The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-30

to secure immediate Intervention In some
form and the recognition OF Cuban inde-
pendence. 1t was the first definite step fol-
lowing discussions in the cloakrooms and
Hobbies since the Presidents message was
submitted yesterday, by many members
who favor immediate and aggressive action.
Up to this afternoon the sentiment was
half-concealed but strong feeling against
voting money for Cuban relief unless ac-
companied by action to stop the war.
The meeting to-day was called with
view to accomplishing the unqualified re-
moval of the Spanish troops from Cuba and
the prompt armed Intervention in the af-
fairs of that island. Late this afternoon it
was decided to call meeting Immediately
after adjournment The word was quietly
passed around, but many who are enthus-
iastically in favor of Intervention failed of
notification, though the number present
would be sufficiently large by consolidation
with the Democratic forces to carry outsa
programme.
Representative Hopkins, as chairman,
briefly stated the objects of the meeting,
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 should
be brooked. He however thought the adj
mnistration might have another day or two
within which to act and. failing to do so,
that Congress should take the matter into
its own hands independently and at once.
He favored action looking to Cuban inde-
pendence. but made no specific suggestions
as to the method of it's accomplishment.
Representative Tawney. of Minnesota, an
other member of the ways and means COM
mittee, said this country should not stop
short of securing the absolute independence
of Cuba. He referred to efforts to have the
matter brought directly before the House,
and said he wished to secure a resolution for
the prompt consideration of the question on
the floor
Representative Belknap, of Illinois, who
favors immediate decisive action, took the
floor TO ask number of questions tending
to bring out the sentiment of the meeting
and the policy to be followed. Various views
We're presented as to the best means for
securing action, though the feeling that no
action other than the cessation of hostilities
on the island and absolute independence ap-
parently was unanimous
Representative Marsh, of Illinois, chair
man of the committee on the militia, made
vigorous speech in which he denounced
Spain as the proven cupable party to the
blowing up of the Maine. lie had hitherto
taken most conservative view of the sit
uation and had not believed it would be
shown that Spain had had hand in the
disaster. Now he said he would put an end
to Spanish rule there by immediate inter-
Vention and formal recognition of Cuban
independence just as early as Congress
could act. His references to Spanish poll
cies as to reconcentrados and other phases
Oh the war were warmly applauded.
ReDf6SQnfafiVa 7 ~.
considerable length and said he was in
favor of securing absolute Independence by
any means whatsoever. He deprecated the
delay that had already occurred and pro-
tested that the people of this country would
not stand the Withholding of action. Other
speakers were Representative Reeves of
LIMOS, Pierce of Missouri, Hicks of Penn
sylvania. Brumm of Pennsylvania, Mann of
lllnois, JOY OF Missouri, kirkpatrick of
pennsylvania, Arnold of Pennsylvania and
Lawrence of Massachusetts. Their speeches
were largely on the same lines
lt was pointed out that while it was fit
that the executive should be given as he
had been, reasonable time within which
to advise, it was exclusively the function
OF Congress to declare war, commence hos
tlitles or take action of that character.
The remarks made carried the view that
mere recognition of belligerency was not
to be considered for it would not of itself
bring cessation of hostilities and that in
terVention, armed and immediate, and rec
ognition of independence only would be
considered. Some more conservatiyely nut
IT. TO intervene and if necessary support
such action by the prompt dispatch of our
land and naval fore IS to Cuba"
After some vigorous speeches denuncia-
my nf Np>.sx. a
ton until o'clock tomorrow afternoon.
The present programme is to present to
Speaker Reed evidence that a large major
lty favors the step and the Cuban SYM
pathizers believe that once convinced of
the numbers enlisted in it's support he will
yield to them. 1t is also proposed to com
municate their sentiment to President Nc
kinley. The step to-day is expected to bear
fruit in important action in the House
Thursday. Tomorrow a poll of the House
will be taken
The following were among those who par
tcipated in the conference: Messrs Hop
Klns, Mann. Warner, White, Reeves. Bel
knap, Marsh and Lorimer of Illinois:
laWhey, OF Minnesota; Spaulding, William
Alden Smith, Samuel w. Smith Mesick
Shelden, Corliss and Hamilton, of Michigan;
Mercer, of Nebraska; White, of North Car
olina; Mudd. of Maryland; Sulloway: of
New Hampshire; Knox and Lawrence, of
Massachusetts; Johnson, of North Dakota:
Brownlow. of Tennessee; Colson, of Ken
lucky; Brown. of Ohio; Ellis, of Oregon:
Joy and Pierce, of Missouri and Brumm,
Hicks, Kirkpatrick and Arnold, of Penn
sylvania.
The Michigan delegation met this after
noon IN the room of the committee on for
eign affairs ard unanimously decided to call
upon President Mckinley Tomorrow morn
ing In body and urge upon him the neces-
sty and advisability for prompt and vigor
GUS action on the Cuban question They
viii say that in asking for intervention thev
represent the overwhelming sentiment Of
the people of Michigan. William Alden
Smith is chairman Of the delegation.
WILL MEET THIS MORNING
Senate Committee ON Foreign ReIa-
tiOns In Favor of Cubans
A