Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1918-10-25

Washington, Oct. 25.-That Presi-
dent Wilson and other Democratic
leaders are trying to capitalize the
war as an asset to the Democratic
party in the present campaigns was
charged by Republicans in the Sen
ate yesterday during an extended
political debate.
Republican contentious that the
third clause in President wilson's
fourteen peace terms, providing for
the removal of economic barriers,
is a free trade plank, furnished the
vehicle for the discussion. Senator
Thomas, of Colorado, Democrat, in
sisted that the President merely
meant there should be no prohibi-
tive or irritating tariffs. Senator
Watson, of Indiana, and other Re-
publicans, declared the Republican
party objects to fixing by peace
treaty or any other treaty the do
mestic policy of the United States.
Senator Thomas referred to pro-
tests by Chairman Hays, of the Re
publican national committee, ana
others against contentious made by
Democratic leaders that Repuoh-
can victory would be interpreted by
the Kaiser and our enemies abroad
as O reputation of President Wilson.
North Dakota, Repub lican, If the
last senatorial election in Wisconsin,
when Senator Lenroot, Republican,
was elected, had any influence, one
way or the other on German peo-
pie, Senator Thomas said he did not
think so, but added there is vast
difference between a solitary con-
test and a general election.
Republican Speeches Read
Mr.. Thomas read extensive alb
stracts from speeches made by Colo
mel Roosevelt, former President Har-
rison and Senator Lodge, in 1898,
in which they urged the reelection
of a Republican Congress on the
ground that not to do so would give
cheer and comfort to Spain and
would in effect be a reputation of
President McKinley's conduct of the
war.
IF that was true in 1898, it is true
in 1915" declared Senator Thomas.
1T is more eminently true because
the war is not over and because a
comparison between the wars makes
the other one insignificant"
Senator Smith, of Michigan, Re-
publican. referred to conditions pre-
ceding the Spanish War and de-
clared that President Cleveland had
refused to permit this country to de-
clare war on Spain.
Cleveland was greatly admired by
the Republicans" said Senator
Thomas. HE was very good man,
but in my opinion he'll go down in
history as the arch destroyer of the
Democratic party"
Senator King, of Utah, Democrat,
said President Mckinley after his
election failed to interfere and that
eighty-seven Republicans organized
in the House and threatened to act
Jointly with the Democrats favoring
war with Spain unless the President
should change his attitude. That, he
added, was after the Maine had been
sunk.
An Unfair Argument
Senator Smith declared the Utah
Senator was partly wrong in his
facts, adding there never was any
question about going to war after the
Maine was destroyed.
4t. Senator Williams, f Mississippi,
Democrat, also charged that STAND
by the President" was the Republi-
can slogan in 1898, of which every
advantage was taken. The argument
was unfair then, and is unfair po-
litically now, Senator Williams said.
Senator Smith said that President
Wilson has earned the gratitude of
the American people. but that he is
not entitled to dictate to the Michi-
gan electorate who should be elected
senator. Senator Williams pointed
out that the President has not con-