The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-04-01
HOUSE AT A HIGH PITCH
THREE HOURS OF PASSIONATE
ORATORY ON CUBA

The Administration Practically
Pledged to independence by
GrOsvenor, of Ohio-DemOcratic
Position Outlined by Bailey
johnson, of Indiana, Greeted
With q Storm of Kisses.
WASHINGTON, March 31.-For three
hours today packed galleries and .ex-
cited members of the house listened to
a passionate Outburst of Oratory on the
Cuban question, during which the in
tensity Of feeling was alternately man
ifested by cheers, jeers and Kisses.
Time and again the excited throngs in
the galleries were admonished to be
silent, and once at least, it seemed as
if motion would be made to clear
them
The three speeches which stirred the
assemblage to it's depths were made by
Mr. Grosvenor, Of Ohio, who, it was as
sumed, spoke for the administration,
and who practically pledged it to the
cause Of free Cuba. Mr.. Bailey, OF
Texas, the Democratic leader, who an
nounced the Democratic position as for
free Cuba, without war if it could be
avoided, but with war If necessary, and
Mr.. Johnson, of Indiana, who spoke for
to go to the extreme in magnanlmlty IN
order to avoid the horrors of war.
Mr.. Lewis, a Democrat from Wash
ington, provoked the speech of Mr..
Johnson, which aroused the members
and the galleries to the fever pitch OF
excitement. Mr.. Lewis had denounced
the proposition that Cuba purchased
her freedom from Spain. which, 1t was
alleged, the administration was los.
tering.
Then It was that Mr.. Johnson, in
brilliant speech, pleaded for peace. He
faced the storm of Kisses which swept
down upon him from the galleries like
a Spartan, and with passionate utter
ance adjured members to pause before
they plunged the country into war, the
evils Of which would follow after in
endless train.
The house has had before illuStra-
t;cns of Mr. Johnson's fearlessness, but
none so striking as today when he es-
poused the unpopular cause and plead
ed to let diplomacy have its way. AT
the same time he gave 1t as his opinion
that if an ultimatum had been sent TO
Spain it meant war, as SPANS pride
would not permit her TO humlllate her-
self before the world.
He eulogized every influence that
made for peace, and declared his belief
that the Cuban junta would agree to
paw S100, 900, 600 for the independence Of
the island.
Ringing Speech.
Mr.. Bailey, the Democratic leader,
was quick to seize the advantage which
MIR. Johnson's position &had afforded,
and in a ringing speech, which set his
followers and the galleries wild, he an
nounced his belief, from what Mr..
Johnson had said, that the purpose of
the Republicans in refusing to join
with the Democrats yesterday was to
give the administration an opportunity
to compel the Cuban patriots to buy
the independence they had won from
the butchers of Spain. He said he too
deplored war, and in describing its aW
full horrors as the Southern people had
known them, drew tears from the eyes
of some OF his colleagues.
He declared there was yet a chance
to avert war. He had been told within
twenty-four hours by representative
of the Cuban juuta that they did not
want to involve the United States in
war. All they wanted was to have
their independence recognized. With
the munitions Of war and the recruits
they could then obtain. their indepen-
dence could be achieved.
In conclusion he said the Democrats
were for free Cuba without war if pos
sible, with war if necessary.
Climax of Debate.
This speech by Mr.. Bailey drew the
fire of the administration spokesman
on the floor; Gen. Grosvenor, of Ohio.
With his reply the climax of the day
was reached. He charged Mr.. Bailey
with attempting to make political cap
ital He denounced the statements
that the administration intended to
force Cuba to buy her freedom as the
silly invention of an idiot, and de-
clared that from the president down
this administration was for free Cuba
Recognition of her independence, he
said, would be but half measure. He
thrilled his auditors when he asked
what meant the war preparations that
were going on night and day, if not
that when action was taken looking
to the independence Of Cuba it would
be backed up, if necessary, by the army
and navy of the United States.
After Mr.. Grosvenor concluded the
debate went on, the most significant
utterance being made by Mr.. Cum
mings, a New York Democrat, who de-
nounced the political character which
the question was assuming as unpa-
triotic and unwise.
Messrs. Grow (Rep., Pa.), Griggs
Oem., N. ", Norton Dem, o. and
Skinner Pop., N. Co. also spoke.
Little progress was made with the
naval bill. The only important amend
ment adopted was one appropriating
$4,000 for the erection Of new build
ings at the naval academy.
Pardoned by the President.
WASHINGTON, March 31.-Representatiye
Fletcher today secured the pardon of b. S.
Tyler, colored, a former resident of Mime
apolis, who was sentenced to six months i'm
prisonment and to pay s1,CG0 fine for theft In
Yellowstone park He has served about three
months of time
Straits Closed.