Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-04-01
FIFTY-FIFTH CONGRESS-.
WASHINGTON, April l.
Crby Trp

The attendance both in the galleries
and on the floor Of the Senate at the
opening of to-day's session was lighter
than it had been for work.
Mr.. Mitchell presented q telegram
signed by score or more of prominent
citizens of Milwaukee, saying that the
business and conservative elements of
the country were in favor of peace, un-
less war should be demanded to pre-
serve the honor and dignity of the
country. 1t was referred to the con-
mittee on foreign relations.
Mr.. Bacon offered a resolution, which
was adopted, requesting the Secretary
of War to inform the Senate what pro-
visions had been made to protect the
sea coast cities of Georgia and what
part of the emergency appropriation OF
| $50, 100000 had been allotted for the
defense of Georgia's sea coast.
Mr.. Chandler then called up the res
olulion which he introduced yesterday
requesting the President to send to the
Senate the Cuban consular correspond
ence. At the request of Mr.. Chandler
the resolution was referred TO the COM
mittee on foreign relations, the Senator
expressing the hope and belief that it
would be promptly acted upon.
Mr.. Chandler then introduced reso-
luton calling upon the Secretary of
State for such information as has been
received by his department concerning
the condition of the reconcentrados in
Cuba, including the reports from U. S.
consuls in Cuba. The resolution went
over.
1t was decided that when the Senate
adjourn today it be until Monday
next.
Mr.. Lodge, saying that he desired to
bring before the Senats a matter of
Importance which ought to be consid-
cred in secret session moved that the
Senate go into executive session. The
motion was agreed to.
Senator Lodge opened the proceed
ings.in the secret session with state
ment concerning the advantage of con-
trolling the Danish islands. He argued
that this country should own them for
strategic purposes.
Senator Gray replied in opposition to
this policy, basing his antagonism on
, the ground that it was contrary to the
| policy of the United States to acquire
territory outside of its continental
lines, and saying that the possession Of
| the islands would inevitably involve us
in international entsngements. II We
should acquire the islands for strategic
purposes their fertilization would be a
necessity and that would involve q
great expense. Furthermore, if there
was an idea of utilizing them in case OF
war with Spain over Cuba it should not
be forgotten that we had in our OWE
possession at Key West territory
nearer Havana than either Of the Dan
sh islands.
Senators Frye and Lodge replied that
it was evident from the developments
so far made that Porto RIGA rather than
Havana would be the center of our war
with Spain and in that event the Dan
ish group would be of inestimable adj
vantage to US. Indeed they considered
it almost essential to an an early end
ing of the war. They asserted that
SPANS coal supply at Porto Rico was
extremely limited and that it could BE-
practically controlled by US if we should
own the Danish possessions in that
quarter. They also stated it to be the
earnest desire Of the administration to
control the islands.
Senators Cockrell and Pettigrew also
opposed the resolution. Mr.. Cockrell
commended that it would be great mis-
take from q naval point of view to &C
quire the islands and Mr.. Pettigrew said
that the islands would only make ad-
ditional territory to protect in case OF
war with Spain over the Cuban question
Senator Cockrell said that in case OF
war with Spain, Porto Rico could
be taken more cheaply than the Danish
islands could be defended.
All the Senators who spoke, includ-
ing members of the committee on for
eign relations, looked on war as inevi-
table, basing ali their arguments for
and against acquisition upon this the
ory.
Senator Morgan favored the resolu-
ton and in doing SO dwelt more or less
upon the outlook for war. He detail
| ed the destruction of the Maine, ex-
pressing the opinion that it was due to
| Spanish treacnery.
Senator Tillman interrupted at this
iuncture to say that any child would
know that the vessel was blown up from
| the outside. What we wanted to know,
he said, was who did it. If the com.
mittee knew, the Senate should, he
said, be informed and the committee
should not pursue its usual course OF
keeping important developments from
the Senate.
This intimation was made in a brief
speech in Senator Morgau's time and
created quite scene. Senator Gray,
member of the committee, demanded
that Mr.. Tillman should give names
when he made charges. The South
Carolina Senator was proceeding in the
same general lines when Mr.. Morgan,
who bad grown very impatient, asserted
bis -. 70 the floor, commanding MIR.
TiIlmsn to take s; his seat,
This he did aud the .hc!debe was
ended for the time being, allowing -"
debate to proceed. Senator Pettus sup
ported and Senator Gallery opposed the
resolution.
HOUSE.
Packed galleries are the regular ac-
compartment of the sessions Of the
House in these exciting days. and to-