The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1898-04-07

sides Of the House have given voice In
private discussion on the ground, first,
that Spain alone is responsible for the
condition on the island, and second, the
extending of such large and probably
continued aid abroad is unjust to the
people of this counry. The steps
| taken on this line were of an informal
| nature.
18TH DAY.-The revolt in the House
against further delay of action on the
Cuban issue cnlm mated on the 29th in
q conference of Republican members
whose ideas are in accordance with q
positive early course. About fifty rep
resentatives attended, representing all
sections. Representative Hopkins. OF
Illinois, member of the ways and
means committee, presided. Represent
| ative Joy, of Missouri, was secretary.
The meeting was called to take steps to
| secure immediate intervention, N some
for, and the recognition OF Cuban in
dependence. It was the first definite
step following discussions in the cloak
rooms aud lobbies since the Presidents
message was submitted by many mem
bers who favor immediate and aggres-
sive action. Up to this present senti-
men., was q half-concealed, but strong
feeling against voting money for Cuban
relief unless accompanied Sy declara-
tion to stop the war. The meeting was
| called with o view to accomplishing the
unqualified removal of the Spanish
troops from Cuba and the prompt armed
intervention III the affairs of that island.
Representative Hopkins, rs chairman,
briefly stated the objects of the meet
ing. He indicated his disappointment
that the Presidents message carried
no outline of definite responsive policy
toward Spain, and that he did not
believe further delay would be brooked.
He, however, thought the. ad-
ministration might have another
day or two within which
to act, and failing to do so, Congress
should take the matter into its own
hands independently and a. once. He
favored action looking to Cuban inde-
peudence, but made no specific sugges-
tions as to the method of its accom-
plishment. Various views were pre-
sented 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 inde-
pendence should be taken apparently
was unanimous.
10TH DAY.-In the House a wild and
uproarious scene occurred when Bailey,
the Democratic leader, attempted to
force the hands of tha Republicans
upon O proposition to overruie the
Speaker and pass resolution recog-
nizing the independence of the Cuban
republic. He was cheered on by the
crowded galleries, but the members of
the majority refused to support him.
They were rallied by two of
the leading advocates Of arm
ed intervention and the Speaker
himself from the chair made an indirect
appeal to his party associates to stand
firm. at the same time intimatlng that
ii their impatience was curbed little
longer they would have the opportunity
they coveted. The scene throughout
was most dramatic and tho members
and spectators in the galleries were
wrong ht up to high pitch Of excite
ment. Bailey offered his resolution as
q privileged question. The resolution
was tabled.
SOTH DAY.-For three hours tho
packed gallaries and excited members
of the House listened to assionate
outburst Of oratory on the Cuban ques-
ton, during which the intensity OF
feeling was alternately manifested by
cheers, jeers and Kisses Time and
again the excited throngs in the CALLER
les were admonished to be silent. At
one time, at least, it seemed as If mo-
ton would be made to clear them.
The three speeches which stirred the
assemblage to its depths were made
by Grosvenor, of Ohio, who, 1t was
assumed, spoke for the administration,
and who practically pledged it to the
cause of free Cuba; Bailey, of Texas.
the Democratic leader. who announced
the Democratic position as for Cuba
without war, if it could be avoided, but
with war if necessary, ami johnson, of
Indiana, who spoke for peace,
declaring that it was our duty
to 60 to the extreme in magnanimity
to avoid the horrors OF war. Lewis,
o Democrat from Washington, pro-
voked the speech OF Johnson, which
aroused the members Ind the galleries
to the fever pitch of excitement. Lewis
had denounced the proposition that
Cuba purchase her freedom from Spain,
which, it was alleged, the administra-
ton was fostering. Then it was that
Johnson. in brilliant speech, pleaded
for peace. He faced the storm of hiss
es which swept down upon him from
the galleries like Spartan, and with
passionate utterance adjured members
to pause before they plunged the coun.
try into war, the evils of which would
follow after in endless train. Little
progress was made with the naval bill.
The only important amendment adopt
ed WAS one apppropriating 500, 900 for
the erection of new buildings ct the
Naval Academy.
S1sT DAY.-After an exceedingly tur.
bulent session of six hours, the House
passed the naval appropriation bill and
then adjourned until Monday. The
war spirit was manifested in all the
speeches and overrode the naval COM
mittee itself by increasing the number
of torpedo boats and torpedo boat de.
stroyers to "a, the bill as reported rro-
viding for but II, and the appropriation
to s., 600, 600, instead of 80. 800. 900.