Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-04-02
55th CONGRESS.
Cuban Resolutions Come Thick
and Fast in the Senate.
Morgan Insists on Granting BeIIiger-
ent Rights to Both Parties.
Warm Words Between Allen and Hoar Over
Gen. Rivera's Case.

Washington, April 1.-The Cuban
question was reviewed in the Senate,
today, after a long period of compare
tive calm. Four distinct Cuban resolu-
lions were brought forward in rapid
succession. The last and most impor-
tant one came from Senator Morgan of
Alabama. 1t declares that a state of
war exists in Cuba and announces the
policy Of the United States to accord
both parties to the conflict full recogni-
ton as belligerents. Morgan gave no
tice that he would call up the resolu-
ton at the meeting of the Senate, to-
morrow, with the expectation of secur-
ing final action. OF the other resolu-
tons. two We're agreed to.
One of these by Morgan, calls on the
President for the letters of General
Gomez to himself and Mr.. Cleveland
and for other information on Cuban
affairs. The other by Mills Of Texas.
instructs the committee on foreign re-
lations to report what obligations the
United States has assumed by com
polling Cuba to remain subject to
Spain. Both resolutions were passed
without opposition.
Still another resolution came from
Allen of Nebraska. and proposed a
protest against the reported purpose Of
the Spanish authorities to try General
Ruis Rivera. the Cuban officer. by mil
itary drum-head court martial. This
lead to an animated controversy be-
tween Allen and Hoar.
The latter critized "inflammatory reso-
lutions' and declared that the freedom
of Cuba had been retarded mainly by
the probing and ''goading" resolutions
directed against Spain. The resolution
went over 10 come UP with the resolution
for the recognition of Cuban belligerency
at the next meeting.
The tariff bill passed by the House Of
Representatives. yesterday, was received
by the Senate as soon as the session
opend. today. The presiding officer. Mr..
Hobart. referred the bill to the commit
tee on finance.
Hale secured attention for "a Joint resn-
luton directing the secretary OF the navy
to use government vessel or chaTtar u
private vessel for the transportation CT
contributions of grain. etc..to the famine
stricken people of India. The resolution
was then agreed to without division.
A spirited debate followed on several
new phases Of the Cuban question.
Allen presented resolution reciting
the General Rivera of the Cuban forces.
had been captured by the Spanish and
was about to be tried by court martial
and shot and protested against such trial
as contrary to the rules of civilized war
fare Allen asked for the immediate con-
sideration of this resolution.
Hoar suggested that the resolution go
to the committee on foreign relations.
Allen would not consent. Hoar said it did
not comport with the dignity of this
body to rush forward on these subjects.
Although debate was not in order. Allen
continued to urge the critical character
of the Rivera case. Allen said he did not
want this resolution stified by being COM
mitted to the "caverns of the foreign re-
lations committee. The senator closed
with some sarcastic references to the
fatherly care which Hoar bestowed on
him.
This aroused Hoar to spirited reply.
Hoar closed with a decisive objection to
the present consideration of the resolu-
ton and 1t went over. Other Cuban res
olutions followed in rapid succession.
Morgan'S resolution requesting the
President for the letters from Gen. Gomez
to himself and Mr.. Cleveland. was pre-
scented and adopted without division.
The resolution of Mills of Texas was
next presented and agreed to without a
committee on foreign relations is in
structed to inquire what. il any. obliga-
tons the United States has assumed to-
ward the people of Cuba by asserting and
maintaining the right to prevent the ac-
QUESTION of that island by any European
main subject to the dominion of SPAIN
ard to report by bill or otherwise.
Morgan then presented a joint resolu-
ton recognizing the existence of a state
of war in Cuba. Morgan gave notice that
he would ask to have it taken up. tomOr-
resolution remained on the table at his
request. The Senate then went into ex-
ecutive session. and at SO p. NJ, adj
journed to Monday.