The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-04-02
DELAY URGED BY BACON.
Danish West ndies Matter Discussed
nv Senator'S.

WASHINGTON. April LIN the execu-
tive session of the senate to-day Senator
Bacon offered a resolution requesting the
President TO defer the Issuing OF his proc
lamation announcing the acquisition Of the
Danish West Indies under the terms Of
the treaty recently negotiated with Den
mark until the pending investigation OF
charges of bribery made in connection with
that treaty should be concluded by the
House Of Representatives. The resolution
provoked a smart debate. which was par
ticipated in by Senators Bacon and Money
on the one side and by Senators Cullom.
Lodge, Hanna, Allison, Nelson and other
Republicans on the other side.
In presenting the resolution Senator Ba-
con said he brought it to the attention of
the Senate out of a sense OF duty and a
high regard for the position of that body
before the country. He outlined the charges
made by Mr.. Gron TO the effect that Mr..
Christmas, another subject Of
had made a report 10 the effect that he was
TO receive 10 per cent. OF the 100000 10 be
paid by the United States TO Denmark for
the islands. and that Christmas, in his re-
port. had mentioned the names of several
persons TO whom he had paid money. Mr..
Bacon said he did not for a moment ac-
cept this report as true. but felt thai, mas
much as the HOUSE had taken sufficient
cognizance of IL to order an Investigation.
the Senate should TAX some step in view
Of its recent action in ratifying the treaty,
looking 10 the suspension of final action
by this country. He did not believe the
Senate could reconsider its action OF rau-
fcation, but there would be no improperly,
he thought, in asking the President TO hold
the matter up temporarily, or. finally, in
case II should be proved that the charges
were not without foundation. He said his
only motive was TO put the Senate right be-
fore the country. and in this connection he
m upOn the readiness OF the pub
lie TO assume the correctness OF all charges
involving public men.
Senator Bacon was interrupted frequently
by Republican senators and when he took
his seat there were several of them on the
floor ready to respond to his suggestion.
They agreed to a man that the Senate was
not called on to take any action under the
circumstances, saying that the charges had
not been made public and were not known
when the treaty was ratified; that the Pres
ident could be depended upon to perform
his duties without any hint from the Senate
and that the House investigation probably
would develop that the charges were based
upon nothing. They expressed regret that
any charges had been made, but they saw
no reason why the sale OF the Islands
should not proceed. Senator Cullom said
the treaty had received careful consldera-
ton and that there was general agreement
that the United States, both from a stra-
tegic and economic standpoint. had done
well in acquiring them. Senator Lodge and
other Republicans took the same position
Senator Nelson spoke with more feeling
tndn most other senator's, saying ne ulu
not consider hat the charge. originating, as
it had originated, with persons who were
unknown TO the Senate, was worthy of that
body's serious consideration. In his opin-
ion, TO TAX any such step as was contem-
plated by the resolution would be an insult
10 the government OF Denmark. He did not
for a moment believe that the Danish gov
eminent had made any contract to pay any
commission for the sale Of the islands nor
that any money had been paid officials or
the press, as had been charged in that con
n%ection, in the negotiations with the United
States. Senator Hanna denied all knowl-
edge of Mr.. Christmas or his mission and
expressed his opinion that the transaction.
so far as the United States government was
concerned. had been perfectly clean.
Senator Money spoke in the same vein as
had Senator Bacon, saying that he saw no
objection TO the passage OF the resolution.
as 1t would only serve 10 delay the matter
for a short time in case the charges should
prove TO be without foundation, while IL
they were we'll founded much good might
be accomplished by delay. Senator Bacon
closed the incident be saying he would not
press the resolution In view of the express
sions of so many senator's, and in conse-
quence of this announcement the Senate
adjourned without taking action.