Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-30
FOR AGGRESSION.
Republican COngrsSSmen Revolt Against
Presidential Delay.
AN IMPORTANT CONFERENCE.
Steps Toward Securing Immediate Ac-
tiOn With Respect to Cuba.
WAR ON The ISLAND MUST CEASE.
Armed Intervention and Recognition OIL
Cuban independence The Word.
SHARP DENUNCIATION OF SPAIN.
Stirring steps to BE Taken In the
House To-Morrow-With Demo-
cratic Aid the Programme Can BE
7 Carried Out.
WAR ON The ISLAND MUST CEASE.
SHARP DExuNCIATION OF SPAIN.
Carried Out.

| ton on the Cuban issue eliminated to-
| day in a conference of Republican MEM
| bers whose ideas are in accordance with
| a positive. early course. About fifty rep
resentatives attended, representing all
| sections. Representative Hopkins, of IL
| linos. a member OF the Ways and Means
| Committee. presided. Representative
JOY. of Missouri, was secretary.
The meeting was called to take steps to
secure immediate Intervention In some
| form and the recognition OF Cuban In
dependence. 1t was the first definite
step following discussions In the cloak
rooms and lobbies since the Presidents
message was submitted yesterday. by
many members who favor immediate and
| aggressive action. Up TO this time the
| sentiment was half concealed, but there
was strong feeling against voting money
for Cutan relief, unless accompanied by
action to stop the war.
The meeting to-day was called with
view to accomplishing the unqualified re-
moval of the Spanish troops from Cuba.
and prompt, armed Intervention in the
affairs of that island.
Late this evening it was decided to call
a meeting Immediately after adjourn
ment. The word was quietly passed
around. but many who are enthusiastcal-
~ in favor of intervention failed or notif-
cation. though the number present would
be sufficiently large by consolidation
with the Democrats to carry out a pro-
gramme.
DISAPPOINTMENT AT MESSAGE.
Representative Hopkins, as chairman,
briefly stated the objects of the meeting.
He indicated his disappointment that the
Presidents message carried no outline
of definite policy toward Spain, and that
he did not believe further delay should
be brooked. He, however. thought the
administration might have another day
or two within which to act. and railing
TO do so. Congress should take the mat
ter into its own hands independently ana
at once. He favored action looking to
Cuban independence, but made no specific
suggestions as to the method Of its ac-
complishment.
Representative Tawney. of Minnesota
another member of the Ways and Means
Committee. said this country should not
stop short of securing the absolute in
dependence of Cuba. He referred 10 the
efforts to have the matter brought di-
rectly before the House, and said he
wished to secure a resolution for the
prompt consideration of the question on
the floor.
Representative Belknap, of Illinois. who
fayors immediate. decisive action. took
the floor TO ask 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
hest means for securing action, though
the feeling that no action other than
the cessation of hostilities on the island
and absolute Independence should be
taken. apparently was unanimous.
SPAIN PARTY TO MAINE DISASTER.
Representative Marsh, of Illinois, chair
man of the Committee on the Militia'
made 2. vigorous speech, in which he de-
nounced Spain as a proven culpable party
to the blowing up of the Maine. lie had
hitherto taken a most conservative view
of the situation, and had not believed
It would be shown that Spain had had
a hand In the disaster Now, hs sald'
ne would put an end to Spanish rule In
Cuba by Immediate Intervention, and
formal recognition CT Cuban independ-
ence. lust as early as Congress could act,
His reference to Spanish policy as to
the reconcentrados and other phases of
the war were warmly applauded.
REPRESENTATIVE Lorimer also spoke at
considerable length. and said he was in
favor of securing absolute independence
nv any means whatsoever. lie depre-
Gated the delay that had already oc-
Cured and protested that the people of
this country would not stand the with
holding of action. Other speakers were
Representatives Reeves, OF Illinois;
pierce. a Missouri Hicks, Of Pennsyl-
vania: Brumm. of pennsylvania; Mann
of Illinois; Joy, of Missouri; kirkpatrick
of Pennsylvania; Arnold, OF Pennsyi-
vania and Lawrence, Of Massachusetts.
II was pointed out that while 1t was tit
that the Executive should be given, as
he had been given, reasonable time
within which 10 advise. II was exclusively
the function of Congress to declare war;
commence hostilities, OF take other action
of that character.
CUBAN WAR MUST CEASE.
The remarks carried the view that a
mere recognition OF belligerency was not
to be considered, for IL would not OF itself
bring a cessation of hostilties, and that
Intervention, armed and immediate. and
recognition OF independence only would
be considered. Some more conservatively
put it to intervene and support such
action by the prompt disposal OF our
land and naval forces in Cuba"
After yigorous speeches. denunciatory
OF Spain. II was decided TO defer action
until 5 o'clock tomorrow evening. The
present programme Is TO present to
Sneaker Reed evidence that large ma
iority favor the STEP and the Cuban SYM
pathizers believe that once convinced OF
the numbers enlisted In its support. he
will yield to them. Ii Is also proposed
10 communicate their sentiment to Presi-
dent Mckinley. The step to-day is ex-
pected 10 bear fruit In important action
in the House Thursday. 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,