It is absurd now to say that we will not negotiate but will
appropriate the whole subject-matter of negotiation. At
the very least let us adhere to the President' instructions
and if conditions require the keeping of Luzon forego the
material advantages claimed in annexing other islands. Above
all let us not make a mockery of the injunction contained
in those instructions, where, after stating that we took
up arms only in obedience to the dictates of humanity and
in the fulfillment of high public and moral obligations, and
that we had no design of aggrandizement and no ambition of
conquest, the President among other things eloquently says:
"It is my earnest wish that the United States in making peace
should follow the same high rule of conduct which guided it
in facing war. It should be as scrupulous and magnanimous
in the concluding settlement as it was just and humane in
its original action."
This and more, of which I earnestly ask a reperusal, binds
my conscience and governs my action.
GEORGE GRAY.
WEDNESDAY, 12.30, night.
Senator Gray afterward signed the Treaty, defended it in
debate, and voted for its ratification.
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