Evening star., 1896-12-09
TO FREE CUBA
Three Resolutions offered in the
Senate Today.
ONE DIRECTS THE ISLANDS SEIZURE
Conservative Leaders May Not Be
Able to Control.
CR It'll A L T M E

1t is beginning to seem doubtful whether
the sentiment favorable to Cuban indie
pendence Is not too strong in the two
houses Of Congress to be controlled by the
conservative forces. In both the House
and the Ser ate are heard expressions of
determination that this country shall in
tervene.
The Senate committee on foreign relations
met today, and informally discussed the
Cuban question. They had no measure be-
fore them, but Senator Cameron announced
that he would offer for consideration by the
Senate his resolution providing for the
recognition Of the Independence of Cuba.
Men in Congress who are trained III diplo-
matte affairs read President Cleveland's
reference to Cuba In his message different
ly from the reading by the general public.
AS pacific as Ia his manner of treating the
question, there Is that in what he says
which Is constrl ed to mean a great deal.
The closing paragraph contains distinct
though diplomatic threat. and commits this
government, as far as this executive can
commit 1t. to direct intervention If Spain,
refusing refusing to grant autonomy. greatly
asserts In a mild manner the inherent right
Of this government to interfere whenever
such Intervention may be deemed desirable.
A Critical Point.
All this is regarded as indicating that the
matter has reached a point where the ques-
tion of Intervention depends upon the ac-
tion of Spain within a short time. fur
ther message from Mr.. Cleveland Is ex-
pected, and. in many quarters, there is a
disposition to anticipate in Congress the
action which Mr.. Cleveland's guarded state
ments are construed to indicate for the
future. AS 1t stands today there appears
to be a very large majority in both houses
OF Congress in favor Of immediate inter-
vention. Conservative leaders are almost
to man opposed to hasty action, and the
question is how far they can hold the radi-
cal element in check. The resolutions in
troduced by Ser ators Cameron, Mills and
Call today are undoubtedly backed by a
very strong sentiment.
Maceo's Death Discredited.
The story alleging the death of General
Maceo is discredited by many. The cir
cumstantial details given are thought to
discredit. rather than to confirm, the story.
1t is generally thought that if the story is
true 1t Is a severe blow to the revolution
lists. The most earnest advocates Of Cuban
Independence express the opinion that the
report Is sent out to prevent Congress from
Immediately recognizing the independence
Of Cuba, SO as to gain time.
Mr. Cnmeron's Resolution.
Senator Cameron Pa.) today introduced
the following resolution:
Resolved by the Senate and House Of
Representatives. That the independence of
the republic of Cuba be. and the same is
hereby. acknowledged by the United States
of America.
Resolved. That the United States should
use its friendly offices with the government
OF Spain to bring to close the war be-
tween Spain and Cuba"
To Seize Cuba.
Mr. Mills Texas) followed the Cameron
resolution at once with the following reso-
luton:
Joint resolution directing the President
of the United States to take possession of
the Island Of Cuba and hold 1t until its
inhabitants can institute such government
as they may wish. and organize and arm
such forces as may be necessary to pro-
tect them against invasion.
Resolved, etc, That the President of
the United States ia hereby directed to take
possession of the Island of Cuba with the
military and naval forces Of the United
States and hold the same until the people
OF Cuba can organize government de-
riving It's powers from the consent of the
governed, and arm and equip such military
and naval forces as may be necessary to
secure them against foreign invasion"
The Mills resolution was referred to the
foreign relations committee.
Mr.. Call Fla.) followed with a resolution
recognizing the republic of Cuba which
has already been published.
What Mr.. Mills Says.
Senator Mills. speaking of his resolution,
said: 1T is in line with what 1 have al
ways advocated, and what think should
he done. The United States has assumed
control of the island to the extent of say
Ing, Here. no one else shall interfere or
take control of the island. We will fight
sny and all nations who step foot on the
Island. This has been done for a hundred
years. and here We stand holding the is
land for Spain and allowing the people to
be butchered. We should take control of
cnba and give the people there a govern
ment.'
Alleged Filibusters.
NEW YORK, December 9-Gen Carlos
Rolof. DIR. Joquim Castillo, Mate Edward
Murphy, John d. Hart and Capt Charles
b. Deckman, who are under Indictment for
alleged violations of the neutrality act In
connection with the several trips of the
steamship Lauraua to Cuba with men and
arms. appeared before Judge Benedict to-
day In the criminal branch of the United
states circuit court. Col. Nuncz and Cant
John y Brien did not put in an appearance
The Roion and Castillo cases will come nm
before Judge Brown NJ onday on a motion tn
set day for trial.