Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-04-14

reply from Mr.. Grosvenor (rep., o..
| regarded as the administration spokes-
| man on the floor. Mr.. Grosvenor not
only Indignantly denied that there was
justification for the reports, but he;
held Mr.. Lentz up to scorn for alleging
corrupt motives against the president
Mr.. Lentz disclaimed this, but the
irate friend of the president gave him
no mercy. He was thoroughly
aroused, charging the democrats with
seeking political advantage and pay
ing his respects to Mr.. John J. Me-
Cook and others. He expressed the
opinion that war was as certain as
that we would live until next week.
unless averted by Spain.
The debate on the army bill de-
yeloped more opposition. Mr.. HUH
tried to save the bill by agreeing to
strike out many of its provisions, even
the three battalion formations feat
ures, but it was in the end re-commit-
ted, 150-61. Mr.. Sulzer (dem.. n. VI.
who supported the bill, made vigur-
Gus pro-Cuban speech. ooh, for one
housed" he concluded.
Washington, April 7.-Some sharp
war talk was INDUCED in by the SEN
ate. When the consideration of the
sundry civil appropriation bill was,
resumed, the question pending was the
amendment of Mr.. Pettus Gala. J, pro
viding for such improvement of the
harbor of Mobile as would enable war
vessels to obtain coal and other sup
plies there. Mr.. Allison Qa.) made
a point of order against the amend
ment. This called out a bitter speech
by Mr.. Morgan (Ala.), who charged
that the appropriations committee was
discriminating against proper meas
ures and threatened to assist in dis
solving the committee. He followed
with an argument showing the necessi-
ty for the improvement proposed, hold
ing it would open to the government
in time of war the coal fields of the
south and enable it successfully to
fight reasonable monopoly formed to-,
control the coal supply of the country
in the event of war. Mr.. Morgan,
said that already we have heard of
price of coal to be supplied to the gov
eminent at southern ports. He hoped
the report was not true, but he real
lied the opportunity for such a,
reasonable spoliation of the govern
ment. He pointed out some of the ad-
vantages of opening the coal fields OF
the south by the movement suggested
in the pending amendment. The gov
eminent would thus be enabled to Oh
tain coal in any quantities at reason
able rates near the theater of action
in case of hostilities. ct do not know
whether war is coming or not saiR
he. 81 never myself have done any
thing that might involve the country
in war; but it seems to me the sworrR
testimony now before the senate is suf--
ficiently strong to compel us to strike
in defense of the honor and dignity OF
our country. I am willing to vote for
a declaration that may involve US in
hostilities because | believe that we,
have a just cause" The question
be considered resulted in the negative,
10 to 80. The bill was then laid aside.
Mr.. Walthall (Miss.) presented reso--
buttons on the death of his late col
league, Senator George
Washington, April 1.-THE floor
and galleries of the senate were.
packed. Immediately after cafFing toe
order, Mr.. Quay (pa) preeiDifatedl the
Cuban question by presenting some
petitions and making startling COM
nents upon them. THE time for
negotiations is now past" said he
The present is a case for neither
pope, prelate nor presbyter. The
people know that the SIP ,nish torpe2Q
fotilla is making for our shores with,
hostile intent. The people believe
that bloodshed will be aVentedl OF"
diminished by the prompt action OF
our government, not declaring war,
but making war in self-defense before,
Spain secures further naval on mill,
tary advantage. Perhaps without.
reason, the people believe, delay is,
largely sought by tho e intaIr5ted in
Spanish success, or those vito would
market national honor and make
merchandise OF the blood and bonaE Of
the Names dead. | believe the
president is with the ultimate pur-
pose of the people" AT this PniT11 JdieH
message was received and read! No,
demonstration followed. Mr. Stewart
(Nev.) talked briefly in favor Of rec
ognizing the independence OF tibe jn=
surgents. The message was then re-
ferred to the foreign relations COM
mittee. Mr.. Stewart sharply criticised1
the position taken by the president.
He thought the proposed intervention
would precipitate a war OF conquest.
He hoped that there would be nc in-
terventiOn without recognizing the
rights of the Cubans. A resolution
was presented by Mr.. Butler On CD
recognizing the independence Of the
Cuban republic, demanding Spain to-
withdraw ner forces from Cuba and
authorizing the president to use mill
tary and naval force to this end The.
resolution went over.
Washington, April II.-The presr--
dents message was read in the house.
in the presence of a vast assemblage.-
It was referred to the foreign affairs
committee without debate. There was
absolutely no demonstration of any
kind, from the galleries, but there was