The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-20
And Gave the Minority Opportunity
10 Go on Record I'm Favor Of Re-
commftfaI of the Bill.
SPEECH BY JAMES E. WATSON
THAT BROUGHT A REPLY FROM THE
MINORITY FLOOR LEADER.
Republican Policy of Protection As
smiled by Mr.. wiIIiams-A Tilt
with Mr.. Payne.
,eciai to the indianapolis Journal.

Special 10 the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, Nov 19.-The Cuban rec
iprocity bin was passed by the House to-
day, the vote not being recorded, however,
members merely rising in place. The vote
stood 3s5 to p. The negative vote was about
equally divided between Republicans and
Democrats.
During the debate Representative Wat
son. of Indiana, made his first bow to the
House as a member OF the committee on
ways and means. In characteristic speech,
pronounced by old leaders to be among the
best delivered in this session on the Cuban
bill, Mr.. Watson discussed the tariff. rec
iprocity and national politics. He occupied
the floor for an hour, during which time he
held the attention OF the entire membership
and crowded gallery. Mr.. Watson was in
splendid form, and evidently we'll pre-
pared. Taking up the Cuban bill. he de-
clared that American sugar producers
would not be injured by it in view of the
admitted fact that the price Of this article
would not be affected by the reduction in
duties proposed. The Indiana member de-
clared that he was a sincere protectionist,
and would not support any measure inim-
ical to American industries. He asserted
that there could be no reciprocity in COM
instance. the schedule is sufficiently high
10 enable Congress 10 make reductions
without injuriously affecting the home prod
a revision Of the tarin at this time, taking
up the subject In reply TO the clamor OF
the Democrats. We are prosperous, said
Mr.. Watson, land In times like these IT Is
dangerous to modify policy embodying
one OF the Republican principles which has
brought about the remarkable progress of
the United States during the past forty
years"
Mr.. Watson then taunted the Democrats
for their inability to unite upon any issue
or to agree any leader to follow in the
next national campaign. He demonstrated
hts point by quotations from recent inter-
views with prominent Democratic leaders.
Several of the minority, incensed at the
pointed remarks OF the Indiana representa-
tive, made efforts 10 interrupt him, but Mr..
Watson declined to yield
AT the conclusion of his speech Mr.. Wat
son was cordially congratulated, and for
the hands OF the Republicans who crowded
around. For the first time In many years
the committee on ways and means embraces
in Its personnel an orator OF the first rank,
who is capable OF coping with the most
capable speakers of the minority. The
opinion was generally expressed that the
speech OF Mr.. Watson to-day was one or the
strongest and most forceful that he has
delivered since he entered Congress.
l0c democrats, unQer the leduersulp Ol
Mr.. Williams, sought to the last TO secure
amendments to the bill in accordance with
the action of the Democratic caucus, but
We're defeated steadily. Mr.. Williams made
the final effort when he tried to have the
bill recommitted to the ways and means
committee with instructions to amend, but
a point OF order under the special rule pro-
ytding for a vote on the bill without inter-
vening motion sustained. Mr.. Cannon
received the applause on the Democratic side
when he entertained the appeal from his
m nv
saying he preferred to err if he erred at all
in giving the House the right to express its
Will The appeal was tabled by l93 to l65-a
The debate begun Monday was continued
Up 10 within few minutes of the hour OF
o'clock. the time appointed to take vote
on the final passage OF the bill. Mr.. Will
,.ams closed the debate for his side and
made an arraignment of the Republican
Mass.) made the closing speech on the Re
publican side, others speaking on that side
Selns Of n ndana Mr. 0f Sws ana & M
opposed the bill and Mr.. De Almond Dem,
Mo- supported It. The announcement of
the passage OF the bill caused only slight
demonstration.
MCCLELLAN IN THE CHAIR
Mr.. Mcclellan. mayor-elect OF New York
city. occupied the speakers chair for a
while to-day chairman of the commit
tee Of the whole House.
Mr. Williams, leader or the minority. an
swering a statement on the Republican
side that the Democrats forced the talk
ing on this bill. said he had offered to
have vote on the minority amendment
and then vote on the bill without debate
Replying to Mr.. Watson. Mr.. Williams
said: Protection is a system OF taxation
whereby many are robbed in order that a
few may be hot-housed by legislation
into artificial prosperity Mr.. Williams
charged that the Republicans did not dare
.rff x~fsfn for. -
open the doors to too extended e revision
The Republicans had a majority In the
House and Senate nate and nHiI very large ma
pledges of prosperity of the majority were
already collapsing. The people. he said.
were beginning TO find that their laws
were keeping in power not only monopo-
lies but public cheats. Referring TO Mr.
Grosvenor he said he was most ex-
uberant prophet adding that he (Wil-
liams) would attempt no prophecies
Mr. Lacey. having called Mr.. Williams s
attention 10 an error in the date of a let
ter quoted. said he did not want the gen
tIeman from Mississippi TO make a mistake
so early in his leadership. 'One good thing
about this side IL the leader makes a mis-
take he will have followers but IL the
leader OF that (Republican) side makes a
mistake you continue TO follow him." said
Mr.. Williams. Mr.. Williams. in support
Ing his contention for an amendment of
the treaty. said IL would take only few
weeks TO secure IL.
Mr. Payne answered that 1t would take
months
Suppose 1t did take months?" asked Mr..
williams TO which Mr.. Payne replied
.sThe gentleman IL trying TO help the sugar
trust by his amendment.
Well" responded Mr. Williams. IF / am
the Lord knows | am unconscious OF IT,
(Iaughter.l But / viii say the length IL
would take VIII depend upon the care AMI
strenuosity brought into action at the other
end OF the avenue. IL you could just hall
!. way approximate the celebrity that has late
~ actuated this administration I'm con-
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