Worcester morning daily spy., 1898-03-30
COME RENCE HELD.
Republicans Favorable to Cuba
Discuss Line of Action.
They Are Bent on Bringing About an I'M
mediate and Decisive Action on
the Cuban Question.

Washington, March 29.-The revolt OF
the house against further delay of ac-
ton on the Cuban issue eliminated this
afternoon in a conference of republican
members whose ideas are in accord
with positive early course. About so
representatives attended. representing
all sections. Representative Hopkins
of Illinois, member of the ways and
means committee, presided. The meet,
ing was called to take steps to secure
immediate Intervention in some form
and the recognition Of Cuban independ-
ence.
Up to this afternoon the sentiment
was a half concealed, but strong, feel
ing, against voting money for Cuban re-
lief unless accompanied by action to
stop the war. The meeting today was
called with view of accomplishing the
unqualM1ed removal Of the Spanish
troops from Cuba and prompt armed
intervention in the affairs oil. that island.
Many who favor Intervention failed OF
notification, and We're absent, though
the number present would be sufficient
ly large by consolidation with the DEM
ocratc forces to carry out a program.
Representative Hopkins indicated his
sage carried no line of definite policy
toward Spain, and said that he did not
DelleYe- further delay should be brooked
He, however thought the administra-
ton might have another day or two
within which to act, and, falling to do
SO, that congress should take the mat
Ter INTO It's own hands. He favored &C
tlon looking to Cuban independence
Representative TaWney Of Minnesota,
another Of no a71a
committee, said this country should not
stop snort of securing the absolute in
dependence Of Cuba. He said he
wished to secure a resolution for the
prompt consideration of the question on
the floor.
Representative Belknap of Illinois.
who favors immediate, decisive action,
asked a number of questions tending TO
bring out the sentiment of the meeting,
and the policy to be followed.
Various views were presented as to
the best means for securing action,
though the feeling that no action other
than the cessation of hostilities on the
island, and absolute independence would
! suffice, apparently was unanimous. Rep
resentative March Of Illinois chairman
of committee on the militia, made a
vigorous speech. in which he denounced
Spain as. the proven culpable party to
the blowing up of the Maine. He said he
would put an end to Spanish rule In
Cuba by intervention, and formal rec
ignition of Cuban independence, just as
early as congress could act. His refer
ence to Spanish policies as to reconcen-
trados and other phases of the war were
warmly applauded.
Representative Lorimer also spoke at
length and said he was in favor of Sc
curing absolute independence by any
means whatsoever. Other speakers
were Representatives Reeves of Ifl-
nois Pierce of Missouri, Hicks of Penn
sylvania, Mann of Illinois Joy of Mis-
souri,, Kirkpatrick of Pennsylvania, Ar
| mold of Pennsylvania and Lawrence of
| Massachusetts. Their speeches were
largely on the same lines. 1t was
pointed out that while it was fit that
| the executive should be given a
| reasonable time within which to advise,
| it was exclusively the function of
| congress to declare war, commence
hostilities or take action Of that char
acter. The remarks made carried the
view that a mere recognition of bel
| ligerency was not to be considered
After some vigorous speeches denun-
ciatory Of Spain, it was decided to defer
action until five o'clock tomorrow after.
noon. The present program Is to present
| Speaker Reed evidence that large ma
jority favor the steps, and the Cuban
| sympathiZers believe that once con-
WINGED of the numbers enlisted in its
support, The will yield to them. 1t is
also proposed to communicate their SEN
timent to President Mckinley. The step
today is expected to bear fruit in i'm
portant action in the house Thursday.
Among those not already named who
participated in the conference, were
Messrs. Sulloway Of New Hampshire,
Knox of Massachusetts and Bramm OF
Pennsylvania.