The record-union., 1898-02-24
MORGAN SOUNDS A
NOTE OF WARNING.
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The pending amendment is little
less than declaration of war in dis
guise. If we mean to declare war, let
US do so like men. and not endeavor
to conceal ourselves behind so trans
parent a cloak. Those who are con-
stantly seeking to benefit the sacred
cause of Cuban liberty, particularly
with such claims as this, cannot ac-
complish their purposes by such rash
acts of legislation as is this amend
ment.''
Morgan declared that the Cubans had
already fought and won their revolu-
tion, and nothing remained but for them
to continue their belligerent attitude un
til Spain should recognize the republic.
Teller did not accept Morgan's posi-
ton that the adoption of this amend
ment would be declaration of war. He
had, he said, reached the conclusion
that the recognition of beliigerency
rested With the executive.
Foraker announced his intention to
vote against the amendment, explaining
his reason to be the fact that il was
sought to make a rider on an appropria-
ton bill. He said he had voted for the
belligerency resolution, couched in pre-
cisely the same terms as this which was
adopted year ago, and he always had
been glad that he had done so. Ie had
always believed that mistake had been
made in not recognizing the belligerent
rights of the contending Cubans. A
declaration of belligerency would not be
an act of hostility.
In conclusion Foraker said: Il
expect at no very distant day that there
will be an appropriate occasion for
further remarks upon this question. l
think the time is coming for action.
When it comes, the time for discussion
viii be here, and the problem may be
appropria teIy discussed"
Thurston said he had voted to ac-
cord belligerent rights to the Cuban in
surgents both times it had come before
the Senate. Il have never ceased to re-
gret," said he, that the United States
did not afford to the CubanS beligerent
rights at the time when the cruelties and
barbarities of Weyler would have won
for US the sympathy of the civilized
world Had we recognized the belligere-
ncy of those struggling people then, L
believe that ere this they would have
been in possession of the island, and we
would be IN no danger Of war l be-
lieve now that we are drifting into
war with Spain. When the President
delivered to US his message, he set time
to running, and that time has ever since
been running. Spain has not been able
to quell the rebellion, and the possibil-
ity of peace is growing more and more
remote. The time is coming, God knows
how soon it viii be here, when action in
accordance with the Presidents mes
sage must be taken-when we shall
either have to back down from our posi-
ton or intervene in the Cuban affair,
with the probability of war.
There is enough being said over this
country concerning the inquiry now pro-
ceeding in Havana into the Maine cat
astrophe to involve US in war. Our
people in the present delicate situation
might we'll be at their affairs praying
for calmness and peace. l hope that the
inquiry now proceeding in Havana will
develop nothing that may involve US in
hostilities, but while that inquiry is
proceeding, we in the Senate should
maintain most circumspect attitude,
and be calm and quiet"
Thurston thought that the court of in
qury ought not in any manner to be
hampered by any friction of trouble
here. I'VE ought to have patience"
said he "and wait as a great and pow
erful people, not in fear, but in hope that
some conclusion to the present difficulty
may he reached
Allen made an extended reply to the
arguments advanced against his posi-
ton. He maintained that this was the
first time the beiligerency had been pre-
sented to the Senate when there was any
chance of its being effective. The House
would be brought face to face with IL,
and it would be brought to vote in that
body. 1t could not be buried in COM
mittee.
Hoar maintained that before taking
any action of that kind, the United
States ought to have a clear and unques-
toned statement of the facts in the
case. He expressed the opinion that
the enactment of bellgerency resolu-
ton at the present time would be pro-
ductive of war, because of the friction
that would be created by Spain exercis-
ing the right of search of United States
vessels on the high seas. Hoar said that
severe partisan and angry discussion,
particularly on such question as pend
ing, have no part in the proceedings OF
the Senate-no more part than they
would have in the Supreme Court. Spain,
he thought, would have just cause of
complaint on account of these violent
discussions.
Stewart of Nevada made a speech in
favor of granting belligerent rights to
the Cubans q once.
Hale made the point of order against
the amendment that it was general leg
isiation, and had, under the rules, no
place in the bill.
The Vice President sustained the point
and Allen took an appeal from the rul-
ing.
Bacon of Georgia pointed out that any
unfriendly action on the part of fhe
United States toward Spain might cause
that nation to interfere with the con-
duct of the Maine investigation. He
suggested that now was the time for
Congress and the American people to
remain quiet, and not to agitate an al
ready critical situation by discussion Of
fensive To a friendly nation.
Hale then moved TO lay the appeal on
the table. and Allen demanded the yeas
and na-s.
Hale's motion was carried-o1 to D.
those voting against the motion being
Allen OF Nebraska. Cannon of Utah,
Heitfeld of Idaho. Mason of Illinois and
Teller az Colorado.
The Senate then, at 5:15, went into