The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-03-30
CONGRESS FOR WAR
House.)
Continued from First Page.


tervention in the affairs of that island
Late this afternoon 1t was decided
to call a meeting Immediately after
adjournment. The word was quietly
passed around, but many who are en-
Enthusiastically in favor of Intervention
failed of notification though the num-
Der 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 that he did
not believe further delay should be
brooked. He, however, thought the ad-
m1niStration might have another day
or two within which to act and falling
to do so that congress should take the
matter into it's own hands independent
ly and at once. He favored action
looking to Cuban independence, bu,
made no specific suggestions as to the
method of it's accomplishment.
Representative Tawney (Minn), an
other member of the ways and means
committee, said this country should not
stop short Of securing the absolute In
dependence of Cuba. He referred to
efforts to have the matter brought d.
rectly before the house and said he
wished to secure a resolution for the
prompt consideration of the question of
the floor.
Representative Belknap GILL; who
favOrs immediate, decisive action, took
the floor to ask number of questions
tending to bring out the sentiment Of
the meeting and the policy to be fol-
lowed.
Various views were presented as to
1a hot fo,-
though the feeling that no action other
than the cessation Of hostilities on the
island. and absolute independence ap-
parently was unanimous.
Marsh Vigorous.
Representative Marsh Qll.), chairman
of the committee on the militia. made
a vigorous speech in which he de-
nounced Spain as the proved culpable
party to the blowing up of the Maine.
He had hitherto taken a most con-
sentative view of the situation and had
not believed it would be shown that
Spain had had a hand in the disaster.
Now, he said, he would put an end to
Spanish rule there by immediate inter-
vention and a formal recognition Of
Cuban independence just as early as
congress could act.
His references to Spanish politics
as to reconcentrados and other phases
Of the war were warmly applauded.
Representative Lorrimer also spoke at
considerable length and said he was in
favor of securing absolute independence
by any means whatever. He deprecat-
ed the delay that had already occurred
and protested that the people Of this
country would not stand the withhold
ing of action.
Other speakers were Representative
Reeves Qll), Pierce (Mo), Hicks Pa-),
Brumm PaD, Mann. Qll), Joy (Mo.),
Kirkpatrick (Pa), Arnold Pa) and
Lawrence (Mass.). Their speeches were
largely on the same lines.
1t was pointed out that while it was
fit that the executive should be given,
as he had been, a reasonable time with
in which to advise, 1t was exclusively
the function Of congress to declare war,
commence hostilities or take action of
that character.
Armed Intervention.
The remarks made carried the view
that mere recognition of belligerency
was not to be considered, for it would
not Of itself bring cessation of hos
tilities, and that intervention, armed
and immediate, and recognition of in
dependence only would be considered.
intervene and If necessary 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 defer
action until o'clock tomorrow after
noon.
The present programme is to present
to Speaker Reed evidence that a large
majority favors the step, and the Gu
ban sympathizers believe that once
convinced of the numbers enlisted in
it's support he will yield to them.
It Is also proposed to communicate
their sentiment to President Mckinley.
The step today is expected to bear fruit
in important action in the house Thurs
day. Tomorrow a poll Of the house will
be taken.
The following were among those who
participated in the conference: Messrs.
Hopkins, Mann, Warner, White,
Reeves, Belknap, Marsh and Lorrimer,
Of Illinois; Tawney (Minn.), Spaulding,
William Alden Smith, Samuel w.
Smith, Mesick, Sheldon, Corliss and
Hamilton, of Michigan; Mercer. of Ne
braska; White, Of North Carolina;
Mudd, of Maryland; Sulloway, of New
Hampshire; Knox and Lawrence, Of
Tennessee; Colson, Of Kentucky;
Brown, Of Ohio; Ellis, Of Oregon; Joy
and Pierce, Of Missouri, and Brumm.