The times., 1898-04-14

Yesterday was a day Of thanksgiving
for the American people. 1t witnessed
the dawning Of the freedom of Cuba and
the initial steps in the tragedy that is
soon to be enacted with the United
States and Spain as the central figures.
one man threw more of life and patriot
ism into the Senate of the United States
than has been seen there in an age. If
there were more Forakers and fewer Nc
Kinleys in this country Americanism
would take the lead and pusillanimous
policy such as has been inflicted upon
this country for the past few months
would never have disgraeed the people
nor brought the Government of this re-
public into disrepute.
The long pent-up patriotism Of Senator
Foraker broke its bounds yesterday and
in a food Of oratory and eloquence he
portrayed 10 the United States Senate
and the country the horrors of Spanish
barbarity in Cuba, the criminal negli-
Eence Of this Government in not having
months ago put a stop to the proceedings
that have proven a disgrace TO Christian
civilization; demanding that not only the
independence of the people of Cuba, but
the independence of the existing republic
should be recognized and the dastardly
crime in the harbor Of Havana avenged.
Il was a red letter day, one that viii
he remembered when the Cuban ques-
ton has gone into history. II will figure
in the text books Of the future when the
historian writes the story Of Cuba's
struggle for freedom and the tardy
sponse made by the greatest of all re-
publics 10 her appeals for help. 1t was
known Tuesday night that the Committee
on Foreign Relations would submit its re-
port to the Senate yesterday and that i'm
mediately after that act, Senator For
aker would take the floor. This an
nouncement was sufficient to attract 10
the Capitol large crowd OF persons
anxious TO witness the opening debate
and especially 10 hear so distinguished
an orator and so polished a speaker as
Ohio's senior Senator The well-known
difference Of opinion existing between the
President and the man who could have
made his nomination impossible by re-
fusing him the solid support of his own
State in the ST. Louis convention only
Whetted the appetites of those who anti
cipated fiery speech and much criticism
Of the shifting policy of Mr.. Mckinley
in this they were IN a measure, at least,
not disappointed.
Crowded Galleries.
Although the galleries We're not as full
as they have been on several occasions
recently. every seat was filled and people
were turned away. Popular interest in the
Cuban question and the excitement Of the
past few days has resulted in a rigid
enforcement OF the rules at both ends Of
the Capitol and only those possessing
proper cards Of admission were allowed
10 reach the gallery floors. There is no
crushing and when the galleries were fll-
ed the doors were closed The private
gallery Of Senator's was resplendent again
with the gay gowns and many hued bon
nets Of the wives Of Senators and their
friends Vice President Hobart with a
party Of ladies occupied his pew in this
gallery during Senator Foraker's speech.
The diplomatic gallery was partially fill
ed, the most noted diplomat being Sir
Julian Pauncefote, the British alnbassa-
dor who came in promptly on the stroke
OF noon and remained until the last word
referring 10 the Cuban situation had been
uttered. The Chinese minister in his pic
turesque costume, accompanied by two Of
his secretaries. occupied front seat and
displayed a good deal Of interest in the
discussion; his chubby form frequently
shaking with laughter caused by some in
cident that aroused his sense of humor.
The French minister was present while
Senator Foraker was speaking. but left
the gallery Immediately thereafter. MANY
ladies well known IN Washington society
occupied seats In the diplomatic gallery
prominent among them being Miss Letter
whose sister is the wife Of Sir George
Curzon, one Of Great BHtain's coming
diplomats, and even now a prominent
leader.
Fully twenty minutes before the hour
of noon arrived Mr.. Davis entered the
chamber and for a quarter OF an bo,,r
was the only senator on the floor. He
carried with him a portfolio containing
the resolution agreed upon by the com
mittee and the report which he him
self had written. Placing them upon his
desk he began perusal Of the morning
papers, and although for some time he
was the observed Of all the observers
he was utterly indifferent to the curiosity
he had aroused and ignorant Of the quiet
sensation his presence and his portfolio
had created.
Senator's Time.
IL had been whispered around that the
commmittee would report promptly and
this fact caused senators TO be in their
seats when the body was called to order.
Many congressman also came over TO
hear The report and listen TO the speeches
that were 10 follow. The usual fornality
OF reading the minutes was dispensed
with and morning business was laid
aside. Almost Immediately follow
ing prayer, Senator Davis quietly arose
and submitted to the Senate the resolu-
lions agreed upon practically as they
have been outlined in this paper, and
which, If they mean anything at all.
mean war with Spaln. They will he