The Monmouth inquirer., 1896-12-24


resolutions and spirited colloquies on the
Cuban question. The intense public in
terest in this subject was shown by the
presence of the largest crowds seen since
\ the opening day of the session. All avail
able space in the public galleries was
taken, and the diplomatic gallery had such
distinguished occupants as Sir Julian
Pauncefote, the British ambassador; Bar
on Won Hengelmuller, the Austrian min
lister; Mr. Hatch, the Hawaiian minister,
accompanied by the suits and ladies OF
the embassies and legations.
The main event of the session was the
presentation by Mr.. Cameron of the re-
port of the committee on foreign relations,
favorable to his resolution recognizing the
independence of Cuba. This proceeding
was brief and perfunctory, the report not
being read, and an agreement being speed
lily reached by which the resolution and
report go over until after the holidays.
Aside from the Cameron report, Mr.. Nor
gan of Alabama presented further report
on the same lines, embodying the views
of himself and Mr. Mills
The Offering of the reports served as a
prelude to several brisk exchanges be-
tween the senators. Mr.. Hill of New York
desired to know whether the reports went
into the constitutional question of the
legislative power of recognition Of indie
pendence. Mr.. Cameron promptly answer
ed that everybody conceded this power,
and Mr.. Morgan pointedly added that
denial of such power was "preposterous. Z
Mr.. Vest also came forward with some
remarks which promised to give sharp
personal turn to the debate. He spoke OF
his astonishment in seeing Secretary Oh
II 1uax,< hiatt ft0
executive alone had the power to recognize
independence Mr.. Vest had hardly begun
when Mr. Hale of Maine made point OF
order The Missouri senator willingly
Welded. announcing that he would speak
later on the resolution he had offered, de-
claring that recognition of independence is
a Joint power of the legislative and exec
utive branches
Several other Cuban resolutions were
offered, those by Mr.. Hill and Mr.. Chiffon
declaring that state of war existed in
Cuba warranting the recognition of the
belligerent rights of both parties and CALI
ing for the observance of strict neutrality
by the United States, and one by Mr.. Ba-
con declaring that the power of recogniz-
ing independence is prerogatiye belong
ing exclusively to congress
Mr. Sherman from the committee on
foreign relations, reported favorably the
resolutions of Mr.. Call asking for infor-
nation relative to American citizens con-
fined in Spanish prisons, and this was
agreed to by the senate.
The following is the text of Mr.. Gamer
on S resolution:
Resolved, by the senate and house of
representatives of the United States of
America in congress assembled, That the
independence of the republic Of Cuba be
and the same is hereby acknowledged by
the United States of America.
Section 2--That the United States will
use it's friendly offices with the govern
ment of Spain to bring to close the war
between Spain and Cuba
Senate Committees Report.
The report of the senate committee on
foreign relations favoring the recognition
of Cuba's independence is voluminous
document and covers in detail and COM
prehensively the whole Cuban question 1t
goes deeply into the history of our rela-
tions with South and Central American
states in their efforts to release themselves
from the sovereignty of European powers.
The APPLICATION of the Monroe doctrine is
set forth at considerable length, and nu
merous precedents are cited, which the
committee claims, fully warrant it in rec
ommending the adoption of the Cameron
resolution The report concludes as fol
lows:
g In September, 1895, as we know by Of
fetal documents printed on the spot, the
insurgent government was regularly or
ganized constitution adopted presi-
dent elected, and in due course the various
branches of administration were set in
! co far. in
formed, this government has continued to
perform its functions undisturbed.
"On the military side, as we officially
know, they have organized, equipped and
maintained in the field sufficient forces to
battle the exertions of 200, 900 Spanish sol
diers. On the civil side they have organ
I lied their system of administration in ey-
cry province, for, as we know officially,
1 they roam at will over at least two thirds
of the inland country.
"Diplomatically, they have maintained a
regularly accredited representative in the
United States for the past year, who has
never ceased to ask recognition and to Of
fer all possible information.
There is no reason to suppose that any
portion of the Cuban people would be dis
satisfied by our recognizing their repre-
sentative in this country, or that they dis
agree in the earnest wish for that recogni-
tion.
THE same thing could hardly be said
of all the countries recognized by Monroe
in 1892. Greece had no such stability when
| it was recognized by England, Russia and
France. Belgium had nothing of the sort
when she was recognized by all the powers
| in 1880. OF the states recognized by the
treaty of Berlin in 1873, we need hardly