The San Francisco call., 1898-03-31
Call Office, Riggs House,
 IE-zI pN


 a proposition to overrule the Speaker and pass a resolution recognizing the independence of the Cuban republic. He was cheered on by the crowded galler- ies. but the members of the majority refused to support him.
 Many of them sympathiZed with the purpose of the resolution, MT. Hull, chairman of the Military Committee, going so far as to indorse the propo- sition under the impression that it pro- vtded for a declaration of war, but most of the radicals, and who yesterday were in favor of any sort of revolution ary method, had been won over to the policy of sticking to the party organi- zation and refusing to do anything un- til the initiative came from their side. They were rallied by two of the lead ing advocates of armed intervention.
 The Speaker himself from the chair made an indirect appeal to his party associates to stand firm, at the same time intimating that if their impatience was curbed little longer they would have the opportunity they coveted.
 When the vote was taken only two Republicans, NIessrs. Achison and Rob- bins of Pennsylvania, broke from the party lines. About a dozen more sat in their seats and refused to vote.
 The scene throughout was most dra- matic and members and spectators in the galleries were wrought up to a high pitch of excitement. Several times, later in the day, during the considera> ton of the naval bill, whenever the Cuban question was broached, the members swarmed around the Speaker and the galleries cheered. This was especially the casa when MT. Cummings of New York spoke. MT. Boutelle, who objected to a request for extension of his time was hissed. The only inn F,ortant action on the naval bill to-day was the refusal of the chair to sustain a point of order against the provision for a floating steel dock at Algiers, La.
 The storm broke immediately after the reading of the journal, when MT. Bailey the Democratic leader, demand ed recognition as matter of privilege and offered a resolution. profound sensation followed. Members rose en , Alasse all over the House. No one knew Rhat the resolution contained, but all knew it related to the all-absorbing topic of Cuba
 Evans (R.) of Kentucky interposed to declare that a pension bill coming over from last night was in order and amid intense excitement the Speaker, with white, stern face, held that the regular order was the consideration of the pension bill, which he directed the clerk to read.
 While it was being read, MT. Bailey requested that the resolution be sent back to him. As soon as the pension bill was passed he was again on his feet demanding recognition. But Mr. Boutelle, chairman Of the Naval Affairs Committee, was also calling for recog- hilton and the Speaker recognized him, pausing amid the clamor and confusion to inform MT. Bailey calmly that his rights would be respected.
 Mir Boutelle then moved that the House go into committee of the whole and resume the consideration of the na- val appropriation bill.
 Pending that notion" announced the Speaker, "the gentleman from Texas says he desires to present a privileged question The gentleman will state it.
 MT. Bailey then offered the resolu- tion for the recognition of the inde- pendence of Cuba, as follows:
 Resolved, By the Senate and House of Representatives, that the heroic struggle of the Cuban people against the force of arms and the horrors of famine has shown them worthy to be free; and,
 Resolved, That the United States hereby recognizes the republic of Cuba as an independent State.
 The reading was listened to amid si- lence profoundly impressive, and at it's conclusion cheer after cheer was given from the galleries and the floor. The Republican side was ominously silent. The Speaker rapped vigorously for or der and warned the galleries that no demonstrations would be allowed.
 MT. Boutelle immediately made the point of order that the resolution was not privileged and upon that MT. Bailey demanded to be heard. He said the subject with which the resolution dealt was too serious and the occasion too important to be hastily disposed of. He insisted that he had a right to present the resolution under the rules and rulings and the responsibility must rest with the majority if it was ruled out of order, and the ruling sustained.
 He called attention to the fact that in the Fifty-third Congress, when MT. Crisp was Sneaker, MT. Boutelle, who now made the point of order that this resolution was not privileged, presented a resolution of a similar character re- lating to Hawaii, which the Speaker held was privileged, but must go to committed Against that latter ruling an appeal was taken and the whole Re- publican side had voted against tabling the appeal. When he said that at the head of list of distinguished Repub- licans who voted on that occasion was the honorable Speaker of this House the Democrats went into rapturous ap- plause.
 Meantime the confusion was great. The Republican leaders were evidently rallying their forces. Hull, chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs, who was one of the prime factors in the movement for prompt and vigorous ac- ton on the Republican side, came for cans not to be carried off their feet.
 At the outset he acknowledged that his sympath1es were with the resolu- ton (which it appeared afterward. he believed at that time contained 8 de- clara finn of warl but ha argued that