The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1896-12-22
The Proceedings.

Washington, Dec. 21.-The general
anticipation of an exciting scene in the
senate chamber over the Cameron res
olution recognizing the independence of
the republic of Cuba. and particularly
over the defiant position taken by the
secretary of state, had not the effect of
bringing a large crowd into the gallery
this morning. There was no more than
q fair ordinary attendance OF specta-
tors.
The attendance of senators, however.
was quite large, including Senators
Sherman, (Ohio). Davis. (A1inn.). and
Cameron, CPenn.). on the Republican
side and Senators Gray. Del), Hill,
IN. V, and Voorhees,, Qnd.), on the
Democratic side.
At 1920 D. m. Mr.. Cameron. (ReD.,
PAD. rose and said that he was in
structed by the committe on foreign re-
lations to report a joint resolution ac-
knowledging the independence of Cuba,
with a written report thereon. He
moved that the resolution and report
be laid on the table and printed. and
said that the resolution would not be
called up until after the holidays. A
tacit acquiescence was expressed (The
report appears elSewhere.l
Mr. Vest, Dem, MOI, offered the
following resolution:
Resolved. that the president is in
vested by the constitution with ex-
elusive power to determine when the
independence of a foreign power strug-
Cling TO establish a government for
themselves shall be recognized by the
United States; but this power is vested
in congress and the president to be eX-
erciSed in conformity with section Z,
article ! in the constitution"
Senator Vest attempted to precipitate
a debate on the Cuban question by
declaring that Secretary Clney's posi-
ton was prepOsterous; that il was the
first time q cabinet officer had ever
communicated the views of the admin
istration on any important public ques-
ton through the public press He said
he had studied the Madison pa pers
and was clear in his opinion that the
trainers OF the constitution. in commit
ting to congress the bower of making
war, included the smaller question of
the right to recognize governments.
At this point NJ. Hale who. in the
absence of Senator Allison. is acting
chairman of the appropriation commit
tee. inter0osed. an objection, and the
resolution went over until tomorrow,
when Mr.. Vest announced his intention
of again calling it I'D.
Mr.. Hill, dem, y. ", then came
into the discussion for the second time
with q substitute resolution acknowl-
edging belligerencv in Cuba and pro-
claiming the neutrality of the United
States, the text of which is as follows:
1T is hereby declared that a state of
war exists in Cuba and that the Gu
bans are entitled to and are hereby ac-
corded belligerent rights in accordance
with the principles of international law
and the United States viii preserve q
state OF neutrality between the bellig-
erents."
This also went over until tomorrow.
On behalf Of himself and Senator
Mills, Senator Morgan OF Alabama sub
mitted an elaborate report on the Gu
ban question. It takes pronounced
grounds and endorses the action OF the
committee.
BY Mr.. Chiffon Dem.) Texas-"That
q condition of public war exists be-
tween the government of Spain and the
government which has been for some
time maintained by the people of Cuba,
and that the United States of America
shall maintain strict neutrality be-
tween the contending powers, accord
ing to each and all the rights of bel
ligerents in the ports and territory of
the United States
Mr.. Gear (Rep.), Iowa, chairman of
the committe on Pacific railroads, de-
sired to have the bill for the adjust
ment of the debt of the Pacific rail-
lCtIS uldQc Liz uitti-AsciltQ
objection was made by Mr. German
(Den.). Maryland, and others and then
notice was given by Mr.. Gear that he
would call M the bill after the re-
assembling of congress.
Mr.. Mitchell tRep), Oregon. made a
brief statement as TO the Importance of
action upon the Nicaraguan canal bill
The conference report on the joint
resolution as to the tax on alcohol used
n manufactures and the arts was pre-
;ented and agreed 10.
Half a dozen senate bills authorizing
certain army and navy officers and
,ther officials to accept medals and
,ther testimonials from foreign govern
nents were taken from the calendar
md passed.
The house bill providing for free
homesteads on the public lands in I
Oklahoma territory for actual and bona ]
ide settlers and reserving the public :
ands for that purpose. was taken up as
he unfinished business So much I'M
Willingness to consider the bill at this /
ime was manifested on both sides Of !