The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-04-02
The Senate DeVOtes a Day to-
Cuba.
Pour Resolutions Regarding the
Island, introduced.
WANT GOMEZ LETTERS
Senator Allen Would Try to
Save Rivera
MeFgan FavOrs Recognition of
BelIigerency.

Washington, April 2.-The Cuban ques-
ton was revived in the senate yesterday,
after a long period of comparative calm
Four distinct Cuban resolutions were
brought forward in rapid succession. The
last and most important 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 maintain a strict neutrality, With fun
recognition of the insurgents as belIiger-
would call up the resolution at the next
meeting of the senate, with the expecta-
OF the other resolutions, two were
agreed to. One of these, by Mr.. Morgan,
calls on the president for the letters of
General Gomez to himself and Mr.. CleVe-
land and for other information on Cuban
affairs The other, by Mr. Mills or Tex
as instructs the committee on foreign re-
lat5Ons to report what obligations the
United States has assumed by compelling
CUBA 70 remain SUBJECT 70 SPAN. both
resolutions were passed without opposi-
ton. Still another resolution came from
Nr- Allen, OF Nebraska, anG proposed
protest against the reported purpose OF
the Spanish authorities to try Gen, Ruiz
Rivera, the Cuban OFFICER, by military
drum head court martial, This led to an
animated controversy between Mr. Allen
and Mr. Hoar. The resolution went over,
to come up with the resolution for the
recognition of Cuban belligerency at the
A spirited debate followed the new
phases of the Cuban question. Mr.. Allen
citing that Gen. Rivera, of the Cuban
forces, had been captured by the Spanish
and was about to be tried by drum head
court martial and shot, and protesting
against such trial contrary to the
rules of civilized warfare Mr. Allen
asked for immediate consideration of the
resolution Mr.. Hoar said it did not COM
port with the dignity of the senate to
rush forward these subjects. The
question of life and death in Cuba was
not il the keeping of the senate. There
should be decOrOuS and orderly proceed
ure on these international questions and
he would object to the resolution unless it
WAS allowed to go to the committee.
Although debate was not in order, Mr..
ALLEN continued to argue the critical
said that he did not want this resolution
Stifled by being committed to the cav
erns of the foreign relations committee"
The resolution went over. other Cuban
resolutions followed in rapid succession.
Mr.. M0rgans resolution asking the
president for the letters of Gen. Gomez
to himself and Mr.. Cleveland was adopt
ed without division.
Mr.. Morgan came forward with a sort
of climax to the Cuban resolutions. He
presented a joint resolution recognizing
the existence of state of war in Cuba,
as follows:
Resolved. BY the senate and house of
representative that condition of pub
lie war exists between the government of
Spain and the government proclaimed
and for some time main tanned by force Of
arms by the people of Cuba; and that the
United States of America will maintain
strict neutrality between the contending
powers, according to each all the rights
of belligerents in the ports and territory
Of the United States
the resolution was read several times
at the request of Sena tors who appeared
10 be greatly interested in it. The reSO-
Hutton remained on the table at Mr.. Nor
gan s request After this brief but lively
session, devoted almost entirely to Cuba
the senate went into executive session
AID at $40 adjourned until Monday.