The herald., 1898-04-08
NOT THE FACTOR WHICH HAS
CAUSED DELAY
WHEN AMERICANS LEAVE CUBA
0rosvenor Considers War Certain
Unless Spain Shall Avert It by
an Absolute Surrender
Associated Press Special wire

UCeuo OIL great eXclteWenl III the mouse
late this afternoon during the considera-
tion of the bill for tile reorganization of the
army. 1t was caused by Mr.. Lentz, an
Ohio Democrat, who made a vicious as
sault on the administration, charging that
the policy Of delay was in the interest of
stock jobbers in Wall street. He alleged
that Wall street was in the possession of
information that the message would not
20 In long before 1t was known at the
capitol, and proftted heavily by the ad-
vance In the price of stocks which re-
suited. He even charged that there was
no warrant for the alarming statements
about the situation in Havana, which were
given as justifying the delay of the mes
sage. Mr.. Lentz's speech created pro-
found sensation, and was met with an en-
phatic reply from General Grosvenor. now
regarded as the Administrations spokes-
man on the floor.
Mr.. Grosvenor not only Indignantly de-
MED there was any Justification for the re-
port, but held Mr.. Lentz up to scorn for
alleging corrupt motives against the presi-
dent. Mr.. Lentz disclaimed this, but the
irate friend Of the president gave him no
mercy. He was thoroughly aroused and
laid about him with veritable bludgeon,
charging that the Democrats were seek
ing political advantage, and paying his
respects to John j. McCook and others.
Before he concluded he expressed the
opinion that war was as certain as that we
would live until next week, unless Is was
averted by Spain.
Mr.. Hull, chairman of the Military Az
fairs Committee, stated today before the
consideration Of the Army Reorganiza-
tion bill was resumed that at tho proper
time he should move to strike out every
thing except the first two sections, pro-
viding for the three battalion formation.
The section providing for the expansion
of the regular army in time of war to
04.0O0 would be stricken out.
Debate then proceeded.
Gen. Grosvenor, replying to Mr.. Lenty
Of Ohio, said a message from General Lee
was received on Tuesday and one received
yesterday which was very urgent. He said
the second was an appeal for time. Speak
Ing Of the note of the powers Mr.. Gros-
venor said the Presidents reply put an end
without qualification to every delay or in
reference Of the powers.
MI. McMillen asked Mr.. Grosvenor what
the latest information was as to the Presi-
dents policy. In reply Mr.. Grosvenor ask.
ed Mr.. McMillen for the latest Information
as to the controlling power on the Demo-
cratic side next Monday. daughter and
appiause)
II know what power is controlling your
side" observed Mr.. McMillen. THAT is
Mark Hanna" CHEERS on Democratic
side.)
Mr.. Grosvenor defended Senator Hanna,
calling attention to the Senator's denial
that he had ever bought a share Of stock
on Wall street in his life.
''Can he say the same thing about votes?"
asked Mn McMIllen. amid derlslve laughter
from the Democratic side
In the speech that drew forth Mr.. Gros-
venor's remarks Mr.. Lentz charged that
ths administration gave General Lees dis
patch a. the reason for not sending in the
message, but that 1t was for the purpose
OF working on the stock market.
Mr.. Grosvenor declared that John Nc
Cook was In a great conspiracy to secure
the independence of Cuba and validate
$4o0o0,000 Of Cuban bonds. The bonds, he
said, would be destroyed If Spain were
driven out of Cuba in the interests Of the
American people. He declared that he
had been told that a gentleman in New
York was "short" of the market before
the crisis came. to such an extent that
ruin stared him in the face. Since then
that gentleman had neglected no enter
prise to promote war. He declared that
there was no evidence that the President
had faltered. Mr.. Lentz's allegation that
the President had acted in the interest of
the stock spectators was terrible on
slaught. It ought, If he were guilty, to re-
cult in his impeachment. In was in famous.
Such charge In the old days would have
sent its author to the block.
Mr.. Lentx denied that he said that the
President was seeking to promote stock
speculation. There was great deal Of
excitement on the floor during the sensa-
tional remarks Of Mr.. Grosvenor.
IN concluding. Mr.. Grosvenor said that
he was delighted that this assault had
been made upon the President because 1t
disclosed the plans of the opposition. Ii
was now apparent that the Democrats
proposed to take political advantage of
every situation. When the opposition
opened recruiting station for Republican
volunteers to fight the administration, he
said, they would have little use for their
quarters. 1t was Infamous, he said that
the cable should carry to Madrid tonight
the news that the Presidents motives had
been impunged and his integrity assailed.
II have no more doubt that we shall go
to war" Mr.. Grosvenor said, "than that
will live Until next week. / may be mis-
taken. pray God I am, but believe we
shall 60 to war practically upon the declar-
alton Of Congress. If 1t Is averted 1t must
be BY Spain" (Great appleause'
sulzer, Democrat, of New York, who
supported the bill as it was proposed to
modify 1t, made vigorous pro-Cuba
speech.
II Cuban independence was recognized,
ns declared. Cuba would be soon free. He
ueclared that the majority in congress and
the president little understood the intense
feeEng among the people of the country
over the Maine affair and the delay in call
ing Spain to account
Oh, for one day OF Andrew jackson in
the White House." he continued. "He
would say, Onward the fleet! Forwa rd
the whole line, and let the battle cry be.
Cuba must be freep"
Lewis Democrat, Of Washington, Wig
erously assa!led the bill. He not onlv
AAsssA that It was part Of program 10