The herald., 1896-12-16
PROCEEDINGS N
SENATE AND HOUSE
Mr.. Morgan Champions the
Cuban Cause
A Spanish VAR WOULD Be WELCOME
If Necessary TO Protect Rights
of Americans
RIGHTS OF BELLIGERENCY
Should Be Promptly 0rasted to IT,
Cuban Insurgents
But the Senator Promises Support 70 Mora
Coerclve Measures
The House Passes Bill AuthoriziuG
Reorganization of the Atlantic ana
Pacific and Begins Consider
RIGHTS OF BELLIGERENcY
Should Be Promptly 0raated to ~
Cuban Insurgents
But the Senator Promises Support to Mees
Coerclve Measures
The House Passes a Bill Authoriziug
Reorganization of the Atlantic and
Pacific and Begins Consider
alton Of Postal Matters.
Associated Press Special wire

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15.-Senator
Morgan of Alabama held the attention
of the senate and we'll filled galleries for
an hour today by his earnest advocacy
of a strong and decisive policy in dealing
with the Cuban question. The promi-
nence Of Mr. Morgan in the Cuban de-
bate of last session, when he had charge
OF Cuban resolutions reported from the
committee on foreign relations, gave
special interest to his speech today. He
spoke in dispassionate style, although
his words had a directness and severity
in picturing the horrors existing in
Cuba, such as is seldom heard In the SEN
ate. Mr.. Morgan spoke freely Of the pos
sibility of war, welcoming 1t If necessary
to guarantee the protection of Ameri-
can citizens. He asserted that Spain's
bankruptcy would prevent the collec-
ton Of any indemnity for wrongs. The
senator questioned the wisdom Of the
presidents position that granting Of
belligerent rights would be "untimely."
Mr.. Morgan's views on the line of action
which should be adopted were summed
up in the following: Although be-
lieve that bellgerent rights should be
accorded to the Cubans. inasmuch as the
president prefers more coercive policy
and warns Spain that the time is now
near at hand for decisive action, will
support him in any movement that will
save our people on that island from fur
ther outrages. I will not obstruct his
course with questions of propriety. but
will follow the colors when planted by
the president on the advanced ground
that the concession of belligerent rights
has become untinely and that every
duty demands active intervention. II
that crumbles away I will again fall
back to the position that just care for
our own people requires us to declare an
armed neutrality, ready to assail either
belligerent that inflicts wrongs on our
people. If the president should say the
time has arrived, the hour has struck
would any American be so base aanot to
hold up his hands while the battle is
raging?"
At the close of Mr.. Morgan's speech his
resolution was adopted requesting the
secretary of state for papers and infor-
nation relative to the Competitor case
and other Americans held in Cuba by
the Spanish authorities.
The resolution is as follows:
Resolved, That the president IS re-
quested. If it is not in his opinion, In
compatible with the public service, to
send to the senate copies of the papers
relating to the condition of affairs in the
island, Of Cuba. which are referred to IN
the report of the secretary of state that
accompanies his last annual message
as papers collected in the annual VOL
ume entitled Foreign Relations Of the
United States.
Also a statement Of the several
amounts of claims lodged in the depart
ment Of state by citizens Of the United
States against Spain, growing out Of the
alleged insurrection now existing in the
sland of Cuba.
Also all correspondence with the Span
ish government relating to the vessel
called the Competitor and the persons
captured with or near the vessel. with q
statement of the charges pending in any
court in Spain or Cuba against said
Americans and the proceedings of such
court in those cases; and the place Of
their imprisonment, the character Of
their treatment while in prison and the
condition of their health; whether said
prisoners have had the privilege Of
counsel of their own selection or any
trial that has taken place on such
charges or were represented by any con-
sui, attorney or other agent of the Unit
ed States
The question of passing the bill grant,
ing Nancy Allabach pension, the veto
of the president notwiths standing, occa~
stoned considerable debate, but was
finally passed over the veto; yeas II,
nays IL.
Early in the day Mr.. Allen introduced
a resolution for the appointment of .
committee Of nine senators to investl-
gate the extent to which money was
used in the recent presidential election.
Rev T. De Witt Talmadge delivered
prayer in the senate today. Frye occu-
pied the chair.
Hale Of Maine reported the pension ap-
preparation bill without amendments
and gave notice to call it up tomorrow.
The house concurrent resolution Tor
the holiday adjournment from December
% to january was agreed to.
Morgan of Alabama presented the Gre
dentials Of Edmund Winston Pettus ~
Senator from Alabama for the term be-
ginning March next.
Allen of Nebraska offered reeclu-
tion for a committee of nine senator's
ION the use of money in elections The
resolution directs the committee to
Thoroughly investigate the extent to
which money was used in connection
with the recent presidential election,
either promoting nominations or influ-
encing the choice Of presidential elect~
ors, and inquire whether any such ~
penditures were excessive. illegitin411o
corrupt or unlawful, and to especiql1X
inquire and ascertain to what extent &cE
such purposes the owners Of eitfef o1@
gold mines, bankers, ,nanufacturerAr45l9'
roads or other corporations and ulilIlQ1