The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-12-21
Senator Sherman Says 1t May BE Done
Over the Presidents Veto in
the Usual Manner.
OBJECTION TO OLNEY'S STAND
NEW POINT THAT WILL GIVE RISE
TO SPIRITED DEBATE.
Question of Cuba's independence
Gives Way to that Of Execu-
tive Prerogatives.

WASHINGTON. Dec. 20.-In response to
numerous requests Senator Sherman gave
his views to-day on the power of Congress
TO recognize the independence of Cuba as
follows: There is no foundation for
the statement that Congress may not.
if it will recognize the independence
of new nation. nor do / think
Mr. OIney contests il. but he thinks
the matter ought 10 come from the Presi-
dent. If. however. Congress should pass a
resolution and the President should veto it.
it can be passed by a two-thirds vote of
each house and would become a law which
the President must respect and obey
Senator Daniel was asked his opinion on
Judge Cooley's letter on the power to
recognize Cuba. and said
Il concur i'm the opinion expressed by
Judge Cooley.
Senator Davis. of Minnesota. gives the
folowing tonight snent Secretary oney's
Mr.. Olneys position lis untenable. In my
opinion Congress has the power by statute
or By joint resolution to recognize the in
dependence of Cuba. If the President ap-
proves the measure there can, of course be
no controversy. III he disapproves 1t and it
is passed over his veto. ii becomes law
of the land as effectually as if he had ap-
proved 1t. and his duty to execute it is
&C. X. DAVIS
There is very little probability that there
will be any change in the programme of
Congress for an adjournment for the holi-
days on the 22d inst. because of the Gamer
on Cuban resolution, which will be reported
to the Senate tomorrow morning. The
rules of the Senate provide that in case
of a single objection to the considera ton
of bill or resolution reported it shall go
attempt were made to have the resolution
considered tomorrow this objection would
be forthcoming. A great many senator's
have made their preparations to leave the
city for the holidays. and it is thought un-
likely that quorum can be mustered on
Tuesday by which business can be trans
acted. and this point would be raised if the
Cameron resolution were brought forward.
The statement made by Mr.. Olney yester-
day is still a subject of earnest discussion.
On some hands his position is fully sus-
tanned. while on others ii is admitted that
perhaps from q ''urely technical statement
of law the secretarys position is correct,
but that certainly he violates the principle
of the Constitution. Those who make this
contention reverse the circumstances
Supposing. they say. that the President
declared that he intended TO recognize a
republic. and that Congress should pass a
resolution declaring it's judgment that no
such action should be taken, would it be
possible for the President i'm face of the
position of both Senate and House to use
the executive prerogative and recognize a
republic? This constitutional point has for
the time being supplanted in interest the
resolution itself. and 1t is known
that when the resolution is brought
forward for discussion a debate of consider
able interest and length will ensue on this
Ct1hi M hlVanxy -af
ting forth that of the administration will
undoubtedly have it's effect In some quar-
ters of the Senate and ii is said tonight
that sufficient opposition can be mustered
| to defeat the resolution.