The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-03-30
Withdrawal Of Her Troops From
the Island Wanted.
DELAY ACTION FOR A DAY.
The Fifty Members at the Meeting
Only Waiting,

Washington March 29.-The revolt In the |
House against further delay of action on
the Cuban issue eliminated to-day in
conference of Republican members, whose |
ideas are in accordance with a positive
early course.
About fifty representatives attended, |
representing all sections Representative |
Hopkins of Illinois, member of the ways
and means committee, presided.
Representative JOY of Missouri was Sec
retary.
The meeting was called to take steps
to secure immediate intervention in some
FORM and the recognition of Cuban inde-
pendence. 1t was the first definite step
following discussions in the cloak rooms
and Hobbies since the Presidents message
was submitted yesterday, by many mem
bers who favor immediate and aggressive
action
Up to this time there was half-con-
cealed but strong feeling against voting
money for Cuban relief unless accompa-
MED by action to stop tnss war ..~.
The meeting to-day was called with a
view to accomplishing the unqualified re-
moval of the Spanish troops from Cuba
and prompt armed intervention in the af-
fairs of that island.
Late this afternoon it was decided to
call meeting Immediately after adjourn
ment. The word was quietly passed
around but many who are enthusiastical-
ly in favor of Intervention failed of noti-
flcation, though the number present would
be sufficiently large by consolidation with
the Democratic forces to carry out pro-
gramme.
Representative Hopkins briefly stated the
objects of the meeting. He indicated his
disappointment that the Presidents mes
sage carried no outline of definite respon-
sive policy toward Spain, and he did not
believe further delay should be brooSed
He, however thought the administration
might have another day or two within
which to act, and failing to do so, Con-
gress should take the matter into its own
hands independently and at once. He fav-
ored action looking to Cuban independence,
but made no specific suggestions as 10
| the method of its accomplishment.
Representative Tawney of Minnesota,
another member of the ways and means
committee. said this country should not
stop short of securing the absolute inde>
pendence of Cuba. He referred to the ef-
forts to have the matter brought directly
before the House and said he wished to
secure a resolution for the prompt consid-
GRAFTON of the question on the floor
Representative Belknap of Illinois, who
| favors immediate, decisive action, took
| the floor to ask a number of questions
tending to bring out the sentiment Of the
meeting and the policy to be followed.
Various vews we're presented as to the
| best means for securing action, though
the feeling that no action other than the
cessation of hostillties on the island, and
absolute independence should be taken ap-
| parenuy was unanimous.
| Representative Marsh of Illinois, chair
man Of the committee on the militia, made
a vigorous speech In which he denounced
| Spain as the proven culpable party to the
| blowing up of the Maine. He had hitherto
! taken a most conservative view of the
situation and had not believed 1t 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 a formal recognition of Gu
ban independence Just as earnestly as
Congress could act. His reference to Span
ish policies as to the reconcentrados and
other phases of the war were warmly ap-
plauded.
Representative Lorimer also spoke at
considerable length and said he was In IA
| Vor of securing absolute independence by
any means whatsoever. He deprecated the
delay that had already occurred and pro-
tested that the peop.e Of this country would
not stand the Withholding of action. other
| speakers were Representatives Reese, Of
Illinois, Hicks, of Pennsylvania, Brumm,
| of Pennsylvania, Mann Of Illinois, Joy of
Missouri, Kirkpatrick of Pennsylvania,
Arnold of Pennsylvania and Lawrence OF
Massachusetts.
1t was pointed out that while Il was it
that the executive should be given, as he
had been, q reasonable time within which
to advise, Il was exclusively the function
of Congress to declare war, commence hos
tllities or take action of that character
The remarks carried the view that mere
recognition Of belligerency was not to be
considered, for it would not OF itself bring
a cessation of hostllities and that inter-
vention. armed and immediate. and recog-
milton of independence only, would be con-
sidered. Some more conserva lively put