Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1902-02-21
WASHINGTON LETTER.
(From our Regular Correspondent,

their opinion on the subject has been
justified in the divergent interests
which are beginning to manifest them
selves on the Republican side OF the
chamber. In the face of the testl-
mony of Governor Taft. and of the con-
tentions of the republican senator's that
the FilipinOs are contented with the
existing state of affairs, there has been
received a petition from the Federal
party in the islands, signed by 2OO, OOO
of the more prominent citizens, re-
questing that the islands be made an
integral part of the United States and
given territorial form of government.
This, of course, is not at all in line with
the republican designs but it has pro-
duced considerable effect on the more
conservative members of the party
who are beginning torealize that their
colonial policy is impractical and that
unless they accord the Filipinos terri
tOrial rights and hold out to them the
prospect of ultimate citizenship, they
are likely to have continuous inSur-
rection on their hands and one that
will increase rather than diminish.
With Senator Foraker urging reduc-
tion of rs per cent. of the Dingley
tariff rates and Senator Mitchell de-
manding reduction of so per cent:
the outcome of the present bill is hard
to predict but whatever the republicans
determine upon they have the strength
to carry. A more serious contest will
be precipitated, however, when the
Philippine government bill comes up
for consideration.
1t Is something of commentary on
republican diplomacy that, while the
administration is endeavoring to es-
tablish cordial relations with the Fill
pinos and inspire in them respect for
American institutions, Governor Taft
is testifying in Washington that they
are "a lazy, 1ndOlent people incapable
of performing jury duty" OF determin-
ing questions of justice. OF course.
the press of the islands publishes these
statements and doubtless the people
will be fiattered into an immediate ap-
probation of the American sense OF
Justice, quickness of perception and
keenness of judgment.
To close obs erver, the trend Of the
government toward colonialism, en-
tangling alliances with foreign powers
and the attendant naval and military
development is necessarily source OF
anxiety. The sentiments expressed in
the senate lobbies when the news OF
the Anglo-Japanese alliance was made
known were more than straws in their
indication of the direction in which
the country is drifting. The military
strength of the country, already weak
ened by the distant possessions which
must be protected in time Of war, must
now be augmented and the country
placed on the highway toward stand.
ing army and a navy that can compete
with the European nations into rivalry
with which we have entered in the new
struggle for colonial possessions and
aggrandizment. AS is well known,
the efforts of our delegates to the Pan
American Congress were hampered by
the belief of South American countries
that this government regarded them
with covetous eye The fear was
ridiculed by the press but on Friday q
member OF the Senate Committee on
Interoceanic Canals stated that per.
manent ownership of the land through
which the Panama Canal might be
built was unimportant, as long before
the 200 year lease would have expired
this country would Town all that ter.
ritOry."
Opposition to this tendency found
voice in the House on Friday when
Mr.. Wheeler, of Kentucky, made q
violent attack upon the administra.
tion for It's policy in regard to foreign
nations and royalty. Had the gentle
mans speech been a little more care.
fully prepared and had he omitted
ovnr0ocinnC 70 inh
doubtless led by the excess of his feel
ings, the address would have proved
more effective. Underlying the some
what extravaganza language he used
was the stratum of a great truth.
Since the passage of the majority
anti Oleomargarine bill by the House
that body has been engaged in the con
sideration of private bills" doing ode
jobs" as one of the members express
ed it when asked him what was 60
ing on inside. Today the Ways an6
| Means Committee will consider the
Cuban reciprocity question. not be-
cause 1t wants to but because the I'M
palatable truth has been forced upor
the Committee that, in the words oil
a member. ut must,-or the Senate
will" It is probable the Committee
will report some measure of relief tC
| Cuba. What its terms will be cannot
be foretold but, whatever they are
they will be made to conform to the
well known views of the President
| when the measure is taken up in the
Senate committee.
Today the House will take up the
repeal of the war revenue taxes. Be
fore introducing the measure, however.
an attempt will be made to pass rule
limiting the debate to two days aud
prohibiting the offering of any motion
during the discussion. This is intend
ed, of course, to prevent Mr.. Babcock
and others who advocate tariff reform
from amending the bill. 1t is sam
pie of the gag law with which the re-
publicans control the party and is need
less to say, in direct violation of the
spirit of the constitution which intend
ed that the House should be delibera
tive body. The party whips have been
that the rule will be adopted.
The President, through the Post
master General, has struck severe
blow at partisan politics by determi-
nation to resist the removal of fourth
class pOstmasters except for cause. If
the President persists in his present in
stention there will be an insurrectiOn
in Congress of immense proportions
as these appointments now form the
chief perquisites with which politicians
pay political debts.
The campaign for government own
ership of the Pacific cable is being
vigorously pushed. Representative
Corliss, of Michigan, recently address
ed the House on the subject and yes
terday he told me he believed he would
be able to carry the bill. He has won
over the committee until it stands II
for and against with members ab-
sent. Mr.. Corliss' speech in the House
in support of his views was an able
effort and appeared TO be received with
marked approval by many members on
both sides of the chamber.
Clifton Forge Personals.