The record-union., 1896-02-29


character-probably an idealist But
he ought to be and would probably soon
be considered patriot He referred
to General Grants sympathy during his
Presidency, and to the fact that he him
self had introduced a resolution in the
Senate on the subject, but owing to the
opposition of Hamilton Fish (then Sec
retary of State) the matter was dropped.
He went on to say that he was not in
favor of the annexation Of Cuba to the
United States. In his judgment Cuba
should be attached to Mexico, because
Cubans and Mexicans spoke the same
language, had the same origin, the same
antecedents, etc.
Sherman sent to the Clerks desk and
had read extracts from Spanish book,
printed in a New York newspaper, re-
citing horrible cruelties, charged
against Weyler, some of the incidents
being SO bad that he directed the Clerk
to omit them.
He spoke of these orders as barbarous
atrocities and as inhuman cruelties,
and said that Weyler was a demon
rather than General He denounced
the idea of putting such a man in COM
mand of 100000 troops, to ride rough
shod, kill and slaughter a feeble body
Of people. and he declared 0n the most
solemn tones) that was the kind of pol
icy pursued by Spain in Cuba, and if
the people of the United States be noti-
fed of it there is no earthly power that
will prevent the people of the United
States from going over to that island,
running all over its length and breadth
and driving out those robbers and imi-
tators of the worst men that ever lived
in the world. applause from crowds in
the gallery)
If" Sherman continued, "Weyler
carries out his projected plan, there is
not country on this hemisphere that
will not contribute to put an end to
this violence. It has lasted long enough.
That people ought to be allowed to, in
their own way, form their own govern
ment, to be as free as we are. Every
Christian man or woman who believes
in the civilization of this age, everyone
in this broad land hates tyranny and
oppression, whether it come from a
Governor or a tyrant. We are opposed
to cruelty.
Eve do not wish an Armenian war
near our shores. We will not shield
ourselves behind the position taken by
England that Armenia is too far away,
and that she could not prevent Armeni-
ans from being murdered. That was
no doubt a true position for England
to take 1t would be difficult for Eng
land to interfere. But this island lies
right at our shores. A few hours will
carry US across to Havana. A beautiful
island it is, too; rich in products-the
best sugar land in the world, with
people of a gentle and kindly race, not
disposed to warfare, except to resist
tyranny and oppression.
Whatever" Sherman concluded,
''may be the result of adoption of this
measure, desire to take my share of re-
sponsibility for it, and with a confidence
in the judgment of the Almighty Ruler
of the Universe, believe it will be
wise if we can assist, and if all the
ether nations of America will concur in
giving to the people of Cuba the same
liberties which we now enjoy"
Gallinger (Rep.) of New Hampshire
spoke in favor of the resolution. He
would give Spain to understand that
the same love of liberty which burned
so brightly on the battlefields of the
American Revolution was still in the
hearts of the American people.
Frye (Rep) of Maine said he would
do or say or vote anything consistent
with the honor or integrity of the United
States to assist the Cuban patriots to
wrest liberty from a cruel and reIent-
less despotism.
Caffery Dem) of Louisiana said
the United States had no right to vio-
late any one of the principles of in
ternational law. Congress had no power
to make a recognition of Cuban bellig-
erency or independence. and if it had
the power the facts did not justify such
recognition.
Lodge (Rep) of Massachusetts spoke
in favor of taking the most advanced
position towards helping the Cuban
cause. He read portion of the last
proclamation of Captain General Wey-
Ter, and said that proclamation, seemed
to justify any action that Congress
might take.
Allen Pop) of Nebraska took issue
with the position taken by Gray Dem)
of Delaware, and contended that the
power of recognizing belligerency or
independence resided in Congress, not
in the Chief Executive. He declared
himself in favor of a resolution recog-
complete independence, and he would
invite the President to issue a procla-
nation to that effect, and to admit to
diplomatic reiations the republics rep
resentatives on terms of exact equality
with the representa- tives Of the Spanish
Government. He characterized Spain
as the outlaw of nations and as not en-
titled to the respect, confidence or es-
~ -.
people.
Il would not only" he continued,
recognize Cuban belligerency but I
would establish Cuba as one of the ma
tians of the earth. and if need be I would
muster every man in the United States
and every war vessel to the accom-
plishment of the task. and / would erect
on the ashes and ruin of Spanish con-
troll in that island republic modelled
after our own institutions.
Hill Oem) of New York suggested
some amendments to the resolutions
before offered by White CDem.) of Cal
ifornia, and White accepted the sug-
gestions.
Gray Dem.) Of Delaware stated that
since the debate began the Committee
on Foreign Relations had gone over
the whole matter, and had agreed unan-
imously to add TO the committees res
oiution the amendment offered by Cam
eron (Rep.) of Pennsylvania, recog-
nizing the independence of Cuba
Sherman, on behalf of the commit
tee, accepted the amendment and the
resolution as passed is as follows:
Resolved, by the Senate, the House
of Representatives concurring, that In
the opinion of Congress a condition of