The San Francisco call., 1898-03-30
$. $. :s s. s. :s $. 8 $. 5. 5. 8 s :s 8
Call Office, Riggs House, Washington, March 29.

sue eliminated to-day in a conference of Republican members whose ideas are in accordance with a positive early course. About fifty Representatives attended, representing all sections.
 Representative Hopkins of Illinois, a member of the Ways and Means Com mittee presided. Representative Joy | of Missouri was secretary. The meet ing was called to take steps to secure immediate intervention in some form and the recognition of Cuban independ- ence. It was the first definite step toward this end since the Presidents message was submitted yesterday.
 Up to this afternoon the sentiment was a half concealed but strong feel ing against voting money for Cuban relief unless accompanied by action to stop. the war. The meeting to-day was called with a view to accomplish ing the unqualified removal of the Spanish troops from Cuba, and prompt armed intervention in the affairs of that island. Late this afternoon the word was quietly passed around, but many who are enthusiastically in fa- vor of intervention failed of notifica- ton, though the number present would be sufficiently large, by consolidation with the Democratic forces, to carry out a programme.
 Representative Hopkins, as chair man, briefly stated the objects of the meeting He indicated his disappoint- ment that the Presidents message car ried no outline of definite responsive policy toward Spain, and he did not be- lieve further delay should be brooked. He however, thought the administra- tion might have another day or two in which to act, and, failing to do so, that Congress should take the matter into it's own hands independently and at l once. He favored action looking to Gu ban independence, but made no speci fic suggestions as to the method of its | accomplishment.
 Representative Tawney of Minne- sota, another member of the Ways and l Means committee, said this country should not stop short of securing the absolute independence of Cuba. He referred to efforts to have the matter brought directly before the House, and said he wished to secure resolution for the prompt consideration of the question on the floor.
 Representative Belknap of Illinois, who favors immediate decisive action. took the floor and asked a number of questions tending to bring out the sen timent of the meeting and the policy
 
 be that no action other than the cessa- tion of hostilities on the island and ab- solute independence would be accept able
 Representative Marsh of Illinois, chairman of the Committee on Militia, made a vigorous speech in which he denounced Spain as the proven culpable party to the blowing up of the Maine. He would, he said, put an end to Span ish rule in Cuba by immediate inter- vention and a formal recognition of Cuban independence. His remarks were warmly applauded.
 Representative Lorimer of Illinois al- so spoke at considerable length, and said he was in favor of securing abso lute independence by any means what soever He deprecated the delay that had already occurred, and protested that the people of this country would not stand the withholding of action. I Other speakers were Representatives l Reeves of Illinois; Pierce of Missouri; Hicks and Brumm of Pennsylvania; Mann of Illinois; Joy of Missouri; Kirkpatrick and Arnold of Pennsylva- mia and Lawrence of Massachusetts. Their speeches were largely on the same line.
 It was pointed out that while it was | fit that the executive should be given, as has been, reasonable time in which | to advise, 1t was exclusively the func- ton of Congress to declare war, com mence hostilitieS or take action of that l character.
 The remarks made carried the view that mere recognition of belligerency was not to be considered: for 1t would not of itself bring a cessation of hos tilities, and that intervention, armed and immediate, and recognition of in- dependence only would be considered. Some more conservatively put it "to intervene and if necessary to support such action by the prompt dispatch of our land and naval forces to Cuba"
 After some vigorous speeches denun- ciatory of Spain, it was decided to de- fer action until o'clock tomorrow afternoon. The present programme is to present to Speaker Reed evidence that a large majority favor the step and the Cuban sympathizers believe that once convinced of the numbers enlisted in it's support he will yield to them. It Is also proposed to communi- cate their sentiment to President Me Kinley. This step to-day Is expected to bear fruit in important action in the House on Thursday. Tomorrow a poll of the House will be taken.
 The following are among those who participated in the conferences: Messrs. Hopkins, Mann, Warner White, of Illinois; Tawney of Minnesota; Spalding, William Alden Smith. Sam uel w. Smith, Mesick, Shelden, Conliss and Hamilton of Michigan: Morcer of Nebraska; White of North Carolina; Mudd of Maryland; Sulloway of New Hampshire; Knox and Lawrence of Massachusetts: Johnson of North Da- kota; Brownlow of Tennessee: Colson of Kentucky: Ellis of Oregon; Joy and Pierce of Missouri, and Brumm, Hicks, Kirkpatrick and Arnold of Pennsylva- l nia.