The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1896-02-28
THE RECOGNITION OF CUBA
Causes a Day of Excitement in Both
Houses of Congress.
NEARLY PASSED BY THE HOUSE
The Single Objection of Mr.. Boutelle
Prevented Strong Recognition Re-
solutions Going Through with
Hurrah

WASHINGTON, Feb. 29.-A stirring speech
by Mr. Vest in behalf of Cuba was the
event of yesterday in the senate. 1t came
unexpectedly as Mr.. Vest seldom an
nounces his speeches or makes prepara-
tions. The senate had agreed that the
final vote of the Cuban resolution would
be taken at 4 p. m. today, and the debate
was proceeding, Mr.. White, of California,
and Mr.. Gray, of Delaware, contending as
legal proposition that the United States
could not at this time recognize Cuba's
independence
This aroused Mr. Vest, first for ques-
tions of remonstrance and then TO one of
the bursts of eloquence with which he at
times electrifes the senate. He spoke of
Spain as the toothless old wolf who had
lost one by one all her litter, and was still
clinging TO this single remaining cub. He
pictured Spain as the impotent Giant of
Despair in the Pilgrims Progress, gazing
on defeat. In impassioned words he made
an apothesis to liberty of rare beauty and
fervor, adding with ringing emphasis that
the Cuban patriots would never never,
never again become the unwilling sub
jects of Spain.
At the close of the speech Mr.. Gray, who
| opposed Mr.. Vest, said that if eloquence
could achieve the freedom of Cuba then
the burning words of the Missouri senator
would set her free. The debate will be
| closed by Mr. Sherman today. 1t is con-
sidered certain that favorable action will
be taken on one of the several resolutions,
the only doubt being whether it shall re
late to independence or belligerency, and
| as to the extent of it.
The army appropriation BILL carrying
about S23, 100000, was passed during the
day.
The exciting incident of the day in the
house occurred just before the adjourn
ment. The strong resolutions prepared by
the foreign affairs committee for the recog-
milton of the Cuban belligerents had been
presented earlier in the day amid a scene
of great enthusiasm. The resolutions de-
clare it to be the sense of congress that a
state of war exists in Cuba, and that the
insurgents should be given the rights of
belligerents, and that 1t is the sense of
congress that the government of the United
States should use its influence to stop the
war, If necessary, by intervention, and
pledging the support of congress.
The demonstration of approval was so
spontaneous, and seemingly so unani-
nous, that Just before the house adjourned
Mr. Hit, who had intended to postpone
calling them up until next Monday, asked
unanimous consent for their immediate
consideration So many gentlemen, said
he had asked him to lay the proposition
before the house that in obedience to their
request and the instructions of the COM
mittee to call up the resolutions at the
earliest possible moment he now asked
unanimous consent fo. their immediate
consideration.
Another scene of enthusiasm that put
the house into perfect roar greeted the
request. 81 do not wish to make speech
on these resolutions" continued Mr.. Hit
''They are brief and present plain, sim
pie proposition on question with which
every one in America is familiar"
Amid cries of vote" vote" Mr.,
Bailey, of Texas, said he would make no
; objection to voting on the resolutions sep
arately, but he was opposed to the last
resolution which pledged the support OF
congress in advance to anything the ex
ecutive might do. Mr.. Hit was saying
that he thought there would be no objec
ton to striking out that resolution, ant
: Mr.. Turner, of Georgia, was asking i
unanimous consent were required, wheI
L.
fairly bristling with pugnacity. lnavoicC
that arrested the instant attention OF The
house he said:
"I understand these resolutions accord
belligerent rights to the Cuban insur
gents, an action that might involve the
United States in war with Spain.
"That's what we want" cried severa
members.
'Well," continued Mr.. Boutelle impet-
4 uously, 81 object to their passage without
O word of explanation"
Mr. Hit tried to dissuade Mr.. Boutelle
but the latter was obdurate.
.sWhy" said he, 'it is already o'clock
and consider this proposition to take VI
resolutions of such gravity in this way al
amazing one. l want the reasons; l wan
to see whether the reasons appeal to my
Judgment as an American citizen, as
member of congress and as patriot
object to the present consideration of {
resolution of that gravity"
These latter words were delivered will
great emphasis. Mr.. Hit was evidently
greatly chagrined He had prepared tn,
request, he said, in Difference TO what h
thought was the unanimous wish of all
Meantime other members were continuing
their appeals to Mr.. Boutelle, until thai
gentleman turned savagely upon then
and declared that he did not propose tC
vote at moments notice to involve hii
country at war with a country with whicl
we were now at peace.
Before this exciting incident an ex
member of the house became membe
and member became an ex-member
Such was the result of the three days de
bate In the house on the Van Horn. Tars
ney contested election case. The vote b,
which the Democrat lost his seat and by
which it was given to the Republican con
testee was l12 to 1884, Is Republicans join
ing with the Democrats in opposition tC
the majority.
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