spooner's Defense.

The Republicans In the Senate have
under the attacks OF the minority in tho
consideration Of the Philippine bill.
For two weeks the Democrats have been
| arguing their side OF the case with in
creaslng bitterness and venom. Charges
have been made Of the most serious ma
ture against the army in the Philippines.
| the civil government. the Administration
here. and the Republican majority in the
Senate Philippine Committee.
The water cure" testimony and other
accounts of horrible atrocities have been
described at length In their worst colors.
The Bell reconcenti alton order and the
Smith "kill-and- burn order have been
dfssected.
Apparent Republican Apathy.
Until yesterday hardly word had been
said by any Republican In denial Of thes,
charges or in defense of the army or the
Administration. Those who have watched
the progress OF the debate have been
amazed at this apparent apathy.
The Democrats have charged that the
Republicans had no defense to make and
the friends OF the Administration have at
times almost begun to believe that this
was true
1t has been whispered that the Repub-
licans were making a grave mistake from
a political point Of view, IL from no other,
in allowing day after day to go by with
out saying anything. The first impress
sion, which Is always hard to eradicate,
has been that the minority had a very
convincing story to tell of most depior-
able condition Of things in the arehipe'-
ago.
At last the Democratic assertions are
not to be allowed to go unchallenged
longer Senator Lodge yesterday gave no.
ticr that he will speak on the Philippine
bill tomorrow at o'clock No one doubts
that he has a ringing and convincing
speech to make. despite his unwillingness
to talk heretofore.
Mr.. Spooner in the Breach.
And yesterdays proceedings also were
ample evidence Of the change of tactics.
Mr.. Spooner made a short speech against
he attitude of the minority in its attack
IN the army. and in defense of the Ad-
policy. Mr.. Foraker came
o the support Of Governor Taft. hotly and
ana NUMBER OF 0ther RepuD-
leans joined in the debate.
The Philippine situation took up the en-
ire day yesterday It was introduced
Turing the morning business. when Mr..
'attcrson's resolution directing the Pres
dent to order the Secretary of War to IN
list upon the immediate appearance Of
Major Gardener was taken up.
In speaking upon the action of the COM
nittee IN deciding not to call Major
iardener. Mr.. Lodge read a report from
ieneral Chaffee, setting forth that In re-
ponse to a demand. Major Gardener had
allied to substantiate his charges: but
hat he (Gardener) had reiterated the
harges OF inhuman conduct on the part OF
he American soldiers, and had further
harged persecution
General Chaffee stated that the widest,
ullest, freest, and fairest investigation
Il Major Gardeners charges would be
made. and that Major Gardeners request
OF legal counsel had been freely granted.
In conclusion, Mr.. Lodge insisted that 1t
would be inadvisable to summon Major
iardener to the United States.
Mr. Rawlins declared that the reasons
yere insufficient. and that the inyestiga-
ion of Major Gardener should be con-
ucted by a special tribunal. and not
" a partisan army board.
Reasons Insufficient.
Mr.. Rawlins said 1t was evident that
faior Gardener thought the investigation
o he made of his charges was In un-
riendly hands. He said the bias OF Cen
raj Chaffee, as shown in his cablegram
o the War Department, was manifest
hat cablegram indicated that Major
;ardener was reluctant to submit himself
o an investigation by officers who had
cen the subject of his criticisms
Now, Mr.. Rawlins said. 1t is proposed
fCnntintied on Second Pagel