The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-02-18
Wiling IO GO IO WAR.
Suppressed Excitement in
Congress.
SPAIN STILL SUSPECTED.
Torpedo Theory Has d
Strong Hold,
BUSINESS MEN BELLICOSE,
New Workers Said to Believe War
Inevitable.

Washington, Feb 17.--At the capitol end
of the avenue there is the same feeling
of suppressed excitement that prevailed
at the navy department, but very much
to the surprise of everybody there have
been no outbreaks on the part of those
who have heretofore lost no opportunity to
crticise the Administrators foreign poll
cy. The only way the Maine incident fig
ured at all in the days proceedings in
Congress was in the Allen resolution call
ing for an investigation, but there was
very little of this, for It went over un-
der the rules II will be called up to-mor-
row. but will probably be sent to com
mittee, the majority sentiment in the Sen
ate being that nothing should be done at
this juncture that can possibly interfere
in any way with the plans of the executive
department.
But off the floor there was talk and
plenty of it. A few members Of the Sen
ate and of the House cling to the accident
theory, but the great majority inclines
strongly to the belief shat a torpedo did
the work and that 1t was sent against
the American man-of-war by Spanish
hands.
In view of this belief, which has in most
cases become a conviction, the feeling IS
! general that the outcome of the investi-
cations ought to be a war with Spain
which will wipe out the score with Span
ish blood.
Perhaps the most significant indication
of the growth of the feeling in this respect
is found in the attitude of certain Repub-
lican members Of the House committee
on foreign relations. That committee held
a long session this morning at which the
whole Cuban situation was gone over at
length. BERTHE Adams of Pennsylvania,
who is chairman of the subcommittee
having charge of the Cuban end of the
committees work, has all the time been
engaged in sitting down on all efforts of
the other members to get at the facts in
the Cuban situation, and in this he has
had the active assistance of Representa-
| tive Quigg of New York. AIr. Qugg has
been regarded as the most conservative
member of the committee. not excepting
Chairman Hit. But to-day Messrs.
| Quigg, Pearson and Smith of Michigan,
all Republicans, gave strong indications
| of a purpose to do their part toward fore
ing the administration TO aggressive ac-
ton.
Mr.. Quigg was particularly outspoken
outside OF the committee room. He de-
clared that not only he, but the business
men of New York, are now convinced that
| a war cannot be avoided and the sooner
1t was entered upon the better. In view
! of Mr.. Quigg's close relationship with
Senator Platt this talk was regarded as
most significant These two men have
heretofore been two of the most active of
! those who have opposed action, basing
| their position on the statement that the
conservative men of the East were unit
| against it,.
OF the Republican Senators, Mr. Mason
| of Illinois is doing the loudest talking for
the papers. "Spain is responsible for this
and in a sense our own government is re-
sponsible." he said this evening. 1.-THE
disaster to the Maine could not h2ve
come from the inside Naval experts
agree that 1t was blow dealt by an enc
| my and Spain is responsible When I say
| that our own government is responsible
! ! mean this: The Maine was sent there
| on an alleged friendly mission The adj
ministration lied, 10 use the language of
diplomacy, when 1t said the Maine was
| going to Havana on a friendly mission
| That was not the object of the visit and
every precaution should have been taken
| Had she gone as she ought as an enemy In
search Of foe the ship would have given
| different account Of herself, and would
not now be at the bottom of the sea.
| want to see the administration order the
whole fleet to Havana, and l want to see
the feet go there on business other than
| that of a friendly visu. If had my way
we would send one hundred thousand
| troops to that island and drive the span-
| iards off of 1t There will never be anv
/ peace until Cuba is free of those fellows
| While Senator Mason Is more belligerent
in his talk than others, there is no doubt
/ that many share his views.
| AS a rule those congressman who have
| been loudest In urging action favorable to
the insurgents are most conservative IN
| their talk now. They seem to realize thar
| the crisis Is one for the executive 10 han
| die, and they are saying nothing to EN-.
| barrass the President or the navy DEPART
ment, but should investigation warrant Il
there will be a most emphatic call for
| action.
The Republican senators who have CON-
| tended that the time for action had no.
arrived, all incline TO the belief that this
marine horror will In the end prove the
casus belli which all have expected would
! In the end come, no matter how strong the