The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-12-17

been Tn eXecutlVe session ana asked TOT information as to the accuracy of the re- port. which he said he had heard, saying he had designed to present on Monday a report of the merchant marine commits sion.
 Chair Declines to Answer.
 Under the circumstances the chair de- clines to answer. "The president pro tenn pore replied. The manner of the reply was evidently a sufficient mint to MT Gal finger and he asked to be directed to a source from which he might secure the desired information. The chair referred him to MT. Culom
 The senate then resumed consideration of the Philippine government bill taking up an amendment striking out the pro- vision of the bill exempting from taxa tion, bonds issued by the Philippine gov ernment which was suggested by MT. Cor man.
 In support of the amendment MT. Cor man said, that the proposition was prac- tically unprecedented. He contended that the exemption would be applicable to rail road bonds.
 Mr. Lodge and MT. Foraker replied to MT. German, holding that the exception would be of vast benefit in disposing of municipal bonds; that the exemption did not apply to railroad bonds, and that the revenue would be inconsiderable.
 Will Have to Pay Principal.
 MT German expressed the opinion that ultimately the United States governm~n Int would be called upon to pay the prinei- pal as well as the interest of the propos- ed Philippine railroad guaranty. MT. Bailey took exception to this statement, saying that he did not consider that this country would be morally responsible for the payment of the bonds and while he apprehended that such @ claim might be made in the future, he thought 1t could find no support by referring to the re- ports of the senate debate. MT. Bailey suggested an amendment requiring Phil ippine railroad companies to secure the approval of the Philippine commission for all bonds issued by them.
 MT. Dubois presented an amendment providing for the rigid enforcement of the Chinese exclusion law In the Philippine islands, and spoke in support of 1t. He expressed the opinion as the time ad- vanced there would be increased de- mands for the admission of coolie labor with the result that if these demands be granted, the sugar making industry of the United States will be destroyed
 Mr. spooner presented substitute for section of the bil relating to railroad bonds The amendment places the rate of dL T ptl tthl iiStN-Ao VI os U o7 in the original provisions and restricts bond and stock issues to the amount of the actual cash investment
 The understanding was that the amend ment would be accepted by the commit tee.
 Reading a document entitled, What has been done in the Phillppines?" Mir. Culberson characterized it ,.s a '.political pamphlet, notwithstanding 1t had been prepared by the war department and printed by congress.
 Speaking of the railroad bond pro- vision, Mir Quarles expressed the opinion that it Is an ambitious scheme to supply the Philippines with railroads in advance of their civilization.
 Carmack Quotes President.
 MT. Carmack quoted the President q hope that our Cuban policy might at sometime be adopted in the Philippines. This he characterized as a denunciation of the republican policy and in line with the opinion that only the President s pride is preventing his coming in com plete accord with the democrats.
 We welcome the President to the ranks of the anti-imperialists. he said. ''He is almost, If not quite. eligible to membership in the Boston anti-imperial- istic league' The Presidents utterance, he went on. marks great progress.
 There is more difference. he added between the former Theodore Roosevelt and the present Theodore Roosevelt than