New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-01-25
APPROVED BY CONGRESSMEN.
SENDING or THE MAINE TO HAVANA REGARDED
AS A WISE STEP.

AS A WISE STEP
Washington. Jan "A (speciaD.-The announ cement
that the Maine had been ordered to Havana was
received by members OF the House of Representa-
tives in d manner which indicated that few If arW
of then, were greatly surprised. Nearly all Of them
appeared TO be grathed but for diverse reasons
B!oodthirsty and ardent Democratic patriots. like
Sulzer Cummings and the rest, OF course, found
fault because vessel had not been sent long ago,
and because the whole fleet had not been ordered
TO rendezvous in Havana Harbor to morrow. yet
they expressed qualification. which was quickened
TO something like enthusiasm born Of the nope that
tho presence Of a United States warship there
would ultimately lead u forcible intervention IN
Cuban affairs and with Spain. Republican
members generally heard the news with composire
and commented on 1t calmly and favoraby. None
OF them discovered in it the germ Of a war with
Spain. a reason why the country should become
excited. They content to rest the assur
ance that the Administration would 10 whatever
might be necessary to protect the honor and IN
terests Of the United States and its citizens in
Cuba. IS well a. elsewhere. and this latest step in
that regard was one which they heartily approved
Chairman Dingley. OF tho Ways and Means &C m
mittee said that. the question was Of dipo
matte character, he would not express an opinion
TO the expediency Of the action. as ii 20 be
presumed that the Executive authorities had acted
with a completeness OF Information not available
70 the general public Moreover Mr.. Dingley said
e. was. OF course 10 be presumed that any such
step was dictated by what the executive authorities
felt TO be for the best interests of the country.
Chairman Boutclle of the House Committee
Naval Affairs said that IL the Maine has gone to
Havana il entirely natural movement The
sending OF American ships 10 any OF the ports OF
the world implied no offence That is what they
are FOR" Nj. Bouteile said. This Is essentially
true in time Of peace and according to the view
of Spain there is war. and the United States
has not thus Ear recognized condition Of war as
Existing In time Of war. when blockade is de-
rlared. foreign ships may be kept out. as was the
rase at Charleston Harbor during the war but
such q blockade has not been established at Ha-
vana." Mr.. Boutee regarded the sending OF the
Maine Us in, line with custom and as furnishing
10 ground for irritation by Spain agitation in
this country
Mr. Meyer Of Louisiana who is also member
Of he Naval Committee. expressed qualification.
When foreign warships come TO Ncw-Orleans, he
said. i is regarded a mark OF respect, and Spain
could not possibly take umbrage at the presence Of
a United States warship at Havana
Still another member OF the Naval Committee
who express d opinion ON the topic WAS Amos
J. Cummings WhO delivered q somewhat lurd pro-
cuban speech IT, the House Saturday. He said:
The Maine ought TO have been sent TO Havana
TWO years ago Il would have saved the life OF
many American citizen, put d stop 10 the butch
cries Of Wtyler and forced Spain 10 troop in the
ranks Of civilization. But better late than never
The country has been awake for long time.
Administered lion from Its Iethargy."
represent alive GroSNcuOr OF ONO. said he
strucd this action TO mean that there was appre-
henson OF another outbreak at Havana. and that
II would be directed against people. lie said
he could not think the sending OF the Maine was
due 20 any strain between the United States and
Spain, bat 'ather TO meet the anticipated emer-
gency Of al outbreak
Represcnta,ive J. II. Lewis. Of Washington. said
his understanding Was that the Maine had gone 10
Havana "a a. request of Consul General W n
view 10 protecting American interests and thar
be made OF the Navy. NJ f"ws
said he most heartily approved this course II a
single American life or piece VI property was in
danger
The comments Of three Of the Republican mem
bers o. the House Committee on Foreign Afrairs
were q s. follows.
Mr. smith Of Michigan. said: 1T suits me in
every way. Ny people are in favor OF Cuban liberty
that United States warship should be- at Havana
| see reason why II should not have been done
Mr.. pearson-Tha, Is right. hope other ships
will follow 50 tnat no harm may come TO American
Henry Clay sulzer, of course. was as fierce and
bellgercnt as usual. He said: II do rot know what
this act on the part Of the Republican Admins
trauon means But do know what Mr. McKin-
ley ought 10 do at once and that Is TO send 10
order protect American citizens end properly To aid
the Cuo&ns 10 achieving their liberty. France
helped our revolutionary fathers IN I176 little
on the part of the Navy Department would settle
the cuban question IN twenty-four hours"
Memlcfs Of the senate Committee on Foreign
Relations received the Information with evident
satisfaction. Senator Frye said that the action
was eminently satisfactory 10 him. Senator Cray
said that II was proper 10 have n warship at
Havana for the protection Of American interests
United States the way by sending her warshps