The record-union., 1898-03-31
On a Proposition to Pass a ResOIu-
ton for Cuban Independence.
Members of the Majority Refuse to Support
the Democratic Leader, Sus-
tanning Speaker Reeds
Ruling.

and uproarious scene occurred in the
cratic leader, attempted to force the
hand Of the Republicans upon a propo-
sition to overrule the Speaker and
pass a resolution recognizing the indie
pendence of the Cuban Republic He
was cheered on by the crowded gall
leries, but the members of the ma
jority refused to support him. Many
| of them sympathized with the purpose
of the resolution, Hull Chairman of
the Military Committee, going so far
! as to indorse the proposition, under
| the impression that it provided for a
declaration of war, but most of the
radicals who yesterday were in favor
OF any sort of revolutionary method
had been won over to the policy of
sticking to the party organization, and
refusing to do anything until the in
itiative came from their side. They
We're rallied by two of the leading ad-
vocates of armed intervention, and the
Speaker himself from the chair made
an indirect appeal to his party asso-
ciates to stand firm. at the same time
/ intimating that if their impatience was
curbed little longer they would have
| the opportunity coveted.
When the vote was taken only two
Republicans, Acheson and Robbins of
Pennsylvania, broke from the party
lines. About a dozen more sat in their
seats and refused to vote The scene
throughout was most dramatic, and
/ the members and spectators in the gall
! leries were wrought up to a high pitch
of excitement
Several times, later in the day, during
, the consideration of the naval bill,
| whenever the Cuban question was
b1oached. the members swarmed
around the Speaker, and the galleries
when Cummings of New York spoke.
Boutelle, who objected to a request
for extension of his time, was Kissed.
The only important action on the naval
to sustain a point of order against the
provision for a floating steel dock at
Algiers, La
THE STORM BREAKS FORTH
The storm broke Immediately after
the reading of the journal, when
Bailey, the Democratic leader, demand
ed recognition as a matter of privilege
and offered a resolution
A profound sensation followed. Mem
bers rose en- masse all over the House.
No one knew what the resolution con-
tanned, but all knew that it related to
the all-absorbing topic of Cuba
Evans (R) of Kentucky interposed to
declare that q pension bill coming over
from last night was in order and amid
intense excitement the Speaker, with
white, stern face, held that the regular
order was the consideration of the PEN
sion bill, which he directed the clerk to
read.
While it was being read Bailey re-
cuested that the resolution be sent
back to him. AS soon as the pension
bill was passed he was again on his
feet demanding recognition, but Bou-
telle, Chairman of the Naval Affairs
Committee, was also calling for recog-
milton. and the Speaker recognized him,
pausing amid the clamor and confu-
sion to inform Bailey calmly that his
rights would be respected.
Boutelle then moved that the House
go into Committee of the Whole ard
resume consideration of the naval APP
preparation bill.
Pending that notion announced
the Speaker, the gentleman from
Texas states that he desires to present
privileged question. The gentleman
will state it."
BAILEY'S RESOLUTION.
Bailey then offered the resolution for
the recognition of the independence of
Cuba, as follows:
Resolved. by the Senate and House of
Representatives that the heroic strug
gle of the Cuban people against the force
OF arms and the horrors of famine has
shown them worthy to be free; and
! Second, the United States hereby re-
cognizes the Republic of Cuba as an
| independent State.
| The reading was listened to amid sill
ence profoundly impressive, and at its