Evening star., 1902-02-21
Mr.. Bates Speech.


entered upon the consideration of the Phil
ippine tariff bill.
Mr. Bates Speech.
Mr.. Bate (Tenn) delivered an extend
ed speech, in which he covered pretty
fully the general Philippine question.
Few things had occurred In the Senate
chamber he said, more fateful or involv-
ing more delicate issues and greater results
than the ratification OF the treaty of Paris.
He asserted that the payment of $4,000, 900
for the Philippine Islands a CONNER
cial, rather than sentimental transaction,
and was the first step toward colonial
policy antagoniStic to the American form
of government
While he regarded the acquisition of the
Philippine Islands are hurtful to the Ameri-
can system, as destitute of benefit to the
American people and as wrongful to the
Filipinos, the present was not the time to
continue that discussion to propose
remedy for the evils that had sprung from
the ratification Of the Paris treaty. He de-
clared chat it was only after the ratification
of that treaty that the apprehension arose
that the republican party had bit off more
than it could chew Then it was that the
new idea had blossomed out that only Con-
gress could extend the operation of the
Constitution beyond the states: and it was
held in addition. that Congress would not
extend the provisions of the Constitution
to the people of the Philippines except with
the string to it, which denied equality of
administration, taxation and citizenship.
How many millions of dollars had been
expended in the sentimental program of
exploitation was unknown to the American
people. but thus far there had been no
money return of this war for trade Spolia-
tion.
The present tariff bill, the Tennessee SEN
ator said, would become a law. but it would
not bridge the chasm that separa ted peo-
pie struggling for independence and the re-
M rfv .hpn COL
plotation and commercialism.
1t was not given to finite wisdom to dis
tinguish the form which retribution for
that trade at Paris would take; but when
the tariff bill had been passed, the republi-
can party again might be heard to eXclaim.
Erring sister. part In peace, for there
would be no more money to be made out of
the F'ilipinos. and they might then take
their place again among the nations of the
world.
Mr.. Spooner for the Bill.
AT the conclusion Of Mr.. Bates speech
Mr. spooner Wis) addressed the Senate
in support OF the pending bill. The meas
ure. he said, was entirely free from compli-
cations. 1t was simply a revenue bill.
Whatever difficulties senators or others
had In reconciIing the difficulties Of the
Supreme Courts decision in the insular
cases. he was satisfied that the proposed
bill was constitutional, as the Foraker
Porto Rico bill was constitutional. The
decisions were understood easily While
he did not intend to discuss the question
of our holding the territory in the Philip
pines he wanted 1t understood that every
dollar of the tax intended to be levied
was intended for the good of the Filipino
people.
The debate. which had continued several
weeks. had been replete. he said. with taunt
and innuendo. 'and 1t has not been lacking
entirely of insult
ssfhat itS DrlrpoSee uera ,,1f arinr apd fbot
Its effect has been bad there can be no
doubt. Mr.. ,Spooner referred to some re-
cent statements by William j. Bryan in
his newspaper In support of the minority In
the Senate. He pointed out that these very
gentlemen who now were critcsing the
government were instrumental In placing
the problem before Congress. He declared
that MIR. Bryan had come to Washington
and advocated the ratification Of the Paris
treaty. and he ventured the opinion that If
1t had not been for Mr.. Bryan's efforts the
tteaty would not have been ratified. A bo-
luton Of the Philippine question, as pre-
sented to Congress and to the country now
was demanded, not by any political party
but by the people of the country. He
claimed the right of the majority to deal
with the question as it saw fit, as by me
people II had been placed in responsibility
and was held to accounta bility by the
American people
Mr.. Spooner insisted that ugly words had
been uttered against the republican majori-
pines. and the ugliest had been uttered by
persons who but a little time ago we-.
members OF the republican party. They
seemed to ina CINE. he said, that all the pa
to the Constitution had left the republicans
party with them.
Tribute to Gov. Taft.
Mr.. Spooner referred to the criticism
made by Mr.. Patterson (Col) yesterday
FTaff xrhnV ho
ernor with wilful Misrepresentation and
with slandering the F'ilipinos.
Mr.. Spooner said that Gov. Taft needed no
defense from him. He had the most pro-
found respect for Judge Taft's ability, pa
triotism and character.
Mr.. Spooner declared that the utterance
or Mr.. Patterson was intended to create q
prejudice among the Filipinos against Gov
Taft, who was to return to the islands.
i hope the senator does not maintain"
suggested Mr.. Patterson, "that criticism OF
the authorities in the Philippines should not
be tndulged In by this Senator"
II is for each man In the chamber" re-
piled Mr.. Spooner, ito decide whether his
opinions and the expression Of them will
be obstructive and harmful
He said Mr.. Patterson had declared that
IL the 100000 Of Christians in the Philip
pines had been Protestant Christians the
cruelties practiced upon them would nave
been stopped long ago.
Mr.. Patterson interrupted to say that he
had said the Christian people OF this coun-
try would have risen In wrath long ago
against the cruelties practiced upon the
people OF the Philippines IL they were Pro-
testant Christians.
Does the senator maintain" inquired Mr.
Spooner. that the Christian people Of this
country care nothing for outrages and
cruelties perpetrated upon the people Of the
Philippines merely because they are Cath
Ollie Christiansr'
Denounces the Statement.
II my voice could reach the people Of
the Philippine Islands and around the
world I would denounce such q statement
a. q slander."
MI. Spooner went on to say that every
effort had been made to create the i'm
preston conveyed by Mr.. Patterson's
speech: No protest, he said, had been
made by the Methodist, Presbyterian or
Baptist denominations against the war In
the Philippines And he asserted as en-
trely unfounded and slanderous the state
ment that the Christian sects Of this coun-
try had no care for the safety and pro.
lection Of the Christians Of the Philippines,
OF whatever sect they might be-
Mr.. Patterson interrupted to say that lest
his position might be misunderstood, he
desired to say he was not a Catholic.
Mr.. Wellington Intervenes.
Mr.. Spooner discussed at lengt., the rati-