The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-13
SENATE DISCUSSION.
Three Resolutions aud As Many
Speeches on the Cuban Situation.

WASHINGTON. April 12-For nearly
the Cuban question in its several phases.
Three resolutions bearing upon the ques-
ton were introduced, one by Mr.. Lind
say kentucky declaring the contemplate
ed operations against the Spanish army
in Cuba to be in concert with General Co
mez the supreme command TO DO vested
in the commander Of the United States
TO the end that the independence OF the
Cubans be secured: another by Mr.. Will
son WASHINGTON directing the President
at once to take such steps as will secure
TO Cuban people an independent form Of
government and the third by Mr.. Allen
CNebraska) declaring the existence of war
between the United States and Spain
and directing the President 10 stop il and
secure TO the people of the island a
stable and independent government.
Speeches were delivered by Mr.. Pettus
(Alabama), Mason illinois, and Mr.. BUT
Ter (North Carolina).
WOULD 1T BE LEGAL?
Judge Pettus presented an argument
that Congress could not delegate TO the
President the power 20 make war either
in a general or in a special sense. and
declared that the making Of any war
without an express declaration by Con
gress would be disgrace 10 the nation.
Mr.. ,fason's gpeech was largely a legal
argument in recognition Of the indcpen-
dence Of the Cubans. He said that ne
was for war only as a means of securing
an honorable peace. ] have nc desire. no
continued. to destroy the Spanish nation.
but her flag must be dishOnOTed by sur
rendering her sovereignty over Cuban ter
ritory as an atonemcnt for lowering our
flag, sinking our ship, and numbering our
men.
Intervention by force OF arms. as re-
commended by the President. is war. To
declare for Intervention without declar-
ing directly. openly for war seems 10 lack
frankness and savOrs too much Of Span
ish diplomacy"
Mr. Mason then went into the history
If what had been done by this country in
the past regarding recognition and de-
clared the Cubans had formed and main
tanned a civil government
do we wish" he said "to relieve some
American investors who have bought
Spanish bonds and who wish 20 trade
them for the bonds Of the Republic. Do
We. worse still. wish TO leave the door
open TO compel those brave men and wo-
men 10 accept some terms of autonomy
or 10 pay blood money TO the Spanards
or the Shylocks of our own land2'
BUTLER'S POSITION.
Mr.. Butler (North Carolina followed
Mr.. Mason. He said that he belonged to
what was pOpularly termed the opposi-
ton on The floor Of the Senate, but he
maintained that this opposition had thus
far upheld the hands OF the adminstra-
ton as Loyalty as had the best friends Of
the President. and We're ready 10 continue
so TO do, so long as they could and pre-
serve their self respect. Mr.. Butler ex-
pressed the hope that the Foreign Rela-
tions Committee might be able 10 bring
i'm a resolution that the Senate may sup
port unanimously as Il voted for the $50
100000 emergency appropriation. In the
present circumstances we would. in the
opinion OF Mr. Butler be justified in
driving every Spanish vessel from the
seas and 10 lay waste every city and town
of Span. This because Of the destruction
OF the Maine-one Of the foulest crimes in
history He maintained that the United
States had even more exalted reasons for
the establishment of Cuban indepen-
dence-the reasons Of humanity and lib
erty.
Mr.. Butler regretted that the President
did not tell Congress what he meant
Just what he wanted. He disagreed with
the President concerning the recognition
OF the Cuban republic. maintaining that
to stop the war on the island without
granting independence of the Cuban re-
public simply meant the crushing OF the
Cuban patriots.
why is General Lee hurrying TO Wash
ington?" inquired Mr.. Butler we were
informed that he would have 70 get out of
Havana before the Presidents message
was read Yet here comes a message that
causes the Spaniards TO build bon-fTes
and rejoice. and starts the stock tickers
to clicking merrily and causes smiles to
spread over the countenances Of Wall
street gamblers.
within a few hours hone we will be
called upon 10 vote upon definite propo-
siton. The last one voted for with pleas
ure. I voted for the fifty million emer-
gency APPROXIMATION. / am ready to vote
for fifty million more or for two hundred
millions 10 avenge the Maine and to free
Cuba, but I'll not vote 10 eXpend a dollar
for any doubtful policy. and III not vote
for any schemes to protect Cuban bond
holders as against humanity and freedom
and independence"
FOR RELIEF.
Mr.. Pasco CFlorida) presented a joint |
resolution directing the President 10 use. |
not 70 exceed $4,000 OF the fund appro- |
priated by Congress 70 relieve American |
citizens in Cuba. for the relief OF Ameri- |
can citizens and others who have recently |
landed in Florida from Cuba. He explain !
"a that while the citizens OF Florida were |
doing all in their power to assist the re-