The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-03-03
FIELD DAY FOR CUBA
Resolutions Recognizing the
Cuban Patriots.
PASSED BY THE HOUSE
The Gem of the Antilles" Must
Be Free.
FERWD DEBATE OF TWO HOURS
All the Galleries Were Thronged With
Visitors and the Attendance on
the Floor the Largest of
the Session.

the Session.
Washington, March Cuba Libre
had a field day in the House. Despite
the war talk from Spain, the strug-
Cling patriots in Cuba were eulogized
and sympathized with in a two hours
debate, and the rules were then sus-
pended, and the resolutions by the
House Foreign Affairs committee were
adopted as substitute for those of the
Senate by the overwhelming majority
of 263 to II.
An analysis of the vote shows that
1873 Republicans, 20 Democrats, and 5
Populists voted for the resolutions, and
9 Republicans and Democrats against
them.
The debate which preceded their
adoption was animated and breathed
spirit of liberty. At times it was ex-
ceedingly dramatic, especially when
forebodings of war were uttered, but
there was no stemming the strong tide.
The setting of the scene was brilliant.
The galleries were black with people
attracted by the prospects OF the stir
ring event In the reserved gallery
were many prominent personages.
Even the diplomatic gallery, which is
usually empty, was thronged with the
representatives of foreign countries.
On the floor the attendance was the
largest of the session. A number of
Senators came over from the other end
Of the Capitol to watch the proceed
ings Postmaster-General Wilson was
on the floor, and General Dan Sickles,
of New York, the hero of Gettysburg,
was a conspicuous figure. 1t was ne,
who, as Minister TO Spain, brought
about the peace of Tampa by which the
Cubans laid down their arms in 1878
on the promise of reforms.
The resolutions adopted are similar
to the Senate resolutions, except the
resolution of the former requesting
the President TO use the friendly Off
ces of the United States to have Spain
recognize the independence of Cuba is
omitted in the House resolutions.
The resolutions will now go to con-
ference.
The enthusiasm of the members and
the spectators ran riot several times
and the opponents Of the resolutions
cut but a sorry figure when they at
tempted a counter demonstration. OE
ing to the brief time allotted for de-
bate members were fortunate in secur-
ing two or three minutes to present
their views.
Mr.. HIT. chairman Of the Foreign
Affairs committee, in opening the de-
bate was very careful not to say any
thing that might prove offensive He
referred to the consular reports as
adequate proof that a state Of war eN-
isfed and argued that Spain, which had
| recognized the Confederacy before the
| battle Of Bull Run, could not take Of
| Tense at our recognition of the Cubans
Mr.. Turner, Of Georgia. who led the
| opposition refused to credit the stories
| of butchery by the Spaniards. charac-
| terizing the reports of our consuls as a
| .'dreary record Of mutual incendiar-
| ism and assassination. He said he was
| opposed to recognizing belIigerency for
| the same reasons that Gen. Grant had
given between 1868 and 1878. He also
sneered at the President Of the Cuban
republic who was citizen OF the Uni
| ted States. and here instead Of in Cuba,
| fighting for freedom.
Mr.. Smith OF Michigan. a member Of
| the committee expressed the hope that
| the present Queen Regent and Emper-
| or would be last of the royal family
| to be consigned to the tombs in the
| Escurial PaIance, and that Spain, like
France would soon be free.
Mr.. Adams, Of Pennsylvania, who
was minister to Brazil at the time OF
| the establishment of the Brazilian re-
public referred with pride to the fact
| that under Mr.. Blaine's direction he
1 had been the first TO recognize the pro-
yisional government
| Mr.. Boutelle's emphasized his posi-
| tion of last week against the adoption
| of resolutions that might lead to war.
/ The tension was somewhat relieved by
/ two humorous incidents. While Mr..
| Smith was dwelling on the horrors OF
| the Spanish inquisition Mr.. Bontelle
raised laugh by jumping 20 his feet
and asking unanimous consent TO aboi-
ish the inquisition.
Mr.. Bartholdt, Missouri Repnbli-
can, whose accent clearly indicates ms
! German descent, got half minute 10
pledge the support Of the natTalihed
citizens TO the cause Of freedom Tor
| which he said, "our ancestors fought.
| Upon the announcement Of the result
of the vote. there was 4 most eGtfuhi-
astic demonstration.
| The resolutions are as f0iloWst
Resolved, by the House Of Hepfes
sentatiyes, (the Senate coneWrinR)
that in the opinion Of Congress q state
of public war exists in Cuba, the pNra
ties to which are entitled TO belli9erent
rights and the United States should
observe a strict neutrality between the
belligerents,
| "Resolyed, That Congress deplores
the destruction Of life and property
caused by the war now waging in that
island and believing that the only per
manent solution of the contest equal
ly in the interest of Spain, the people