New-York tribune., 1872-04-26
THE HOUARD CASE.
MUCH DEBATE WITH NO CONCLUsION-A con-
FLICT OF OPINION.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUSE.j

FLICT OF OPINION.
TBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUSE.j
WASHINGTON, April 25.-The House debated
the resolution demanding the release Of Dr. Houard
an American citizen, from the until the
end OF to-day's session. without coming to any vote
There was great amount Of interest manifested in
the debate and than half the members seats
empty Mr.. F. Wood and Mr.. W. r. Roberts spoke in
favor OF the resolution arguing that the proof was
ample enough cOnclusiyely show that Dr. HOuard
American citizen.
Mr. willard held that all the facts in the possession OF
the House proved that HOuard had forfeited his rights
Of citizenship he possessed any, by his continued
residence Cuba since ls43 his marriage and purchase
Of property there and his obvious intention to
turn to the United States Mr. Leonard Myers took the
same ground Messrs. Wood and Roberts, and was as
well satisfied that Houard citizen OF the United
States as Mr.. Willard appeared to be that he was not
Mr. Banks offered amendment to his resolution pro-
vidng that the President should ibe satisfied that Hou
ard had done nothing to forfeit his American citizenship
and had not taken oath OF allegiance TO
Spain, before he should interfere TO secure
his release. Mr.. Bingham had no doubt
that Houard American citizen, but thought that
the method proceeding in his behalf should be different
from that proposed by Mr. Banks. He quoted from the
treaty with Spain in 1885, and argued that the course TO
take pursuance of that treaty for the President
to inquire whether Houard had been tried in conformity
subjects tried for similar ofense. Mr. voorhees,
said that the debate the question waste of time,
and he thought the President should have long ago in
terfered IN Houards behalf He said the foreign policy
OF this Government was the contemplate puslan
NOUS and cowardly Of any Government in the world
He intimated that the delay had owing to ques
tonabe relations which the Secretary OF State had with
Spain. Messrs Banks and Wood defended the Secretary
saying that the charges referred 10 Oy foor
hees had been previously authOrtatyely denied
Mr. Butler denied that Houard had any claims on the
United States He said that il the were reversed,
should to this country with his parents when Ve
years age and afterward before attaining his major
Ity return to Ireland for short time for the purpose or
being educated, and should then come back and make
his home here and practice his profession for 80 years no
one would question his American citizenship.
This the last speech made but there was lively
time over the question OF what should be done win the
resolution. Mr. Dawes wanted TO get out OF the Wy at
once SO as bring up the Tariff bill tomorrow. Mr..
Banks wanted to adjourn and take the votes on the
resolution and amendments tomorrow. Mr.. Dawes
remarked satircay that II the matter was as important
as his colleague appeared to think he ought to dispose of
IL in an evening session. There was great deal OF con-
fusion and noise and much pounding OF the Speakers
gavel in the midst OF which Mr. Bankss voice could be
heard denouncing Mr. Dawess conduct indecent The
affair was finally terminated by an adjournment at late
hour which was carried by close Yea and Nay vote.
The resolution will be disposed Of by the House to-
morning. 49, .
The debate has been a striking example OF the radically
opposite conclusions which really intelligent men Will
draw from the fact There Is question made on
either side tue circumstances OF Dr. Houards his
tory; but, while some members positive that the
facts fully establish Houards claim of citizenship, others
are equally positive that the same facts prove him to be
40 a