The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-03-13
Tribute to the Patriotism and Fidel-
ness to Uphold the Flag.
SPEECH BY SENATOR HILL
PROTEST AGAINST ..MERCENARY
FEATURES OF THE RESOLUTIONS.
Intervention for the Purpose Of Pro-
Condemned by the New Yorker.

WASHINGTON, March 12-Senators Sner-
man and Hill were the conspicuous figures
in the Cuban debate in the Senate to-day,
the New York Senator forcibly urging the
mercenary character of the pending resolu-
tions. while Mr. Sherman upheld them with
another graphic araignment of Spain and
General Weyler. 1t was the fourth day of
the debate on the conference report and
yet there was no evidence Of a near ap-
proach TO a final vote although Mr.. Sher-
man announced that he would press for
vote at the earliest moment. The galleries
continue to be crowded and to-day showed
no diminution Of public interest Mr.. Hills
opposition to the resolutions was confined to
thai feature which expressed the purpose
of the United States to intervene TO pro-
tect the legitimate interests of the United
States. This, the Senator declared, was an
ignoble and contemplate attitude. Tt was
placing the cause of human liberty and
patriotism on a very low plane and he
urged that the resolutions be defeated in
order that they might be amended and the
nlercenary features eliminated. Mr.. Sher-
mans speech was mainly reassertion OF
the views he presented when the Senate
war in Cuba was fragrant and the evi-
dences of it abundant. He insisted on his
Characterization of General Weyler as 'the
butcher" but conceded that the Spanish
minister, Senior Dupuy de LONE, had the
full right and the duty Of controverting and
explaining the statement either in or out of
the State Department. In the course Of his
speech, Mr.. Sherman paid glowing tribute
IN tha nat of
Cleveland and his readiness to uphold the
countrys flag. The latter part of the day
was given to the Dupont contest, Mr.
Pritehsrd. of Nerth. Carolina. arguing in
support of the Claimant. An important piil.
creating an art commission of five MEM
bers, was passed. Several unobjected bills
were also passed.
SENATOR HILLS SPEECH.
After routine matters had been cleared
away the Cuban resolutions were laid be-
fore the Senate, and Mr.. Hill, of New York,
was recognized. He was given marked at
tenticn, and in opening said he would vote
against the conference report and would
confine his remarks mainly to an explana-
ton Of his reasons therefor. He pointed
out that, this being a conference report,
the resolutions could not be amended. He
would, therefore, vote against the report, in
order that at a subsequent time amend
ments might be made. The Senator partic-
ular.y objected to the third clause of the
resolutions. stating that the United States
has not intervened in the struggles be-
tween European governments and their
colonies, but that, owing to the proximity
Of Cuba, the United States should be pre-
pared to intervene. This he declared to be
ambiguous and unmeaning. We had inter-
vened in such controversies. We had inter-
vened and recognized the countries which
had been colonies Of Spain. What the reso-
lutions sought to convey was a threat to
was unnecessary. 1t is subject to doubtful
construction and a mischief-breeder. 1t
was liable TO compromise us The phrase
TO protect the legitimate interests OF our
citizens b. Intervention" sounded like a
threat, or it was buncombe
IF this resolution means that we should
increase our army. let us say so frankly
and frame a bill for that purpose" said Mr.
Hill. If 1T means We should increase cur
navy, let us state 1t frankly and fear.essly
and frame q bill to that end. Let US not
indulge in idle boasts and threats, and
doubtful phrases as to bur being prepared
tion.' :" Mr.. Hill asked what these legiti-
mate interests referred TO were. This was
not proposition to intervene in the cause
dom, or to stop bloodshed, but to protect
our legitimate interests" Mr. Hill uttered
the words with great scorn. This is plac-
ing our intervention on very low grounds"
said he. IF we are to intervene at all,
then at least let us put 1t on some higher
ground than the urgency OF protecting our
business interests. Do not put Ii on the
| low ground that we are losing a few dol
lars by this contest between Spain and
| Cuba"
FEARS OF NEW WORKERS.
| Mr.. Hill he'd up a bunch Of kilograms
ixx-bf bo he hod
| York. One of the kilograms read substan-
| TALLY as follows: Present attitude of
| United States towards Cuba seriously af-
| fecting commerce with that island. Mer-
| chants there are preparing to boycott
| American merchants and to cancel their
orders here" Mr.. Hill paused for a mo-
ment after reading the dispatch, and then,
shaking it in his hand. he added, with dis
| dain: 'And they expect me to have my
course here placed on the ground that
| Spanish merchants threaten to boycott
| some of our merchants. With al due re-
| spect TO these gentlemen, 1 think ac-
| ton should be on higher grounds If we
| wished to act. let us do so without this
boasting. without these idle declarations.
/ without this buncombe.''
| Mr.. Hill said he favored the other por-
tions Of the resolutions, declaring, that a
| state of war existed. Does not war actu-
| ally exist In Cuba to-day? Senators asked
/ for facts Cuba was to-day full of reliable
| cc4respondents-there is once In a while a
/ reliable correspondent-and they are daily
| detailing the progress of this conflict. To-
| day it is reported that one Cuban general
| Is within a stones throw OF Havana. Ii Is
| idle to shut our eyes TO these conditions.
| 1T is said," proceeded Mr.. Hill, that
the administration will be embarrassed by
the resolutions. deny IT, II the administra-
! ton had felt In that way, then some one on
this side Of the chamber would know IT, /
| do not believe that the officers of the ad-
| ministration would keep their feelings on
such subjects so close that no one would
/ know it,"
IF the President should sign the resolu-
| tions American citizens could sell arms to
the insurgents" said Mr.. Hill.
| Certainly" replied Mr. Hoar.
They can do 50 now" interposed Mr.
Morgan and Mr.. Vest together.
II think not" returned Mr.. Hoar.
Most assuredly they can. insisted Mr..
Morgan