The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-03-30
CONGRESS- MUST DO IT.
Congressman Botkin Says Cuban Free
dom Depends on the Legisla-
tive Branch.

Rev. J. D. Botkin, congressman at
large, stopped in the city on his way
back to Washington. He has been to
Winfield where he was called last week
by the death of his father. Discussing
congressional affairs he said:
IF anything be done in the Cuban
matter, congress will be compelled to
take the bull by the horns and override
the president. The policy of the ex-
ecutive does not SAVIOR of any intention
to bring about the desired result-Cu-
ban freedom.
1T seems that the president is weak
ening in his policy which means that he
is going back on the sentiment of the
American people. While the people of
this country do not seek war, they have
grown tired of Spanish iniquities in Gu
ba and want to see a speedy termina-
ton of the struggle for freedom in
which the Cuban patriots are engaged.
Think of it. Thousands of Cubans
dying from starvation and nothing
done by this great country of ours to-
wards giving them the liberty they so
much covet. 1 do not believe that the
president will do anything but If the
American congress is placed in charge
of the matter something will be done.
The temper of congress is for war and
Cuban independence. 1t seems that
one cannot be secured without the 9th
er and congress is ready to stand by
both.
President McKinley's inactivity is
due, in my opinion, to the influence of
Wall street and the wealthy men who
have so much to do with outlining the
financial policy of our government.
Too many secret conferences have been
held with spectators and bondholders
for the benefit of this country. We do
not have free and independent action
on the part of our chief executive and
for that reason pub affairs are now
complicated and great uncertainty at
taches to the probable attitude Of the
president.
"A Republican congressman from
New England said to me a few days
ago in the capitol: 'Botkin, I do not
like Mckinley's attitude in regard to
Cuba and believe it is high time Wall
street got its nose out of public af-
fairs. have just returned from
call on the president and told him un-
less he takes a decided stand, at once,
he will take a tumble in the estimation
of the American people which will re-
tire him permanently to private life at
the expiration of his present term.
told him all these things and if that be
treason to my party, let them make the
most of it This sentiment" con-
tinued Mr.. Botkin, may be heard on
all sides. It is pity to see a man like
Mckinley, the president of a great
country like ours, delayed and really
prevented from moving in the cause Of
humanity by the influence of the money
power which is responsible for the Op
preston which the people of the United
States are suffering today.
Cuba should be free and if congress
is permitted to do as the members wish
she will be Free concluded Mr.. Bot4xin
with emphasis.
AS to adjournment of congress Mr..
Botkin does not express an opinion
owing to the present condition of af-
fairs. You may rest assured that the
record will be: nothing done; no diff
ference when we adjourn" said Mr..
Botkin, eff the policy of the administra-
tor is followed in the future as it has
been in the past