The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-03-25

III tHe llteHSlty Ol It's Interest
was presented in the senate to-day
during the delivery by Mr.. Thurston OF
Nebraska of a speech on the Cuban
situation. Not since the Inauguration
of President Mckinley have so many
people been on the senate side of the
capitol as were there. Galleries were
packed with people many of whom
had arrived at the capitol as early as
$3.50, in order to obtain seats. Even the
diplomatic gallery, which is barely
occupied usually, was filed. Senor
Mendoni, the Brazilian minister, and
party. Secretary of State John w. Fos-
ter and Mrs. Foster and many ladies
and gentlemen of the various foreign
legations, We're present.
Within a few minutes after the sem
ate convened. every senator who could
be present was in his seat, and by the
time Mr.. Thurston began his speech
dozens of members of the house were
either standing or occupying chairs in
the arena without the semi-circle of
seats. A jar of roses had been placed
on Mr. Thurstons desk, but he spoke
from that of Mr.. Hawley in the central
part of the chamber.
His first sentence in which he spoke
by command of silent lips''-a delicate
and touching reference to the loss of his
wife on his memorable trip to Cuba
commanded instant attention. A hush
fell over the great audience, which
hung with almost breathless attention
and interest upon every word.
Some surprise has been expressed
that Senator Thurston should appear in
public prominently so soon after the
death of Mrs. Thurston, but the first
sentence of his speech furnished a key
tn his arfiOn iG that Mr
Thurston's speech to-day, viewed from
one standpoint, was an unusual pro-
ceeding. but il was justified by the
conditions attending it. Mrs. Thurs
tons dying request to her husband was
that he should lose no time on account
of her death to do his utmost to save
and free Cuba and its people. In ac-
cordance with this request. therefore.
Senator Thurston sacrificed his person.
al feeling and delivered his speech-a
speech that was his tribute to the men,
CRY of his wife.
Without knowing the motive which
animated Mr.. Thurston and inspired
him in his best efforts, his auditors in
stinctively realized and sympathized
with his emotion. The speech was very
generally regarded as a mastery one,
and even those who could not agree
with his conclusions. conceded the
power of his Grafton. AS he neared the
end of the speech his voice, which had
been clear and ringing, noticeably
broke. He was almost overcome with
emotion. but rallied with an effort and
closed in a manner that thrilled his
auditors. Staid and dignified senators
turned away and wept and in the GAL
leries tears welled to hundreds of eyes.
II was remarkable scene, and the
stiffness until the last word had been
pronounced was as of death itself.
As Mr.. Thurston sank into his seat
and buried his face in his hands, the
galleries were swept by such a tumult
of applause as has not in a long time
been heard in the senate chamber. As
a brother might have done. Mr.. Allen.
Mr.. Thurston's colleague from Nebras-
ka. walked to him and. placing his arm
over his shoulders, quietly led him
from the chamber. The act was one OF
the spontaneous and touching ameni-
ties amid the turbulence and discord Of
political life.
Galleries Crowded.
An hour and half before the senate
convened to-day the galleries were
crowded with people anxious to hear
the promised discussion on the Cuban
question. Hundreds of people surged
through the upper corridors. eagerly
but vainly appealing to the doorkeep-
ers for admission.
The crowd mad been attracted partic-
ularly by the announcement that Mr..
Thurston of Nebraska was to address
the senate upon the Cuban matter,
basing his utterances upon his recent
trip to the island-a trip that had
brought to him the deepest bereave-
ment that can come to man. II was
expected that the address would be a
notable oratorical effort as well as q
thorough discussion of the political
phases of the pending controversy. In
the diplomatic gallery were Senor Men
doni, the Brazilian minister accompan-
led by party. and several ladies and
gentlemen from other legations. on
the floor. the senators We're early in
their seats. and here and there about
the chamber was member of the
house.
A bill was passed amending section
4. .4S2 Of the revised statutes relating to
barges- The bill provides for life saw