Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-04-26
Congressional Session,
WASHINGTON, %.
House.

The resolutions concerning the case of DR..
Howard were discussed.
Mr.. Willard of VT, opposed the resolu.
tons, claiming that Howard had no more
right 10 an interference by this government
than any other Spanish subject.
Mr.. Poland took similar ground, stating
that in his judgment pending the resolution
was utterly un-American and utterly hostile
and contrary to the whole doctrine that had
been peculiar to this country, as against the
doctrines of monarchical countries.
Mr.. Myers Of Pa, advocated the resolu-
ton
Mr.. Packard of Ind, said he would not
have voted for the resolution in the commit
tee on foreign affairs, had he supposed it
would have been made a medium of attack
on the administration.
Mr.. Bingham offered an amendment to add
to the resolution the words, "unless it shall
be made to appear on investigation to the
satisfaction Of the executive department that
the said Howard had been held for and duly
convicted of an offence committed by him
within the jurisdiction of Spain, and has been
prosecuted therefor under the authority of
law and according to the course of pro-
ceedings avail in like cases, and that the
privileges secured to citizens of the United
States by the seventh article of the treaty
with Spain of the 27th of October 1895, were
neither denied nor disregarded on his trial"
Mr.. Banks moved to amend Mr.. Bngham's
amendment by substituting for it the words,
''unless it shall be established to the satisfac-
ton of the President that from any cause the
said Howard had forfeited his right to pro-
lection by the government, or taken the oath
of allegiance to the government OF Spain"
Mr.. Bingham argued in support of his
amendment, claiming that both governments
a. tl,a nd
was citizen of the United States and had
not forfeited his rights by expatriation.
Mr.. Voorhees, advocated the resolution and
declared that the foreign policy of this gov
eminent was most contemplate, pusillani-
nous and cowardly. He inquired whether
it was fact that member OF the family of
the Secretary Of State had profitable and
lucrative arrangement with the Spanish gov
eminent
Mr. Bingham made the point that the last
remark was not in order.
Mr.. Voorhees-If you say it is not so,
there is no necessity for point of order.
Mr.. Banks remarked that the same charge
was made during last Congress and author-
tatively denied by the gentleman from New
York, Mr.. Wood.
Mr.. Wood expressed the opinion that there
was no truth in the assertion.
Mr.. Banks opposed Mr.. Binghams amend
ment as opening up the whole question TO
investigation. The record of the trial had
been refused by the Spanish government on
the ground that Howard was not an Ameri-
can citizen, and there was no way of going
into the inquiry anew.
Mr.. Butler argued against the citizenship
of Howard. He regarded the resolution
vote of censure on the administration.
Mr.. Randall of Pa, who originally offered
the resolution disclaimed any intention to re-
fleet on the administration, and denied on
the authority of Towards sister that her father
had ever renowned American citizenship or
held Office under the Spanish government.
At FIVE o'clock Mr.. Banks suggested that
the House adjourn and let a vote be taken
tomorrow.
Mr. Dawes appealed to the House to dis
pose of the question this evening and to let
the tariff come up tomorrow. lie suggested
there might be an evening session for it.
Mr. Banks said the members could not be
got to attend an evening session
Mr.. Dawes amid much excitement and in
terruption ridiculed the idea of this inter-
mittent anxiety for the rights of American
citizens, while the members were not willing
to attend an evening session and vote for or
against the resolution.
Mr.. Randall moved for an adjournment
which was refused-79 to G2.
Mr.. Banks called for the yeas and nays,
and denounced the remarks of Mr.. Dawes as
an indecent attack.
The Speaker by continuous knocking with
the gavel prevented Mr. Banks remarks be-
ing heard, as he had also done while there
was an angry colloquy going on between
Messrs. Dawes, Randall and Myers, and ex-
planned his noisy action by saying that he
did not want such colloquies to be heard and
reported.
The yeas and nays being taken the vote
resulted yeas 50, nays CA
The House at ) 20 adjourned.