The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-03-03
MIR. HITT'S FORCIBLE APPEAL
CHARGE OF SPANIARDS THAT
THERE IS NO WAR REFUTED,
And the Object and Scope OF the Reso-
lutions Explained-Warlike Meas
ure Adopted by the senate.

WASHINGTON, March 2-Cuba Libre
had field day in the House. Despite the
war talk from Spain the struggling patriots
in Cuba were eulogized and sympathized
with in a two hours debate, and the rules
were then suspended, and the resolutions
by the House foreign affairs committee
were adopted as substitute for those of
the Senate by an overwhelming majority
263 to IL. An analysis of the vote shows
that 1SS Republicans, 20 Democrats and 5
Populists voted for the resolutions and 8
Republicans and Democrats against them.
The debate which preceded their adoption
was animated, and breathed spirit of lib
erty. At times it was exceedingly dramatic,
especially when forebodings of war were
uttered, but there was no stemming the
strong tide. Tie setting of the scene was
brilliant. The galleries were black with
people attracted by the prospect of the
stirring events. In. the reserved gallery
were many prominent personages. Even the
diplomatic gallery. which is usually empty,
was throngei with the representatives of
foreign countries. On the floor the attend
ance was the largest OF the session. A num-
ber of Senator's came over from the other
end OF the Capitol to watch the proceed
ings. TIE enthusiasm of the members and
the spectators ran riot several times, and
the opponents Of the resolutions cut but
sorry figure when they attempted a counter
demonstration Owing to the brief time al
lotted for debate members We're fortunate
in securing two or three minutes to present
their views.
Bills were passed under under suspension
of the rules as follows: To authorize the
construction of a bridge across the Misss-
sippi river at Aitken. Mimi; on motion of
Mr.. Dinsmore, to grant the Arkansas &
Northwestern railroad a right of way
through the Indian Territory. A bill to re-
tire Lieutenant Commander r. NJ. c.
Brown, L. S. N, one of the officers injured
in the Samoan wreck, as a commander. was
defeated-5S to IS. The Senate joint resolu-
tion directing the Secretary of Agriculture
to purchase and distribute the seeds author
ized by the current law was adopted.
Mr. Hit. chairman OF the committee on
foreign affairs, then arbse. Immediately a
hush fell on the House. He moved to sus-
pend the rules and pass the resolutions re-
ported by the House foreign affairs COM
mittee for recognizing Cuban belligerency.
The resolutions follow:
Resolved. BY the House of Representa-
tives Uhe Senate concurring) that in the
opinion of Congress a state of public war
exists In Cuba, the parties to which are en-
tilted to belligerent rights. and that the
United States should observe a strict neu-
trality between the belligerents.
Resolved, That Congress deplores the
destruction Of life and property caused by
the war now waging in the island. and,
believing that the only permanent solution
of the contest, equally in the interest or
Spain. the people of Cuba and other ma
tions, would be in the establishment OF a
government by the choice of the people of
Cuba, 1T is the sense of Congress that the
government Of the United States should
frS r,1 off nnA fr.a d1x- ira,
Resolved, That the United States has
not intervened in the struggles between
any European governments and their coll
onies on this continent, but from the very
close relations between the people of the
United States and those Of Cuba in con-
sequence of it's proximity and the extent
of the commerce between the two peoples
the present war is entailing such losses on
the people of the United States that Con-
gress is OF opinion that the government Of
the United States should be prepared TO
protect the legitimate interests of Amer
leans by Intervention, If necessary.
MIR. HITS SPEECH.
''The resolutions" said Mr. Hit, "have
been considered with great care by the
foreign affairs committe. In many meet
ings. through several months, the ques-
ton has been discussed. They have been
ripened and matured after consultation
with the most eminent jurists. In the
iutcitseo VI ttShN, VI PcaScs VI oul oWn
country, and in the interest of those who
are making struggle with which We
sympathize, we believe these resolutions
present the more practical, conservative
and effective mode Of action They pro-
pose. first, that Congress shall express it's
opinion that state of public war exists
In the island of Cuba and that we recog-
nize il: second that the conditions prevail
ing on that island. which have involved
such great and deplorable losses, will find
a permanent solution only In the establish
ment OF a government by the free choice
OF the people OF Cuba themselves, and that
our government should use it's friendly in
fuence TO that end-this in the interest OF
the people of Spain, of Cuba and of all
| other nations. and third, In view of the
vast interests of our people I'm the island
| of Cuba. so close "A neighbor: in view of
| the immense commerce that Is being de-
| stroyed and the prodigious investments of
| our American citizens there being con-
sumed, that our government. while IL has
never entered into any connection be-
| tween European powers and their colonies
| i'm any Of the struggles which have taken
| place between them, should be prepared to
| protect the interests of our American citi-
zens by Intervention. IL Intervention be
necessary. The resolutions ought not to
| cause any trouble between us and any
| country not seeking - fomcnt trouble with
| II think that gentlemen will agree with
me that the proposition OF the committee
| Is one far more prudent and effective than
| the Senate resolution. First as to the bel
| ligerency Of the Cubans, that there Is a
| things besides newspaper reports The ofIi-
cial rcDorfS of couSuls Shoxr the uroWf n