The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-03-30

| ing. He indicated his disappointment
| that the presidents message carried no
outline of definite responsive action to-
ward Spain, and he did not believe fur
Their delay should be brooked He. how
ever, thought the administration might
have another day or two into which to
act, and, failing to do so, that congress
should take the matter into it's own
hands, independently, and at once. He
favored action looking to Cuban indie
pendence, but made no specific sugges-
tons as to the method of it's accom-
pnShnent. Representative TaWney OF
Minnesota, another member of the ways
and means committee, said this country
should not stop short Of securing the
absolute independence of Cuba. He
referred to efforts to have the matter
brought directly before the house and
said he wished to secure a resolution
for the prompt consideration of the
question on the floor.
Representative Belknap (Ill), who IA
vors immediate decisive action took the
floor and asked a number of questions,
tending to bring out the sentiment of
the meeting and the policy to be follow
ed. The feeling seemed to be that no
action other than the cessation of hos
tilities on the island and absolute in
dependence would be acceptable.
Representative Marsh CID, chairman
of the committee on the militia, made a
vigorous speech in which he DENOUNCED
blowing up of the Maine: He would, he
said. put an end to Spanish rule in Cuba
Dy immaculate Intervention ana Il 1OTIllal
recognition of Cuban independence. His
remarks were warmly applauded-
Representative LOrimer also spoke at
considerable length and said he was in
favor of securing absolute independence
by any means whatsoever He deprecated
the delay that mad already occurred, ana
protested that the people of this country
would not stand the Withholding of &C
Other speakers were Representative
Reeves (ll), Pierce (Mo), Hicks and
Brunn Pa.), Mann Qll), JOY (Ndo0, Kirk
patrick and Arnold (Pa.). and Lawrence
Mass Their speeches were largely on
1t was pointed out that while it was fit
that the executive should be given, as he
had been, a reasonable time in which to
advise, it was exclusively the function of
congress to declare war, commence hos
tilfties or take action of that character.
The remarks made carried the view that
a mere recognition of belligerency was
not to be considered, for it would not of
itself bring cessation of hostilities, and
that intervention with arms and immedi-
ate recognition OF independence only
servativeIy put it. Ito intervene and if
necessary, to support such action by the
prompt dispatch OF our land ana naval
After some vigorous speeches denun-
action until O'Clock this afternoon. The
present programme is to present 10
Speaker Reed evidence that large ma
jority favors the step,and the Cuban sym
thizers believe that once CONVINCED OF the
yield to them. 1t IS also prQposed 70
communicate their sentiment TO PRESIDENT
Mckinley. This step is expected TO pear
fruit in important action in the house on
Thursday.
participated in the conference: Messrs-
Hopkins, Mann, Warner, White, Reeves,
Belknap. Marsh and Lorimer of Illinois,
Tawney of Minnesota; Spaulding, William
Alden Smith, Samuel W. Smith, Mesick,
Sheldon, COrliss and Hamilton of M1chl-
gan: Mercer of Nebraska, White of North
Carolina, Mudd of Maryland, Subway OF
New Hampshire. Know and Lawrence of
Massachusetts. Johnson of North Dakota,
Brownlee of Tennessee, Goison Of Ken
lucky, Brown of Ohio, Ellis OF oregon,
JOY and Pierce of Missouri, and Brunn,
Hicks, Kirkpatrick and Arnold of Penn
SYLVIA mia