The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1906-12-06


For investigation Of Dismissal Of
Negro Soldiers.
WASHINGTON. Dec. 5. - President
Roosevelts annual message TO con
gress occupied the attention OF the
senate for two and onehalf hours To
the exclusion OF nearly all other bust
ness The exception TO this was the
introduction OF a resolution on the
Japanese situation by Senator Ray
ner OF Maryland and the adoption OF
appropriate resolutions regarding
those members of the house OF repre-
sentatiyes who have died since the
last session.
The following nominations OF post
masters were sent TO the senate.
New jersey. L. Morton. Palmyra.
I PENNSYLVANIA - L. T. Claybaugh,
Donora: J. l.. Galbraith. Canonsburg
J. Roller Myerstown
The reading of the presidents mes
sage consumed TWO hours and - min
utes in the house and was followed
closely by large number OF members
while the crowded galleries gave con
siderat.on. Here and there the read
ing OF the document was punctuated
with applause and hearty handicap
ping from Democrats As well as Re
publicans following its conclusion.
During the major portion of the time
of the reading of the message Repre-
sentative Iacey OF Iowa. acted as
speaker pro ten. being the first OF the
defeated stand patters' TO bee recog
uizci by Speaker Cannon.
President Rooscvclts special mes
sage 10 congress on Porto Rico Will
he sent 20 congress on the ll'h OF
December The presidents views on
the island ana che legislation he fav-
ors are the direct outcome OF his Re-
cent visit 10 Porto Rico.
The presidents special message ON
Panama will be laid before congress
on December 18th. With only a bare
reference TO Panama in his regular
message. Mr. Roosevelt reserved his
observations and recommendations
regarding isthmian affairs until he had
completed his trip of inspection OF the
work in progress. which ne will deal
with in his special message.
Representative Slayden. OF Texas
introduced a bill which provides that
on or before the S0th day OF June
1901. all enlisted men of the army who
are colorei or of cOlored descent shall
be discharged from the service OF the
United States. and thereafter no col
ored person or persons OF coloIed de-
sccent shall be enlisted or appointed
in the army of the United States.
President Roosevelt made il appar.
ent To his SENSATIONAL callers that he
is anxious for speedy action on con
gressional resolution calling for infor
nation regarding the discharge Of col
ored soldiers OF the 18th infantry for
participating in the riot at townsville
As soon as a resolution is passed. he
told them. he will send the information
TO the senate.
He further said that either the Pen
rose or the Foraker resolution. intro
duccd in the senate. will be acceptable
to him. Senator PenrOse came in io'
much criticism because OF his action
but he declares he meant no discour-
tesy to the president
BY way OF explanation Mr.. Penrose
said.
The introduction Of my resolution
was decided upon after consultation
and al the request of number OF col
ored men of Pennsylvania and the
southern states.
There is an impression in MANY
quarters that the colored troops were
a very gallant body of men and were
unjusily treated. and this resolution
Calls for full information upon the sub
iect so as TO ascertain whether the
investigation into their conduct was
based on fact or not.
MY resolution was certainly not
meant as an unfriendly one. but IL sim
ply had for its object the ascertain
ment Of the facts in the case. am
as much interested in seeing that the
colored troops get justice as the sena-
tor from Ohio and if any injustice has
been perpetrated it shall be righted."