Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-04-05
IN THE HOUSE Yesterday.
Congressman Elicit strongly OPP
poses the Cuban ResoIu lions.

WASHINGTON. d. c.. April 4-(Spe-
cial.l--In the House to-day. the Cuban
resolutions being under consideration.
Representative Elicit was recognized by
the Speaker, and he made strong and
telling speech In opposition to the reso-
luton.
Mr.. Elicit took the advanced position
that according to all authorities on In
ternational law and the past precedents,
in the history of this country here
was not sufficient proof of the existence
of such a state of war in Cuba as would
Justify the recognition OF the insurgents
as belligerents. Personally, he said, that
he would gladly see Cuba or any other
country struggling for the blessings OF
liberty free, but In this case his response
bilities were OF higher nature.
AS one of the representatives OF the
people IL became his duty 10 view the
question with great deliberation, and
without prejudice or favor, and in that
character he became a judge In this
matter. He then went into detailed
history of the war. and drew the con-
clusion that rapine, murder. incendiarism.
and devastation did not amount to war.
Mr.. Elicit went on to say that the pre-
vious policy of this country had been 70
attend TO its own business and let that
OF other countries alone. On this line
the country had pursued the proper policy
and prdspered. He stated that this was
no time, when every interest OF the coun-
try was at it's lowest ebb. and when
every businessman, farmer, and working
man were looking to Congress TO relieve
the financial distress. TO frittcr away the
session in an idle discussion over con-
current resolutions. which mean nothing
and can do no good, but on the con-
trary are extremely mischievous and
pernicious to every interest Of this
country.
ALWAYS FOR PEACE.
In conclusion, Mr.. Elicit said that 1t
had been the policy of Virginia since she
was a Colony 10 oppose war. except as
a dire necessity. She had in the war OF
the revolution stood for peace as long
as possible, and only after the battle OF
Lexington did her troops rush TO the
aid of Massachusetts,. Even in the war
OF the rebellion" said Mr.. Elicit, "as
you call It on the Republican side OF
the House, or the war between the
States, as 1t should be properly called,
Virginia originated the peace commits
sion which was the last effort at that
time TO preserve the Union"
In his district, he said, there were
25 900 ex-Confederates who stood ready at
any moment to defend the honor of the
Union at any cost OF men and money,
but not one who desired to fight because
OF unnecessary meddling In the affairs
Of other nations. Mr. Elicit received the
respectful attention of the House during
his speech of twenty minutes or more
in its delivery. He was frequently APP
pIauded, and had. at times. to suspend
his remarks, and at the conclusion he
was not only greeted by q storm of hand.
clippings, but was personally congratu-
lated by large number OF members
on both sides Of the House.
PERSONAL.
Captain John r. Johnston. of Chris
tiansburg, is in the city on legal
business. stopping at the Metropolitan.
Ex-Congressman b. II. Bum. Of North
Carolina, is here. at the same hotel
Mr.. William II. Seldom. proprietor OF
the Metropolitan. who has been on q
trip to Mexico. with Mrs. Seldom, re-
turned to-day after a months absence
Mr.. Seldom is Virginian. and a Lynch.
burger at that.