The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-02-10

ly, that this Is an effort to put the ad-
ministraton in leading strings" He was
Republican and was proud Of the patri-
otlsm of the executive. But, Mr., Mason
said, he spoke his personal convictions on
the cause Of Cuba. The senator from
Maine (Mr. Halo had declared that no
American names could he cited In connec-
ton with the Cuban cause, but at least
two names could be given from passing
memory-Funston of Kansas and Raby.
son of a well-known citizen of Chicago.
Supplies and relief had been flowing to
Cuba and witch them the arms and powder
with which the Spaniards were to kill the
women and children of Cuba.
IL am charged with seeking war" ex-
claimed the senator. but my resolution is
for peace. One word from this admlnls-
tration would bring peace to this CONT
nent, and under the providence of God
we believe 1t would bring independence to
Cuba"
There was a burst of applause at this
declaration.
The thumbscrews of the inqusition was
again brought into use in Cuba, proceed
ed Mr.. Mason. The plncers that tear the
flesh from human bones have contributed
to the carnival of cruelty. Three hum
dred thousand people starved Three
hundred thousand more marching to the
gravel And yet the cry was raised that
war was being sought, when the one and
only cry was for peace and an end to this
atroclty
Mr. Hale interrupted at his point to say
that Mr.. Masons figures of those said to
be dead and starving We're far exaggerated
and out of all proportion to the known
population of the island.
such statements are monstrous," de-
clared Mr.. Hale
a. 1T. -
Mason.
THE statement was monstrous." added
Mr. Hale, lin its Inconsistency with the
known number of people OF the island
Figures given would show, he said that
one out OF three of the population had
died"
Eyes, andsin some provinces 50 per cent,
or one In two" answered Mr. Mason
He said he would establish his statement
by the letters of Mr.. Pepper, a man recog-
niZed as conservative In his statements.
Mr.. Hale interposed that II the state
ments Of newspaper correspondents were
to be cited then both views should be Civ
en- and the statement Of Mr.. Weightman
another newspaper correspondent should
be placed alongside Mr. Peppers
Mr.. Mason proceeded to read the state
ments OF correspondents as to the famine
and distress in Cuba. He called attention
to the fact that Mr.. Peppers startling
statements had been written since the mild
hammered Blanco had assumed control in
Cuba, and had attempted to bride the In
surgents into peace the insurgents whom
he was afraid to fight.
He referred to the statements of Mr.
Hale that President Grant had not inter-
fered in the ten-years war. but he urged
that the situation both in this country and
in Europe had materially changed since
that time. Our own country, he said, was
In the throes of reconstruction at the time,
and was In no position to intervene in that
war. Now our position Is different, and
back of II all was the demand OF our own
people that we take official and definite
cOgnizance of the war in Cuba. This he
discussed in the view of an international
lawyer.
Referring to the duty of the United
States Senator Mason said: This govern
ment ought TO maintain that the horrible
massacres which are now too common in
the island of Cuba, and conducted under
the guise of warfare, must be stopped. We
have no right as a neutral nation, fully
regardfu OF the rights of ALL to look upon
such a warfare as within any reasonable
construction Of international law. The
nag of truce has been abandoned, prison.
ers OF war are being shot, and 1t Is eve
dent that no rule of civilized warfare Is
being observed The conflict has Develop
ed into a mere matter Of murder on boz
sides-prisoners Of war being shot or ma
cheted without trial"
Mr. Mason described the recent killing
of the Cuban General, Arangueren, de-
plotting brilliantly and with much effect all
the shocking details Of that act.
He declared this was not civilized war
fare and he held that the government Of
the United States had ample authority
TO interfere and 70 demand that the rules
Of warfare as recognized by civilized ma
lions be respected. He referred briefly to
the trip made by Capt. Gen. Blanco
through the island, riding as he did, In
an armored car, under heavy escort OF
Spanish troops.
Thus protected" declared Mr.. Mason
"he leaves men, women and children to
starve, while the fund placed in his hands
to relieve the distress of the reconcen-
trados and paclficos is being used to APP
peal as brides TO the Cuban leaders with
itching palms"
Mr.. Mason then read letter purport-
ing to be the answer Of Gen. Gomez to
Gen. Blanco's OFFER or vessel TO enable
him Gomez 10 leave the island of Cuba
in safety
Think of this grand old soldier, brave
as he is" shouted Mr.. Mason. fighting
for country he loves. lighting In storm
and sunshine, fighting too, with the
knowledge that his own son had been
sacrificed to the cause. Think of his be-
ing approached by that bride giver, that
military prostitute, Blanco, with pitiful
bride for his honor"
Now that the Spanish forces have refus-
ed open battle. said Mr. Mason. the only
hope of Spain is TO overcome the Cuban
leaders by brides.
Reverting again to discussion of the
bearing OF International law upon the con-
hict Mr.. Mason contended that Uncle
Sam was IN effect a policeman whose duty
IL was to exercise his power 20 prevent
bloodshed upon the fair island.
Should the President axe such action"
declared Mr. Mason, The would, as has
been the case in every other crisis Of olir