The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-03-12
AIMS AT JINCOES.
Senator Hill Ridicules the Gu
ban Resolutions.
They Sound Like BuncOmbe
Threats, Says He.
WASHINGTON LIKES 1T
The Rest of the Country May
Be Tired
Of FruitlesS Discussions of the
Cuban Question,
WASHINGTON LIKES 1T
BUT GALLERIES FILL
To Hear the Senators Thrash
Over Old Straw.

WASHINGTON, March 12.-There is no
abatement of public interest in the
Cuban debate in the senate, as is evil
denced by the large crowds which con-
tinue to fill the galleries to their full ca
pacity.
number of the ladies of the diplo-
matte corps were in the diplomatic gal
lery and some of them occupying front
seats were supplied with opera glasses
with which they surveyed the senators.
Mr.. Sherman gave notice that he
would endeavor TO secure vote on the
Cuban report at the earliest possible mo-
ment. After an hour was consumed in
clearing away routine matters the Cuban
resolutions were laid before the senate
and Mr.. Hill, of New York, was recog-
nized.
The senator particularly objected to
the third clause of the resolutions, stat
ing that the United States has not inter-
vened in the struggles between any
European governments and their colonies
but that owing to the proximity of Cuba,
the United States should be prepared 10
intervene. This he declared to be am
biguous and unmeaning. We had inter-
vened in such controversies. We had
intervened and recognized the countries
which had been colonies of Spain.
What the resolution sought to convey
was a threat to intervene. To this eX-
tent the resolution was unnecessary. 1t
is subject to doubtful construction and
mischief breeder. 1t was liable to com
promise US. The phrase "the United
States should be prepared to protect the
Legitimate. interests of our citizens by in
tervention" sounded like a threat or it
was buncombe. "If this resolution
MEANS that we should increase
our afany let us say SO frankly and frame
a bill for that purpose" said Mr. HILL
"If it means we should increase our navy
let us state it frankly and fearlessly and
frame bill to that end. Let US not in
dulge in idle boasts and threats and
doubtful phrases as to our being prepar-
ed to protect Legitimate interests by in-
tervention.'"
At 2 o'clock there was a contest for
precedence between the Cuban resolu-
tions and the Dupont election case which
was finally settled by laying aside the
Dupont case, while Senator Sherman adj
dressed the senate in support of the
Cuban resolutions.
Mr.. Sherman discussed at length the
character of the resolutions and the con-
ditions existing in Cuba. 1t was not
best to send joint resolutions to
the president, as it would compel his ac-
tion in ten days and this was not judi
cious. He had confidence in the presi-
dent. There were political differences
between them, but, he added ''no one
doubts his courage; no one doubts his
fidelity to the flag of our country.
Mr.. Sherman referred to General Wey-
ler as a butcher and said the conditions
in Cuba were fragrant.
"If war does not exist in Cuba" he
asked. "where outside of hell does it
exist?" Speaking of the demand for
facts he said that Senator Lodge had OBJ
tanned from Secretary Olney facts to
justify the resolutions, but for obvious
reasons these could not be made public.