The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-12-08
congressman Discuss the
Presidents Message.
Political Bias Shown In Some
of the Statements.
General Sentiment Approves OF the
Attitude Toward Cuba.

freely OF It's lllIOIt, tue tain oHu N"DsA'
questions being particular points of dts
cussion. a press representative gathered
the following interviews:
Mr. Eitt OF Illinois, chairman OF the
committee on foreign affairs, declined
automatically to give any expression
upon the message. The matter might
1T any time become subject for the con-
sidoration OF his committee. and he
therefore did not think 1t proper TO ex-
press an opinion.
Mr.. Heatwole (Rep., Mimi, member
OF the foreign affairs committee: The
president evidently has been impressed
with sentiment which has been voiced
by the people Of the country in regard TO
Cuba during the congressional recess
He seems disposed to urge some action
by the United Stc'e at the proper time
but fails to indicate when that time shall
arrive.
Mr.. Payne Uep.. n. W said: The
president evidently has given much
thought and study TO the Cuban ques-
tion. His statement Of the situation is
calm and judicial. Whether the time
has come for action by the United States
Is difficult question. The president
clngs with q tenacity that is remark
able TO his hope that the Wilson bill will
produce In the future sufficient revenue
TO support the government Since he
expressed this hope year ago the de-
ticiency has increased and is going on at
the rate OF $50 100000 per annum.
Mr., Turner CDem., Ga-) said the mes
sage was a strong, sturdy document, an
appropriate farewell utterance, adding:
From the information IL gives to con-
gress ii seems that the insurrection in
Cuba Is retrogadng rather than pro-
crossing. Iagree with the presidentin the
belief that the present tariff law would
furnish sufficient revenue IL IL had a fair
trial. and that the surplus on hand could
be we'll devoted to the payment Of pres
ent expenditures until that time arrives.
Mr.. Mcmillan (Dem., Tenn.), member
of the ways and means committee, SEED:
I agree with the president in seeing no
immediate necessity or excuse for in
crease of tariff dues. The surplus on
hand, outside the gold reserve, with
strict economy, probably will meet all
deficiencies in revenue for more than
half of Mr. McKinley's administration,
and possibly for the full four years. To
increase the tax on the necessaries of life
I'm order TO either squander or perma-
nently hoard the surplus is wholly mex
| cusable. / have not believed hereto
fore. nor do i now. that the presidents
recommendations for retiring green
backs and putting in their place either
short or long term bonds, bearing either
high or low rate OF interest, is a remedy
for our ills. This would either perma-
nently or temporarily reduce the cur
rency, and that Is no remedy fer hard
times.
MIR. Cannon (Rep., Ills.). chairman OF
the committee on appropriations: The
deficit since the beginning of Mr.. Cleve-
lands present administration to Dec. ).
1886, is l7s.646,000 This has been paid
from proceeds OF the sale Of bonds. This
deficit was $25, 900 for the IL months
ending June go 1896; but for little over
five months, from June 80 to Dec. s, 1896,
the deficit is more than 100000. .000 which
shows the presidents confidence that
the present tariff law, IL allowed a fair op-
portunity, will yield sufficient revenue
Is not well founded. In other words, the
deficiency In revenues is increasing and
not diminishing. All of which demon
strates the absolute necessity for revenue
legislation that will bring increased re-
ce!pts.
I do not know what the facts are
touching Cuba, except as gather them
from the message. 1t seems they have
nothing but guerilla warfare in the ISL
and on the part OF the Cubans and that
there Is no government I'm fact to recog-
nize From a hasty reading of the mes
sage / do not see but that Wisdom die
tates congress should wait executive ac-
ton and recommendation as to Cuba.
Mr.. Cousins (Rep., Ia), member of the
foreign affairs committee: Ii is evident
that the president occupies the same
position that he he's formerly. To be
plain, he does not believe that the United
States has any right TO interfere. and to
be equally plain he feels in a greater de-
gree than he has formerly expressed the
sympathy OF the American people for
Cuba He seems TO think 1t might be
possible for a condition of affairs to exist
in Cuba at some time. no one knows
when. that would justify interfering on
higher grounds than those involved in
the ordinary rights OF nations. What
can be added TO the situation already
existing to make II sufficiently serious
to Justify the interference which the
president has in mind?
committee on foreign affairs: The presi-
dents treatment OF the Cuban question,
as n whole, may be considered as for
NAL notice 10 Spain that the present con-
ditons cannot be prolonged indefinitely.
Indeed. Il lays a basis for on interven-
ton even before he goes out OF office. or
Il gives him an opportunity to throw the
question on the shoulders OF the sue
ceeding administration Probably he
will pursue the latter course.
In regard 10 the tariff. the president IL
no doubt correct I'm speaking of the de-
felt for the LAST fiscal year. but the most
appalling deficit is in the first five months
Of the current year. nearly $40. 100000.
The president wants the deficit wiped
out and believe " Is the duty of the
present congress TO pass the Dingley bin
or n. modification OF II TO increase the
revenue.
Air. Dolliyef 4&ef,-7 - = rrrrrutJTr OF the
ways ard means committee: The presi-
| sents treu tment Of the Cuban question
| Is hardly satisfactory either TO those who