Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-02-10
/ WAS 4 CUBAN FIELD DAY
Continued from First Page.

from the first that such recognition
would be Of such advantage as to en-
able them to wrest victory from what
otherwise might possibly be defeat.
Mr. Hale followed Mr. Cannon with
motion to refer the Cannon resolu-
ton to the committee on foreign rela-
tions, and with a speech deprecatory
of the policy of Congressional declar-
alton on the Cuban question, and in
support of the course of the admins
tFation on that question.
Mr. Mason, Gllinois) was then rec
ognized and the expectancy of the
great crowd which swelled the CALLER
les was at the keenest pitch. He had
awaited this opportunity smiling and
taking occasional notes of Mr.. Hale's
speech. He stood in front of the Re-
publican side of the ctlmber, occa-
sionally stepping into the front area.
There was buzz of comment as he
arose, and his resolution was read
from the desk. He began to speak in
an easy conversational way, but grad
ually warmed to the subject. He had
hesitated long, he said. as he feared
that by some incautious step he might
injure rather than benefit the Cuban
cause. But he was ready to make the
step now, feeling that any blame must
rest upon him, for he assumed full
personal responsibility"
II deny the insinuation" said he,
sharply, that this is an effort to put
the administration
IN LEADING STRINGS"
He was a Republican and he was
proud of the patriotism of the execu-
tive.
Il am charged with seeking war, -
exclaimed the Senator, but my resO-
luton is for peace One word from
this administration would bring peace
to this continent, and under the prov
idence of God, we believe it would
bring independence to Cuba
There was burst of applause at this
declaration.
The thumb screws of the inquisition
were again brought into use in Cuba,
proceeded Mr. Mason. The pinchers
that tear the flesh from human bones
have contributed to the carnival Of
cruelty. Three hundred thousand peo-
pie starved! Three hundred Thousand
more marching to the gravel and yet
the cry was raised that war was being
sought, when the one and only cry
was for peace and an end to this afro
city,
Then he discussed a question from
the view point of an international law
yer. Referring to the duty of the
United States, Senator Mason said:
This government ought to maintain
that the horrible massacres which are
now too common in the island of Cuba,
and conducted under the guise of war
fare, must be stopped. We have no
right as a neutral nation fully regard
full Of the rights of all, to look upon
such a warfare as within any reason
able construction of international law
The flag Of truce had been abandoned,
prisoners of war are being shot and no
rule of civilized warfare is being OBJ
served. The conflict has developed in
to mere matter of murder and on
both sides-prisoners of war are being
shot or macheted without trial
Mr. Mason then read letter pur-
porting to be the
ANSWER OF GENERAL GOMEZ
to General Blanco's offer of a vessel
to enable him Gomez to leave the
island Of Cuba in safety. Think Of
this grand old soldier, brave as he is,
shouted Mr.. Mason. lighting for
country he loves fighting in storm
and sunshine, fighting, too. with the
knowledge tkat his own son has been
sacrificed to the cause. Think Of him
being approached by that bride giver.
that military prostitute, Blanco, with
a pitiable bride for his honor
Mr. Mason declared that notwith-
standing the declaration Of the st.
Louis platform nothing had been done
nothing he said, except to pass a
belligereney resolution in the Senate
and he added, amidst general laugh
ter, referring evidently to Speaker
Reed, cit is not certain whether HE
will pass it on the other side"
In conclusion, after more extend
ed explanation of his interest in the
Cuban cause, Mr.. Mason said:
Around my own table at home
where my boys are gathered, | see in
their faces the face of that Cuban lad
of twelve who was taken out by the
Spanish forces to be shot as a spy. He
asked as a favor that the bandage be
removed from his eyes, saying, i am
not afraid to die.
There I feel that | am in the midst OF
CUBAN BOYS AND GIRLS.
Mr. President. if there il to be a war, let
II be a war not of our seeking. not a war
I'm which our soldiers shall carry torches
in their hands. but let it be a war either
in defense Of our country or in defense
of the imperishable jewels, of humanity.
Jewels more sacred than life. war of
glory and of honor.
On motion Of Mr.. Hale, the. resolution