The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-05-12
JINGOISM DENOUNCED.
Spirited speech by Senator Morrill on
the b Question.

question occupied the entlre attention OF
the Senate to-day, the debate taking a
wide range and at times becoming spirited
when comparisons were made between the
attitude of the former administration and
the present one on the subject of Cuba.
Senators Morrill, and Caffery spoke in OPP
position to the resolution; Senators Lodge
and Foraker advocated deferring the ques-
ton until further information could be Sc
cured from the State Department, and
Senators Mills and Allen urged the imme-
date passage of the resolutions. The de-
bate went over until tomorrow. During
the day Senator Kyle, rising to a question
of privilege, dislaimed having sought COM
mittee places from Republican senators.
A partial conference report on the Indian
appropriation bill was agreed to.
In his speech on the Cuban resolution Mr..
Morrill, said the purpose of all the Cuban
resolutions, including that of Mr.. Morgan,
was to wrest from the executive the right
he alone hitherto had exercised of recog-
nizing the belligerent rights or the indie
pendence of nations. Mr.. Morrill, declared
that Congress had no such power and its
exercise would be contrary to all prece-
dents. Belligerent rights of revolters should
not have recognition based merely on SYM
pathy, but must be based on justice and
lew - - ~ III ~ VI Inv
President a free hand in Cuba and said
that were we now to recognize the Cuban
revolters as. belligerents the legitimate gov
eminent would at once be released from re-
sponsibility for damages which American
citizens may suffer from any future acts
or misdeeds of the reVolters. When the eX-
e~cutive, legislative and judicial functions
are only documentary and migratory, re-
VOTERS were not entitled to recognition. He
hoped for the early and complete independ-
ence of the island, and when the time was
ripe, independence would come, war or no
war. But he was wholly opposed to the
annexation of Cuba, as it meant the adj
mission of Cuba as a state equal in power
to New York. Mr.. Morrill, then turned his
attention to the new and botched version
of the Monroe doctrine, with all ~apocryphal
additions by our intrepid Jingoists,D who
asked guardian and the fighting champion
of all the American republics, big or little"
If this new version was to be an established
policy, then it was time to create an army
and navy which will eclipse all that might
be brought against them, to pile up, taxes
to sustain a huge military establishment
and to supplant the s-choolmaster with the
soldier. Mr.. Morrill, referred to the "bellig-
erent war whoops of certain statesmen who
seemed to want war at any cost
Mr.. Foraker spoke briefly on the desira-
bility of careful inquiry by the committee.
with the resolution, and he urged Mr.. Nor
gan to allow it to be referred.
Mr.. Allen asked what more could be
Mr.. Foraker responded that a question
existed as to the facts. The subject divided
what are the facts? second; what is the
law applicable to the facts? third, what
is the policy which we are to assume under
this condition of law and facts? Mr.. Fora
ker said he had read some of the evidence
in the possession of the State Department
and he felt that 1t should be examined care
| fullV before action was taken.
This led Mr.. Allen to a warm criticism
of the ''premeditated purpose OF the state
Department to keep the Senate in lgnor-
ance. Fortunately, however, the world
knew the facts as to Spanish cruelties: If
policy for any administration to adopt.
Mr.. Foraker disclaimed having said any
thing to warrant a statement that the ex-
ecutive or State Department withheld in
formation from the Senate and desired de-
lay. The administration and the depart
ment were pursuing inquiries with a view
TO acting understandingly on TINS SUBJECT.
Mr.. Alien asked if Mr.. Foraker dismissed
the inquiries of the former ADMINISTRATOR
The Ohio senator answered that the infor-
nation now available at the State Depart
ment dealt with the present status OF az
fairs. and there was every purpose, he be-
iieved. to place this at the disposition of
the Senate.
io1rned. During the discussion a strong
plea was made for it's reference to the COM
mittee on foreign TeldllOHS Ol IN 5iOciu
that the State Department is in possession
of recent official information or the cuban
question which, 1t is considered; snould De
consulted before action is taken by the Sen
ate. This information consists in the main
of a report by Consul General Lee, dated
The latter part of April, in which he deals
with the general situation and presents all
the facts at his command without making
any communications as TO the poicy 10
he ni,rsI1ed bv the government. General
Lees report states that the insurgents are
decreasing in numbers but that, according
m the most trustworthy information at
bb he there are more of them now than
When he went to the island He explains ms
the apparent want of organlzat5on oS une
i h.v to conduct the war after the accepted
modern idea on this point. Genera Lee
the island The document is of a private
nature, but. while it could not be presented
to the Senate, it is believed that II would
no ACCESSIBLE to the committee.