The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-04-01

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sided. Representative Joy, Of Missouri.
was secretary. The meeting was called
to take steps to secure immediate in
PREVENTION IN some form and the recog-
milton OF Cuban independence.
It was the first definite step
following the discussion in the
cloak rooms and Hobbies since the pres
ident's message was submitted yester-
day, by many members who favor I'M
mediate and aggressive action. Up to
this afternoon the sentiment was a half
concealed, but strong, feeling against
voting money for Cuban relief unless
accompanied by action to stop the war.
The meeting today was called with a
view to accomplishing the unqualified
removal Of the Spanish troops from
Cuba and the ronp armed interview
ton in the affairs Of that island. Late
this afternoon il was decided to cali a
meeting Immediately after adjourn
ment The word was quietly passed
around but many who are enthusiast
tically in favor Of Intervention failed
to receive notification, though the num-
Der present would be sufficiently large
by consolidation with the democratic
forces to carry out a programme. Rep
reSentative Hopkins, as chairman,
briefly stated the objects of the meet
ing. He indicated his disappointment
that the presidents message carried no
outline of definite responsive policy to-
ward Spain. and tina he did not be-
lieve further delay should be brooked.
He, however, thought the administra-
ton might have another day or two
within which to act and, failing to do
so, congress should AXE the matter in
to it's hands independently and at
once. He favored action looking to Gu
ban independence, but made no spe-
ciic suggestions as to the method of its
accomplishment.
Representative Tawney, OF Mime
sofa, another member of the ways and
means committee, said this n
should not stop nor OF securing the
absolute independence of Cuba, He re-
ferred to the efforts to have tine matter
brought directly before the house and
said he wished to secure a resolution
for the prompt consideration of the
question IN the floor.
Representative Belknap, Of Illinois,
VIII favors immediate and decisive ac-
ton, took the fiOor to ask a number of
questions tending to bring out the SEN
timent of the meeting n the policy to
be fol- owed. Various views were pre-
scented as to the best means for Secur-
ing action, though the feeling that no
action other than the cessation of hos
tilities on the island and absolute in
dependence should be taken apparently
was unanimous. Representative Marsh,
of Illinois, chairman of the committee
ON the militia, made a vigorous speech
in which he denounced Spain as the
proven cuipable party to the blowing
up of the Maine. He had hitherto
taken a most conservative view of the
situation and had not believed it would
be Shown that Spain had had a hand in
the disaster. Now ne aid he would
put an end to Spanish rule there by
immediate intervention and a formal
recognition Of Cuban independence just
| as early as congress could act. His ref
erence to Spanish policies as to recon-
centrados and other phases of the war
were warmly applauded.
Representative LOrimer aSO spoke at
considerable length and said ne was in
favor of securing absOute independence
by any means whatsoever. He depreciat
ed the delay that had already occurred
n protested that the people of this
country would not stand the withhold
ing of action.
Other speakers were Representatives
Reeves, of Illinois; Pierce, of Missouri;
Hicks, of Pennsylvania; Brumrn, of
Pennsylvania; Mann, of n Joy,
of Missouri; fitzpatrick, of Pennsyl-
wanna; Arnold, of Pennsylvania and
Lawrence, of Massachusetts.
1T was pointed out that while it was
fit that the executive hould be given,
as he had been, a reasonable time
within which ts advise, it was exclu-
sively the function of ngres to de-
clare war, commence hostilities or take
action of that character. The remarks
carried the view that a mere recOgni-
ton of belligerency was not to be con-
sidered, for it would not of itself bring
a cessation of hoStilities and that in
terventiOn, armed and immediate, and
recognition of independence only would
r. 1o--sIo1,>
ly put it ito intervene and, if neces-
sary, support such action by the
prompt dispatch Of LAND and naval
forces for Cuba"
After vigorous speeches denunciatOry
of Spain, it was decided to defer ac-
ton until 5 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.
The present programme is to present to
Speaker Reed evidences that a large
majority favOr the step and the Cuban
sympathizers believe that once CON
WINGED of the members enlisted in it's
support he will yield to them. 1T is
also proposed to communicate their
sentiment to President Mckinley.
The step today is expected to bear fruit
in important action in the house Thurs
day. Tomorrow a poll of the house will
be taken.
HAVANA'S CONDITION OF DE-
TENSE.
Havana, via Key West, Fla, March
29.-It is impossible to explain Or IN
derstand the serene confidence of the
civil, military and naval officials here,
who, believing war with the
United States imminent, declare
Havana is impregnable. They
are pleased to attribute this
-impregnaIbility' to what they
term the concentration of a heavy
cross fire." referring to the number of
heavy guns Ga few IL incl guns and,
the majority s and 10 inch guns) mount
ed along the horseshoe curve CT the
shore, above and below the narrow en-
of the harbor.
AS to the o supply, for which no
apparent provision has been made. the
Spanish officers have nothing to say.
But the Spanish merchants, bankers
and other prominent people here are
not so confident, nor are they reticent.
Sue people aver that if Havana is at
tackled or blockaded and no stores are
provided to feed the beSeiged, the SOL
dierS n residents Will be the first to
rebel, eve to the extent of blowing
I'M tha palaca itself FvaryhOdy roooC-