The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-01-06
0LNEY ON CUBAN AFFAIRS
Says the Power 10 Recognize the
Republic Rests in the Executive.
OEPRECATESSENATE RESOLUTION

The Secretary of State Contends That
Cleveland Will Not Obey the senate's
Wishes Concerning Cuba - Says the
President is Outside Congressional Com
troll In Matters Relating to Belligerency
WASHINGTON, D. G. (speciaD. new aud
ovorshadowing phase wa given to the Gu
ban question by Secretary OF State Olney's
formal declaration, to the effect that even
II the Cameron resolution recognizing the
independence Of Cuba should be passed by
both houses Of Congress over the Presidents
veto 1t would not be operative as law Of
the land, and hence not binding on the Ex-
ecutive, but would be simply an expression
Of Congressional sentiment and important
only as advice voluntarily rendered to tho
Executive"
Secretary olneY's contention Is that the
power to recognize the heindependence Of Cuba
Is under the Constitution solely an Executive
prerogative whose exercise rests exclusively
with the President, and hence does not come
within the province Of Congress.
Secretary Olney, being asked his opinion
as to the nature and effect Of the proposed
resolution recognizing the independence of
the republic Of Cuba, said:
II have no objection to stating my own
view of the resolution respecting the inde-
pendence Of the so-called republic Of Cuba,
which it is reported Is to be laid before the
Senate on Monday.
Indeed, as there are likely to be serious
misapprehensions regarding such resolution,
kakI, IT, ya 1kpxy md ah~ a1.
apprehensioDs may have injurious results Of
grave character, it is, perhaps, my duty to
point out that the resolution, II passed by the
Senate, can probably be regarded only as an
expression Of opinion by the eminent gen.
tlemen who vote for It IN the Senate, aud II
passed by the House OF Representatives can
only be regarded as another expression of
opinion by the eminent gentlemen who vote
for 1t in the House.
1.-THE power to recognize the so-called re-
public OF Cuba as an Independent State rests
exclusively with the Executive: A, resoiu-
ton on the subject by the Senate or by the
House, or by both bodies or By one, whether
concurrent or joint. is imperative as legisla-
tion, and Is important only as advice of great
weight voluntarily rendered to tho Executive
regarding the manner In which he shall ex-
ercise his constitutional functions.
1.-The operation and effect OF the proposed
resolution, therefore, even II passed by both
houses OF Congress by two-thirds vote, are
perfectly plain. It may raise expectations
In some quarters which can never be realized.
It may infame popular passions, both In
this country and elsewhere, may thus put
In peril the lives and property OF American
citizens who are resident and travelling
abroad, and will certainly obstruct and per-
haps defeat the best efforts of this Govern
ment to afford such citizens due protection.
"But except In these ways, and unless the
advice embodied in the resolution shall lend
the executive to revise conclusions already
reached md officially declared, the resolu-
lions will be without effect and will leave
unalterred the attitude Of this Government
toward the two contending parties In Cuba I"
MIR. Olney's statement has given rise to
marked difference of opinion among public
men and constitutional lawyers. While
some agree with Secretary Olney.
many, others stoutly maintain that
though the President has the power
to recognize the independence OF
Cuba, such power Is not exclusive In him,
but may also be exercised by Congress, and
that IL Congress should pass the Cameron
resolution over an Executive veto 1t would
constitutionally bound to obey and to en-!
force. -. ...
It is vital question of Executive prerog-
ative, and Secretary Olney's statement
leaves little room for doubt that il forced
to an issue by Congressional action 1t may
lead to serious conflict between the Presi-
dent" and Congress and thus add new
phase to the Cuban situation.