The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1896-06-11
ARE EAGER TO 60 HOME
SENATE FIGURES on ADJOuRNING
THE FIRST OF NEXT WEEK.
tors by Popular Vote Live
Topics.

were offered by Senator Mitchell, repub-
lican, of Oregon, and Senator Nelson
providing that the new company shall
be liable on the land treaties of the old
company, also for injuries to persons and
property.
Senator Morgan asked for action on his
resolution requesting the president for
information as to the capture of the Com
petitor by a Spanish warship and con-
demnaton to death of United States cit
liens, and whether any demand has been
made for the release of the citizens. The
senator said while the case was one Of
great gravity, involving unwarranted
condemnation to death of American cltl-
zens, yet no information except through
press reports and rumors had been re-
ceved. The executive branch had not
given the slightest information on the
subject Senator Morgan read the stat
utes requiring the president to make
demand for the release of American citi-
zens. He argued that Il was the duty
OF the president under the constitution
to keep congress advised on the state OF
the Union and In particular on foreign
affairs. or late a courteous custom had
arisen to adopt resolutions making re-
quests on the president for Information,
but this did not relieve the president
from the duty of giving fun information.
and 1t was only of late, Senator Morgan
said, that this failure of the executive
to give information to congress had
grown.
Some question was raised by Senator
Sherman as to the propriety of Senator
Morgan making public use of the testi-
mony of Lawrence before the commit
tee on foreign relations. The Alabama
senator sharply rejoined that there
should be no such concealment of facts
from the country.
Sarator MorVan oafd tho tocttrnnn,, Of
Lawrence, who was present at the Com
petitor trial at Havana, showed the
grossly irregular character of the pro-
ceedlngs. "And yet" declared the sem
ator, the president has paid no more
attention to the subject than II It had
been the slaughter of some poor negro
or mulatto in the Cuban army" SEN
ator Morgan said he did not want to in
dorse the committing to the president the
sole authority to demand or withhold
the demand for release Of American cit-
liens, and to recognize or withhold the
recognition Of belligerency.
Senator Mills reminded Senator Nor
gan that the testimony had shown that
Americans on trial at Havana had not
understood any of the proceedings which
were conducted In Spanish.
Yes, Senator Morgan continued.
that testimony of Mr.. Lawrence shows
that the entire trial was in the Spanish
language. When an American prisoner
was told to stand up he said. I do not |
understand what you have been saying. |
How am 1 to answer yoUs' i brief ex-
PLANTATION was made. Then sentence was |
pronounced on that American citizen"
The senator said occasional groans and |
shrieks were heard from the stricken
telling of the terrible butchery
going on there. He had received letters
from Cuba, some with the seals broken
Before the senate adjourned 1t should
know from the president what the situa-
lion there Is and whether American citi-
zens are to meet death without demand.
Senator Morgan said he had great re-
'pect for the office of president. 1t was
IN American characteristic to be proud |
II the government. But this was a gov
,rnment of law. not of provisional will
The president Is enjoined to execute the
aw. The senate has requested Informal
ion of the president, and he replied that
was Incompatible with public interest.
although section POOL of the statutes pro-
'ided that when demand was made for
he release of an American "all facts
elative thereto as soon as practicable
hall be communicated by the president
o congress" The senator declared every
lay OF confinement of American prison
RS at Havana was a day of dishonor.
lie did not know what would come of
lelay and lnaction. Possibly in the end
Americans would be so humbled as to
rue Spain for pardon. But congress,
which was the sole war power should
not leave without authorizing that power
% be used II necessary.
In the event that these American pris-
,ners are not released and delivered to
he president" concluded Senator Nor
gan, I'VE should authorize him to send
ships of war to Cuba and make war suf-
icient to secure their release"
AS Senator Morgan closed, Senator
sherman stated that the proceedings
we're of such a character as within SEN
ate rule S5 to require secrecy. There
ipon the presiding officer. Senator Plat,
directed the galleries to be cleared and
he doors closed.
After the senate doors were opened the
immigration bill was made unhnisher or
Ter of business. 1t was laid aside tenn
'orarily and Senator Mitchell of Ore
ron spoke on his resolution for the cleo
ion of senators by the people.
Behind Closed Doors.
The discussion behind closed doors was
devoted entirely to the Cuban question
md the greater part of the time was
consumed by Senator Morgan in the con-
mutation of his speech In open session.
senator's Sherman and Lodge made brief
explanations of their visit to the White
louise and their conference with the
resident, saying they had gone there as |
subcommittee of the foreign relations |
ommittee. They expressed the opinion
$ u result OF the interview that the cx-
cutive was using all due vigilance in
ne protection Of the rights Of American
itizens, and said that while it might be | ,
yell Tor congress to put forth it's opln-
on In regard to the situation In Cuba.
the shape OF joint resolution. there
'as little probability of getting such a
esolution through without prolonglng
he debate. which, In view of the general
esire for early adjournment could not
g had.
Senators Turpie and Pascoe made brief
peeches. I
The Morgan resolution went to the cal E
ndar.
At l o'clock the senate doors were y
pened and Senator Lodge moved to take
p the immigration bill. but before the
pectators had secured seats in the gall
ries another order to close the doors
as made, Senators Hill and Harris pro-
sitting against taking Senator Morgan
ON the floor.
AT Ills p. m. the session was resumed
nd Senator Lodge moved TO take IN the
emigration bill On a yea and no vote
any senators refrained from voting. Il
'eaking quorum. The vote was % 10 u
or IA short of a quorum. A call of the q
nate disclosed As members. more than q
quorum, making 1t evident that a ili- K
lster was in progress. 81
Hill and Harris urged that .bs | IL
II should not be pressed In the absence 81
Senator Gibson, who has taken a load | Is
g part In opposing the bill.
senator Lodge said that Senator Gibson | 81
lS perfectly aware that the hin .....ta