Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-04-06


to the Committee on Foreign
Relations The Resolution Finally
Accepted Without Opposition.
Speeches by Senators Elkins and
Lindsay on Other Subjects.
Washington, April 5.-The Senate to-
day by unanimous vote adopted reso-
luton reciting the reports that General
Ruiz Rivera, the Cuban commander, is
about to be tried by drumhead court
martial and shot, and expressing the
Judgment of the Senate that if these
reports are true, the President of the
United States should protest to the
Spanish government against usch
violation of the rules of warfare. This
resolution does not go to the House OF
Representatives and becomes effective
as a measure of advice to the President
by its adoption to-day. Although op-
position was withdrawn on the final
vote, there was spirited opposition in
the early stages of the debate, and
test vote on the comparative strength
of the Cuban and anti-Cuban sentiment
in the Senate. The test occurred on
motion to refer the resolution TO the
committee on foreign relations. Mr..
Hale. (Rep., Me-, who has been proml-
nently identified with the opposition to
Cuban resolutions, made the motion TO
refer, and it was supported by Mr..
Hoar, Mass), another prominent fg-
ure in the opposition to Cuban resolu-
tions. The debate was very spirited,
and at times quite personal. Mr.. Allen,
of Nebraska, and Mr. Gallinger, of New
Hampshire, clashing with Mr.. Hoar.
The Hale motion to refer was defeated,
q to q. and the resolutions adopted,
A to 0. Mr.. Hoar and Mr.. Hale refrain
ed from vOtinf.
Another Cuban resolution comes up
tomorrow. that of Mr.. Morgan, of Ala
bama, declaring that state af war ex-
lists in Cuba and recognizing both par
ties as belligerents.
After the disposal Of the Cuban question,
the day was given to speeches. Mn. FL
kins, of West Virginia. speaking for two
hours on the development OF the American
merchant marine, and Mr.. Lindsay, Of
Kentucky. advocating the passage of the
bankruptcy bill, known as the Torrey bill,
now before the Senate. Late in the day
joint resolution by Mr.. Bate, Of Tennessee,
was agree to directing the surgeon gen.
eral of the marine hospital service to aid
the Mississippi river flood sufferers by
the distribution of tents, blankets, food and
medicine under the epidemic fund of 1898,
and to purchase further supplies under the
present epidemic fund for similar distri-
bu<On.
When the Cuban debate was precipita
ted, Mr.. Allen emphatically objected, he
said, from the proposition that the Amer
lean Congress must sit idly by while this
savagery and barbarous contest proceeds
at our very threshold. Within 100 miles
of our shore women and children were be-
ing butchered and the methods Of civil
lied warfare set at defiance. Murder,
rape. rapine and devastation were playing
their part IN the destruction of the island.
And are We Christian people, he asked
willing to sit by and not raise our voice in
defense of these people?
Mr.. Allen declared that Spain's course
had been one of bloodshed and cruelty
This was so notably true as to recent
events in the Philippine Islands and in
Cuba. that Spain had been made an out
law nation" not entitled to recognition by
civilized countries. 1t was time for us to
act. declared the Senator
IF the President Of the United States
will send our navy to Cuba" exclaimed
Mr.. Allen, "and warn Spain that she must
observe the methods of civilized warfare,
or that every Spanish seaport would be
razed to its foundation, hostilties would
I L.. l..
months"
Mr. Hoar. CRep., Mass). responded in
calm and impressive manner. He spoke OF
the aspirations of the founders Of the
government in establishing the Senate as
the stay and resisting power against those
passionate and ftful gusts of sentiment
that had wrecked every other republic on
earth.
1t was evident that considerable personal
feeling was being aroused by the debate.
Mr. Allen again took the floor, addressing
himself frequently to Mr.. Hoar in person.
The danger of Gen. Rivera was not rumor,
and in so characterizing it the Massachu-
setts Senator showed his weakness and
puerilty." The American people knew the
facts and the Massachusetts, Senator knew
them-this meant. Rivera was about to
be tried and shot"
Il wish had the power to land United
States soldiers on the island Of Cuba and
to send our fleets there" said Mr.. Allen.
"and the Spanish forces would be ground
to inhnitesimal pieces, or this barbarity
would end"
The Senator closed with further sar-
castle referencer to Mr. Hoar. saying that
the Massachusetts Senator might be mis-
taken in his belief that the care of the
Senate was in his keeping.
Mr.. Hale, Rep Maine), said that he
would be willing to pass a resolution in
quiring or the State Department what in
formation It had on the matter He
moved the reference OF the resolution to
the committee on foreign relations.
Mr. Stewart. Pop New. spoke Of the |
war as brutal and disgraceful to the civ
ilization Of the age.
Mr.. Gallinger Rep.. " H. referred |
sarcastically to Mr.. Hoar as having n |