The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-03-22
CONGRESS HARD TO CONTROL.
REPORT. ON MAINE LIKELY TO
PROVE A FIREBRAND.

Speaker Reed and the Cool Heads
Among the Republican Leaders to
Do Their Rest TO Keep Down the
War Spirit-The President Anxious
That Spain should lie Given Time
to Reply TO the Communication He
Is to Send.
Washington, March 21.-The President
has paved the way for his report to Con.
gress on the Cuban situation.
To-day has been one of,the most event.
full days at the White House since this
subject reached an acute stage.
Speaker Reed was the most conspicuous
visitor at the executive mansion and his
presence there was Of special significance,
in view of what followed.
Speaker Reed is somewhat of a stranger
at the White House, beause he has had
occasion to call there but once since the
advent of the present administration.
His visitation to-day was by special in
vitation of the President, who, in antici-
patton of the coming of the anxiously-
looked for report on the Maine disaster,
desired TO have a thorough understanding
proceedings in the House which may fol-
low The reception of the Presidents com
munication on the Cuban question to Con-
gress.
Under the general rules of practice in the
House of Representatives Presidential
message of such Importance, with the ac,
companying papers, should be referred to
the committee on foreign relations.
1t is possible that an attempt may be
made as soon as the Presidential COM
munication is received by the House to
discharge the committee from further con-
sideration of the subject. Such an effort
if successful, would overthrow the plans
of the administration and bring the whole
question directly before the House
There is no disposition on the part OF
the President to delay final action in this
matter, but it is essential for the dignity
and honor of the government that no
hasty or inconsderate move shall be made
on such a grave problem.
The President Will probably furnish the
Spanish government with a copy of the
| report of the court of inquiry, accompan-
led by a note containing such suggestions
looking 10 a settlement or our contention
as may be deemed expedient.
Under the circumstances diplomacy will
| be invoked to suspend action by Congress
until Spain Is given "A reasonable time to
| reply to the demands made upon it by this
! government. If such a course Is followec,
! the whole subject will be temporarily re-
! 1erred to committee, and then another
period OF anxious waiting to hear from
! Spain will ensue
| 1t is believed that Speaker Reed viii
| have sufficient support from both sides
of the chamber to enable him to carry
out this line of procedure
1t was suggested that the temper of the
! House may be such as TO demand imme-
diate action without referring the subject
! to the committee. There Is 'unquestionA- 20
! bly, large number of members who favor
| immediate action, but IL Is believed that a
! majority In the House as well as I'm tho
| Senate. is prepared to stand By the Pres
| ident and give him a reasonable time 10
carry out this line of policy.
1t is possible that the advocates of free
! Cuba, without further delay. may rebel
| against Speaker Reed and upset all the
! plans so carefully arranged to-day.
1t is certain that the leaders Of the Dem
/ ocratic party In the House are willing to
| go any reasonable extent with the Presi-
| dent to adjust this whole question in a
manner that will reflect credit on the en-
! tire nation but should they become inn
| pitSSfl Will lllt ihfc4 liidL AitNlf - - tilSF
of political strategy in the further post.
ponement of a settlement, there will be
an appeal from Speaker Reeds rulings,
| and a political row will follow.
1t Is believed that Representative Hit,
| as chairman of the committee on foreign
relations is capable OF presenting the case
to the House with so much force and per-
feet candor that he may be able to brush
aside any misgivings that his associates
may have as to the wisest and best policy
10 pursue in dealing with the important
subject There Is no man in Congress
better qualified for this difficult task than
Mr.. Hit He win state the position Of the
administration with all Of the ability at
his command, and whatever action the
House may finally decide to take they will
be advised before hard of the full force
and effect of the Presidents contentious
and the exact diplomatic status of the case