Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1896-12-21
FIFTY-FOURTH CONGRESS.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 81.
SENATE.

The general anticipation OF an exclt-
ing scene in the Senate chamber over
the Cameron resolution, recognizing the
independence of Cuba, and particularly
over the defiant position taken by the
Secretary of State, had not the effect of
| bringing large crowd into the gallery
this morning. There was no more than
fair ordinary attendance of specta-
tors, and there was not q single occu-
pant of the diplomatic gallery. Even
the chaplain's opening prayer had no
more Immediate allusion to the matter
than an aspiration for peace on earth
and good will to men,"
The attendance OF Senators was, how
ever, quite large, including Senators
Sherman, Davis, and Cameron on the
republican side, and Senators Gray,
Hill and Voorhees, on the democratic
side.
Soon after the opening of the pro-
ceedings and while routine matters
were being disposed of Baron Won
! Hengelmuller, of the Austrian lega-
ton, and half dozen ladies took seats
in the diplomatic gallery.
At 1920 D. m. Mr.. Cameron rose and
in inaudible tones said that he was in
structed by the committee on foreign
relations to report joint resolution ack-
nowledging the independence of Cuba,
with written report thereon. He
moved that the resolution and report
be laid on the table and printed and
said that the resolution would not be
called up until after the holidays.
Several Senators who had been unable
to hear what he had said, asked Mr.
Cameron to repeat his statement and
when it was repeated tacit acquiescence
was expressed.
In the Senate to-day Senator Vest
attempted to precipitate debate on
the Cuban question by declaring that
Secretary Olney's position was prepos-
ferrous; that it was the first time Cabi-
net officer had ever communicated the
views of the administration on an i'm.
portant public question through the
press. He said he had studied
the Madison papers and was
clear in his opinion that the trainers of
the constitution in committing to Con-
gress the power of making war includ-
ed the smaller question of the right to
recognize governments.
At this point Mr.. Hale, who, in the
absence of Senator Allison, is acting
chairman of the appropriation commit.
tee, interposed an objection and the
resolution went over until tomorrow
when Mr.. Vest announced his inten.
ton of again calling it up.
Mr.. Morgan, member OF the COM
mittee on foreign relations, submitted
an additional report on the Cuban ques.
ton, signed by himself and Mr.. Mills.
He said that they fully concurred in
the report of the committee, but they
gave some additional facts which they
thought important.
Mr.. Frye Ito Mr.. Morgan) Ask that
the additional report be printed with
the other.
Mr.. Morgan.-I make that request.
1t was so ordered.
Mr.. Hill asked Mr.. Cameron whether
in the report of the committee on foreign
relations, or in the additional report
submitted by Mr.. Morgan, there was
any discussion of the constitutional
power of Congress to pass such joint
resolution as had been reported; or
whether the reports were simply con-
fined to the propriety of the action
| taken.
Mr.. Cameron replied in the negative
so far as the committee report was con-
cerned.
Mr.. Morgan also replied in the mega.
tive remarking that the calling in ques-
ton of the right of Congress in the mat
ter had been considered simply too pre-.
posterous for discussion.
And that is the reason" Mr.. Hill
said in a sarcastic tone and manner,
why the question is not discussed
"And very good reason it is" Mr..
Morgan rejoined.
THAT may be satisfactory to the SEN
ator from Alabama" said Mr.. Hill, "but
l simply desire information under
stand from the Senator from Penusyl-
vania that the committee report does
not discuss the question. That is all
desired to ascertain for the present"
Mr.. Vest offered the following reso-
luton:
Resolved, That the President is not |
vested by the constitution with exclu-
sive power to determine when the in
dependence of foreign people strug-
Cling to establish a government for
themselves, shall be recognized by the
United States. but this power is vested
in Congress and the President to be eX-
ercised in conformity with section 7,
article 1, in the constitution.
He confessed that the statement ION
the part of q certain eminent gentle
man" that joint resolution acknowl-
edging the independence of Cuoa, could
not affect the chief executive at all
Coming as that statement did through
an interview in the public press-the
first time he had known a cabinet Of
fcer so to address the people of the
United States) excited his great sur
prise. He had had occasion to examine
the question in the Venezuelan matter
and had then come to the conclusion
that the President did not have that
power. 1t was to him most astonish-
ing proposition that, while che war
making power was given to Congress,
the President of the United States
could bring about war by exercising
the high prerogative of declaring
whether or not people struggling to
achieve its liberty was entitled to recog-
milton. If that proposition were true,
then, for hundred years, the states
men of the country had been in the
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