The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-04-19

Washington. April l9.-The tocsin of
war has been sounded by the American
congress
At 1:l5 o'clock this morning the SEN
ate received the report of the confer
ence committee of the two houses OF
congress and Is minutes afterward had
adopted 1t. There was a fight to the
last minute, the advocates of the rscog-
milton Of the independence OF the island
republican staining their ground until
they were fairly knocked down by a
vote Of ~ to 3s. The minority vote was
cast by those who wanted radical ac-
tion and insisted that the resolution
the independence of the Cuban re-
public.
The adoption OF the conference report
brought to a close one Of the mcst in
teresting and tumultuous sessions OF the
senate held In years. Such scenes of
confusion and excitement have rarely
been witnessed In the ordinarily stafi
and dignified body as characterized its
proceedings from noon yesterday until
nearly O'Clock in the morning. In
terest In all other questions was dwarfeu
Into insignlficance by the overwhelm-
ing question OF war-war which all now
regard to be absolutely inevitable. Ef-
forts were made TO transact the regular
business of the senate. but 1t was with
the utmost dlfiidence that senator's per-
formed the work. Among those who re-
NAMED upon the floor while the sundry
civil bill was under consideration the
confusion was so great that the business
could scarcely proceed.
feeling OF bitterness grew up be-
tween the senate and house during the
late afternoon. and one that at one
time seemed likely to delay action
Cooler sense prevailed. however. and a
determination of the momentous Ques-
ton was finally reached.
Those who were fighting for recog-
milton OF the island republic early de-
cided that the senate should not take
the initiative In requesting a confer
ence between the two houses. They
further resolved that when the senate
conferees were finally appointed. at
least two Of them should represent the
majority sentiment of the body. The
radical advocates of independence
slowly. but none the less surely lost
ground. however. being swept back by
the powerful and compact minority
opposed to them. They yielded only
after the bitterest contest In the his
tory of the senate. They capitulated,
but did not surrender. Hundreds OF
brilliantly attired women and men in
evening dress filled the galleries until
the close of the proceedings.
When finally the verdict came from
the conference committee. there was a
hush in the great chamber. which a few
seconds before had been thrilling with |
animation. When the verdict had been |
reached and accepted by the senate.
the great audience dispersed. quietly. |
almost solemnly. All realized that the |
verdict meant war M the action taken |
was too momentous to inspire anything |
less than awe.
Before the senate convened this morn |
ing. groups of senator's gathered about /
the chamber. discussing the probable |
action of the house upon the Cuban |
resolutions and preparing for such ac- 1
tion as might be deemed necessary by /
the senate when the resolutions came |
back. Comparatively few people were /
In the galleries. The amendments made /
by the house to the senate bill approx
ing a compromise and settlement be-
tween the United States and the state
Of Arkansas were concurred in by the
senate.
Mr.. Rawlins of Utah. made a legal
argument upon the question whether
the authority to recognize a foreign ma
tion rested exclusively with the presi- /
dent. Mr.. Rawlins was given only /
slight attention, as within a minute
after he began TO speak. the action of
the house on the senate Cuban resolu-
tions was whispered about the cham
Der. and that Immediately became the
sole topic of interest.
Mr.. Mason of Illinois presented and
had referred to the naval affairs COM
mittee the following concurrent resolu-
ton:
THAT the senate Of the United States.
the house OF representatives concurring
therein. extends TO Captain Charles
Sigsbee a vote of thanks for the cour-
age. heroism and devotion displayed
by him upon the occasion Of the terri
BILE calamity which befell his command
in the destruction OF the United States
Maine"
At 2:53 p. m the message clerk OF the
house Of representatives appeared in
the main entrance of the senate with
4. - II