The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-05-19

The Democrats in congress presented
most disgraceful spectacle when they cold
bioodedly blocked an appropriation for the
starving American citizens In Cuba. IN order
to make a political question Of the whole
subject Of recognition. They have been
making frantic appeals to the administra-
ton 10 do something for our countrymen
in Cuba: but when the best possible aid Is
offered IL Is delayed in order to give DEM
speeches. not on behalf of American citi-
Gems. but OF Cuban beligerents. and not so
much against the Spanish government az
against the American administration. A
mass meeting was held in Washington on
Sunday, where pitifui pictures were drawn
OF the imminent necessities Of American
citizens In Cuba. 1t was stated that large
number Of them are In q state Of destitu-
ton, suffering from want Of food and med
icines. and that immediate help was
needed. In response to this, and within
few hours. the president appealed to con-
gress for sufficient money to afford prompt
relief. but the Democratic leader In the
house OF representatives. waving defiant
resolution above his head. shouted to the
Republicans In effect. that not one dollar
should go to the starving Americans unless
the question OF Intervention on behalf Of
non-Americans was attended to at the
same time.
For two years and half the fishting has
been going on in Cuba, and it can make no
practical difference whether the United
States interyenes this week or next week
or next month; but it makes very much
difference to the starving Americans
whether relief comes Immediately or is
postponed for a week Nothing more
brutal has occurred for a long time In con-
gress than the threat of Bailey: You will
attend TO both of these at once before you
will attend TO either" Such tactics may
be expected at a political ward meeting.
but 1t is most humiliating to have it occur
in a legislative body. and especially in the
congress of the United States.
Something of the same spirit was shown
by Stewart In the senate. A Republican
senator. speaking on the subject of the
policy of this country In relation to Spain.
incidentally remarked that ne approved
OF the policy of Grover Cleveland In re-
fusing to rush headlong into radical
Cuban policy. Stewart said 1t was strange
to hear this Endorsement OF the last admin
istration from Republican senator Even
In So important matter as considering
the advisapiIity OF making an appropria-
ton for starving Americans the narrow
minded PopGlist could not rise above mere
party rivalry. and could not understand
how gentleman like Wellington. of Mary
land. could speak In terms of courtesy even
OF a political opponent.
IL Is such scenes and incidents as these
which make the public express contempt
for legislative bodies. Even allowing that
men like Stewart and Bailey have no ma
ncious purpose. and that they may per-
haps be commended for seeking to further
the interests OF their political party, there
are proper occasions for IL. There are
other occasions. however. when all dis
tinctions of party should be obliterated.
and questions discussed solely In the inter-
ests OF the country; and surely no such
occasion could be more appropriate than
when hundreds of American citizens are
starving and begging congress that aid
may come quickly.