The herald., 1898-04-06
"A FIGHT CERTAIN
WHEN THE CUBAN RESOLUTION
is REPORTED
two SENATE FACTIONS
ARE READY TO DO BATTLE FOB
THEIR IDEAS
ADVOCATES OF Intervention
Will Bitterly Oppose a Resolution
Recognizing the Independence
of the Cuban Government
Press Special Wire

Associated Press Special Wire
WASHINGTON, April 5.-A debate
which occurred in the executive session OF
the senate late this afternoon would indi-
cate that no matter what was the charac-
ter of the resolution to come from the
committee on foreign relations the reso-
luton would cause serious, and perhaps
prolonged, discussion. 1t emphasized the
fact that there are two elements in the sem
ate-one for independence with interven-
tion, and one for Intervention alone, and
| these two factions will fight vigorously for
| their ideas. .,..
| The relations of the United States with
Spain was the uppermost topic in the ex-
ecutive session, and constituted the SUBJ
ject of many conferences among senator's.
The activity was due to the announce
ment that the presidents message would
recommend the adoption of policy look
ing to Intervention In Cuba on the part OF
the executive branch of the government.
rather than the recognition Of independ-
ence, and to an effort to make smooth the
way for the reception Of such report.
The executive session developed the fact
the acceptance of policy in line with the
presidents desires. The question was
raised by Senator Allen, who made a long
speech predicting much dissatisfaction in
the country at large with a policy on the
part Of the executive that did not 60 to the
extent of giving the Cubans their entire in-
dependence of the mother country.
Senator Allen was followed by other
speakers in the same line, and the fact was
made very evident that IL the committee ON
foreign relations should bring in resolu-
ton merely complying with the presidents
request, and stopping short Of a declara-
tion for independence, there would be IN
effort In the senate to amend 1t 10 az to
accomplish this end.
A resolution was offered that the entire
Cuban question should be considered be-
hind closed doors on account of the prob
ability of utterances which would afford
Information to the enemy. This PROPOSE
ton was debated, but without reaching .
conclusion.
While the senate was in executive ses-
sion, formidable element in the senate
was considering what would be done In
case resolutions should be reported pro-
viding for recognition of independence.
This faction was composed Of what ID
known as the conservative element on the
Republican side of the senate. The con-
ference was held in Senator Aldrich's COM
mittee room, and among those present
were Senators Hanna. Platt Of Connecti-
cut, Spooner, Hale, Fairbanks and Aldrich.
Senator Allison was also there part of the
time. A general purpose was expressed
to oppose the adoption of any report that
would recommend a recognition Of Cuban
kIak lnAA
confine itself to the support of the presi-
dents recommendation for Intervention
only. Later in the day Senators Allison
and Aldrich had prolonged conference
with Senators Davis, Frye and Lodge Of
the committee on foreign relations. These
members Of the foreign committee were
able to assure the other senators that no
effort would be made to report the resolu-
ton tomorrow, or on the same day on
which the message should be received: but
they could not give the same assurance az
to the character of the resolution.
Th prevailing opinion among senator's Is
that the committee will recede from ito
position, both for independence and intsr-
yention, and report a resolution In accord.
ance with the presidents accommodation.
for intervention alone, but this is not Ger.
tain.
OF three members of the committee seen.
all classed as pro-Cuban, Senator Frye an
rounced himself satisfied with interven-
tion; Senator Foraker announced that he
would not favor the change; Senator Davis
refused to commit himself Senator Lodge
had previously said he would support the
presidents position.
There was no cabinet meeting at the
White House. but several members spent
the evening with the president and Mrs.
Mckinley.
1t is thought that over a thousand Amer.
leans will be eager to leave Havana to.
morrow. Whether any armed vessel from
the Key West squadron will be at hand to-
morrow when the exodus begins could not
be learned, but 1t is said at the White
House that "all Americans will be well
cared for" -
OPINIONS VARY
Among the Republicans of the house
there is a marked conflict Of opinion as
to whether in the event the president recs
ommends Intervention only. and nos the
recognition of the independence of Cuba.
| they will accede to his view OF the Ques.
tion. The same conflict exists among the
Republicans Of the foreign AFFAIRS cons
mittee Some Of the radicals who engaged
In the movement to force immediate action
seem inclined to discredit the report that
the president will not recommend the rec.
opuition of the independence Of Cuba
In the foreign affairs committee Of the
house, Mr.. Smith Of Michigan and Mn
Heatwole (Rep.) of Minnesota are for in-
dependence, and Mr.. Adams Of Pennsyl-
vania, Mr.. Cousins Of Iowa, Mr.. Gillette
of Massachusetts, and Mr.. Henry Of Indi-
ana are for intervention II the president
makes that accommodation. and MI.
Quigg of New York and Mr.. Person o1
North Carolina are In doubt. The solid
Democratic minority viii be for Independs