Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1896-03-19
CONGRESSIONAL

March 9-Another stirring chapter in the
Spanish-Cuoan controversy was added by the
Senate to-day Many Senators indicated a de-
sire to be heard the subject, and the confer
ence report accepting the House Cuban resolu-
tons went over until tomorrow. The speech of
the day was made by Senator Hale of Maine
In vigorous opposition to this resolution
and to the offensive interference of the
United States in foreign questions. The sem
ator declared the spirit of militarism was
abroad IN the land that course involved
the possibilities of war with all its dreadful
consequences. Mr.. Hale brought out the
kindly action of Spain at the time of our Civil
war, when British-built privateers were pre-
vented from remaining Tor any length of time
In Spanish ports. and when American prison
ers were aboard they released by Spanish
orders. The latter part of the day was given
to the Dupont contest. Mr.. Turpie of Indiana
asguing against the claim of Dir. Dupont
District of Columbia business consumed the
major portion of the day in the House. Among
the bills passed was one to decrease the cost of
gas from S1-5] to 81 thousand. This was the
outcome of long fight against the gas company
Morch 10 The crowds which filed the Senate
galleries In anticipation of exciting Cuban
debate were not disappointed Mr. Lodge
Republican of Mass tchusetts. rose to
question of personal privilege and, in
iste-, Senior Dupuy De LONE. for his
recent criticisms of Senators. Senator
Teller added his opinion that repetition of
the minister's action should be followed by his
dismissal Senators Gray and Hale main
tanned that Senatorial privilege and preroga-
tive should not be strained to close the mouth
of the Spanish minister Mr.. Lodge did not
press for any definite action. Mr.. Hoar asked
that his resolution postponing the entire
Cuban subject to April g. go over until TO
morrow. This brought about sharp debate
between HOar. Sherman and Morgan. and Mr.
Hoar's resolution finally went over. The latter
part of the day was given to continuance of
MT Turple S speech in opposition to the claim
of MIR. Dupont.
The House witnessed the perennial attempt
10 cut on the appropriation for special mail
facilities between Boston, via New York and
Washington, to Atlanta and New Orleans. This
appropriation has been carried in the postoffice
bill since 1873. This year it amounted to $780,
0jO, and coupled with it Were appropriations
Tor special facilities between Kansas City and
Newton. Kan. and Chicago and Council
Bluffs, Iowa The latter items, however, went
down before points of order During the morn
ing hour bill was passed making a years
continuous residenc'' in a territory a prere-
quisite to obtaining divorce in such territory.
This bill was aimed at Oklahoma territory,
where ninety da s. residence is required
March lin the Senate Mr. Hoar spoke ON
the Cuban question. Mr.. Hoars speech was
notable in setting forth the consery alive view
OF the subject, and urging a postponement of
action until April 6. This developed many
sharp controversies with Mr.. Sherman and
other Senators. In the main, the speech was a
plea for calm, dignified and judicial action in
stead of the excitement and disorder of the
Mr. HOar characterized his colleague
Mr. Sherman, as one of the great states men of
the countr--, whose name would go down in
history along with that of Lincoln, Grant
Seward, Fish and his illustrious brother, and
he bes ounht the Ohio Senator not to obi iterat tie
this brilliant record by hasty and unguarded
action on the Cuban question. Mr.. Hoar did
not confine himsel to Cuba, but spoke against
Congressional meddIing in any foreign negotia-
ton. In this connection he paid glowing
tribute to Secretary Olney and while differing
with him politically, Mr. Hoar said the secre-
tary OF state a clear-headed, old-fa shioned
Massachusetts, Yankee who could be safely
trusted with foreign negotiations. The
senator added a like tribute to the
sincerity of President Cleveland in deal
ing with the Venezuelan question, and
declared that any action by Con-
greSs attacking the presidents course would
be an attack on America. Mr.. Hoar'S resOlu-
ton for postp"nement lost ITS parliamentary
status at ociock and went to the calendar,
MIR. Sherman announcing that, from this time
forward, he would press the privileged ques
tlon-the conference report accepting the
House Cuban resolutions.
The House passed the postoffice appropria-
ton bill. The item for the pay of spies on let
ter carriers was knocked out and the appoint
ment of thirty additional regular postal in
spectors was authorized instead
March I2.-Senators Sherman and Hill were
the con spicuous figures in the Cuban debate in
the Senate. The New York senator forcibly
urging the mere en- airy character of the pen ding
resolutions, While T. sherman upheld them
with another graphic des cription of Spain and
General Wcyler He insis ted on his character
izati on of General Weyler 1.-The butcher but
conceded that the Spanish minister. Senior Du-
puy De LONE had the full right and duty of
controverting and explaining the statement
Ell her in or out of the State department. In
the course OF his speech Mr. Sherman paid
glowing tribute to the pa triotism and fidelity
of President Cleveland and his readiness to up
| hold the country's flag. The latter part of the
day given to the Dupont contest, Mr.
Pritchard of North Carolina arguing in favor
of the claimant.
In the House a resolution was adopted by
! which the claim of Mr. Coleman, Republican,
| Mr.. Buck, Democrat, was decided in favor OF
| the latter. Then Mr.. Daniels. Democrat, of
| New York called up the contested election
case of Aldrich Robbins, from the Fourth
Alabama district, in which the Republicans
recommended the seating of AldrIch. Three
| hours and 4 aif were allowed on each side for
argument. after which the House adjourned
without taking a vote
| March 13-The excitement of the Cuban de-
bate gave way in the Senate to Mr.. Cockrelps
speech, occupying four hours on the financial
question Mr.. Cockrell's speech was an elab-
crate presentation of the financial question
from the silver standpoint, much so
! that Mr.. Hoar, the course of an in
| quiry. stated that it was the ablest sill
yer speech he had ever listened to-.
Mr.. Cockreli occasionally left his arguments
for very sharp personal criticisms on Secretary
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