Omaha daily bee., 1898-02-24
CALM In THE SHADOW OF WAR
Only Five Senator's Vote for the Cuban
BelligerenOy Resolution
NUMBERS ADVISE LITTLE MORE PATIENCE
Allen Prccipitntes the Question and
Urges Immediate Recognition,
but the Sentiment is
Against Him.

WASHINGTON, Feb 23.-while the senate
mad under consideration the diplomatic and
consular appropriation bill today, a sharp de-
bate on the Cuban situation was precipitated
by Mr.. Allen, who offered as an amendment
the resolution passed by the senate year
ago recognizing the belligeront rights OF the
Cuban insurgents. The debate became gen.
eral and occupied nearly four hours.
In reply to the preliminary statement by
Mr. Allen, MIR. Morgan said that th's coun-
try's relations with Spain at the present
time were seriously strained, aud that in
terventoQ by the United States, which year
ago would have been offensive, would now
be almost a cause for war. He expressed the
opinion that the Cuban affair would eventu-
ally be submitted to the arbitrament Of the
sword between the United States and Spain
but he did not want war prec!piated by rash
acts OF Legislation.
Mr.. Foraker thought the day not distant
when the time for action by this country
would arrive, and that the chief magistrate
of the nation ought to rejoice that the legiar
lative branch was prepared to support him
in asserting American rights.
Mr.. Thurston Counseled camness and
b. prudence, for he believed that the country
was drifting into war with Spain. I'VE
ought to have patience" said he, "and wait
as great and powerful people, not in fear
but in hope that some satisfactory conclu-
sion OF the present difficulty may be
reached"
NO PLACE FOR DISCUSSION.
Mr.. Hoar maintained that the floor Of
the senate was no proper place for anSry
discussions OF international affairs, and thai
no senator should utter anything that might
not better be utter by the president of the
United States. IL expressed his willingness
to give his support to the executive should
tho time for action arrive provided the pro-
posed action was based upCu clear and un-
mistakable facts.
MIR Aliens amendment was ruled out of
order, and the appea! frcm the ruling taken
by the Nebraska senator was laid on the
table, 81 to 3.
Later in the day Mr. Allen offered a resolu-
tion providing for a committee of five sena-
tors who should 80 to Cuba and ascertain
the situation. Under the rules it went over
until tomorrow.
The resolution was as follows:
Whereas, It is the established doctrine of
the United States that the western hemi-
sphere shall be dedicated to republican forms
OF soyernment, recognizing the political
equality of human beings; and
Whereas, The principles of the Monroe
doctrine, or the doctrine Of national self
preservation, Is as applicable in wrestling
any portion of this continent from the
grasp of foreign countries as in preventing
them from obtaining additional territory;
and
Whereas, The island of cuba by reason of
its location and close proximity to the
United States should by right be dedicated
to republican form of government; and
Whercas, a republican form of govern
ment is and has been for nearly three years
maintained in said island by force of arms;
and
Whereas 1t is alleged that 100000 per-
sons on said island have died of starvation
by reason of being concentrated by the
Spanish government at various points, with
out being fed or afforded an opportunity to
provide food for themselves, ana hundreds
arc daily dying, and
Whereas, The dictates of humanity re-
qure tae intervention of the United States
in such case therefore,
Resolved, That a select committee of five
senators shall be appointed whose duty it
shal! be to forthwith make thorough in
Vcstieation and inquire into and report on
the following subjects:
/. TO what extent the work of concentrat-
Ing the inhabitans of Cuba has been carried
on by ne Spanish government, and how
many persons on said island have In the last
year died result of starvation or for
lack Of sufficient food and diseases incident
thereto, and to what extent concentration
is now being practced there by Spanish
authorities, and the condition Of the people
3 Whether the concentrated Cublns have
been adequately sheltered, clothed and fed
by the Spanish government or by others, or
have been permitted to obtain food and
clothing for themselves.
g. What lawful steps If any, are necessary
and can be taken by the United States to
bring the war IN Cuba to a speedy determi-
nation on grounds honorable alike to Spain
and Cuba. and which will result in the king
d9m OF SPAN TelhquShng IT'S nod on the
ifIlmu c an.u III thG eS,apIiShhieml i ol " repuo-
10 u eisn gnp'isb hSrb,rt,, and
cr,ielty have durinr the war now in progress
on the island OF cuba been practiced toward
the inhabitants of Cuba and what can be
lawfully done by the United States, If any
thing to ameNorate the condition OF the
SuDaHs, .,,,-, .,,,,, r,,. t,,,y, r,rr,o.os
soI '" coWrittee mav sif NJ ennb lines and
places as it may see proper during the ses-
aions of congress and in vacation and shall
have the right to visit and take testimony