The record-union., 1898-02-24
There Must be Sufficient and Proper
Grounds Upon Which to Base 1t.
The Alabama Senator Declares His 0ppoSi-
iiOn TO Attaching a Resolution De-
carng BaIIigerenGy 10 Cuhans
to an Appropriation Bill.

w NASHlNGION, EeD. Z.6.--N 1lie the
Senate had under consideration the dip
1omatic and consular appropriation bill
to-day a sharp debate on the Cuban
situation was precipitated by Allen Of
Nebraska. who offered as an amend
ment the resolution passed by the Sem
ate year ago recognizing the belliger-
ent rights of the Cuban insurgents. The
debate became general, and occupied
nearly fou ur hours.
In the course of a reply to the pre-
liminary statement by Allen, Morgan
of Alabama said that this country :
relations With Spain at the present time
were seriously strained, and that inter-
vention by the United States, which 4
year ago would have been inoffensve,
would now be almost a cause of war.
He expressed the opinion that the Gu
ban affair would eventually be submit
ted to arbitrament of the sword be-
tween the United States and Spain, but
he did rot want war precipitated by
rash acts of legislation.
Foraker of Ohio thought the day not
far distant when the time for action
by this country would arrive.
Thurston of Nebraska counseled
calmness and prudence, for he believed
that the country was rapidly drifting
into a war with Spain.
Hoar oe Massac achusetts maintained
that the floor of the Senate was no
proper place for angry discussion Of
international affairs. and that no SEN
atOr ought to utter anything that might
not we'll be uttered by the President
of the United States.
Aliens amendment was finally ruled
out of order. and the appeal from the
ruling taken by the Nebraska Senator
was laid on the table by a vote CT 51
to 3
Early in the day Allen offered a res
olution providing for a committee of
tive Senators who should go to Cuba
and ascertain the precise situation on
the island. Under the rules it went
over until tomorrow. The resolution
is as follows:
Whereas, it is an established doctrine
of the United States that the Western
Hemisphere shall be dedicated to re-
publican form of government recogniZ-
ing the political equality of human be-
ings: and,
Whereas, the principles of the Non
roe doctrine or the doctrine of national
self-preservation is as applicable in
wrestling any portion of this country
from the grasp of foreign countries as
in preventing them from gaining addi-
tional territory: and,
Whereas, the Island of Cuba. by rea-
son of its location and close proximity
to the United States, should of right he
dedicated to a republican form of gov
ernment; and,
Whereas, republican form of gov
ernment has been for nearly three
years maintained in said island by fosce
OF arms: and,
Whereas, it is alleged that the hun
dred thousand persons on said islands
have died of starvation by reason of
having been concentrated by the Span
ish authorities at various points with
out being afforded an opportunity 10
provide food for themselves, and hun
dreds are daily dying; and,
Whereas, the dictates of humanity
require the Intervention of the United
States in such case; therefore. be it
Resolved, That a select committee of
five Senators shall be appointed, whose
duty 1t shall be to forthwith make a
thorough investigation and inquire into
and report on the following subjects:
First-To what extent the work of
concentrating the inhabitants of Cuba
has been carried on by the Spanish
Government, and how many persons OH
said island have in the last year died
as result of starvation or for .acx
OF sufficient food and diseases incident
thereto, ard to what extent concentea-
tion is now being practiced there by
Spanish authorities. and the condition
of the people concentrated.
Second-W the concentrated
Cupans have been equally. shelter
ed, clothed and fed by the Spanish
Government or by others, or have been
permitted to obtain food and clothing
for themselves
Third-What lawful steps, if any. are
necessary and can be taken by the
United States to bring the war in Cuba
to a speedy termination on grounds
alike honorable to Spain and Cuba, and
which Will result in the kingdom OF
Spain relinquishing its hold on the 81
and and in the establishment of a re.
publican form of government there.
Fourth-To determine to what extent
Spanish barbarity and cruelty dur