The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-04-12

WASHINGTON. April i1.-In the SEN
ate today every available seat, both on the
floor ana In the galleries. was occupied
before Vice President Hobart's gavel
called the senate to order. In the galleries
people had been waiting for hours. but
the arrangements for handling the crowds
were SO admirable that not the slightest
confusion existed.
The attendance of senator's was unusual
iy large. and every member OF the body
In the city was in his seat. Among the
visitors on the floor was Gen. Nelson A.
Miles, commander -in-chief Of the army.
In the diplomatic gallery were Sir Julian
Pauncefote, the British ambassador;
Baron Hengeimueler. the Austrian min-
lister. and party; Mr.. Constantine Brun,
minister OF Denmark: Mr.. Charles +.
Adams, first secretary OF The British leGa-
ton, and Miss Adams; Councillor
Boeufve. Of the French legation: DR.. Yola.
secretary Of the legation of Guatemala:
Mr.. J. b. Pioda. the Swiss minister. and
three attaches Of the Chinese legation.
Several Of the gentlemen were accom-
panied by ladies'. The galleries presented
Z brilliant scene. Many Of the ladies' were
attired in the most fetching Easter flnery.
and . handsome display Of gowns and
bonnsss wAA notah.e. even In this city OF
beautiful design.
Scarcely had the senate bean called to
order when Quay Of Pennsylvania pre-
cipstated the Cuban question by present.
ing some petitions and making startling
comments upon them. He took the strong
est ground for immediate and impetuous
action. saying:
The people OF the United States. in my
Judgment. are pretty nearly unanimous
that the time for negotiations upon this
Cuban question is past. The present Is
case fer neither pore. prelate nor pres
byter They believe that further negoiia-
tions mean further time for the concentra-
ton OF the Spanish naval forces. and for
general Spanish preparation for war. They
know that a Spanish torpedo fiotiila is en-
route for cur shores. whose mission is hos
tile whose only interest can ba 20 destroy
our vessels as the Maine was destroyed.
and slav our sailors as the sailors or the
Maine were slain. They know tha. only
yesterday two Spanish w1rships sailed
westward. and that they will be with us
IN ten days They believe that bIeodshed
will be averted or diminished by the
prompt action OF this government. not by
declaring war. bat by making war In self
defense before Spain can secure other fur
ther naval or military advantage. and per-
haps not without reason they believe that
delay is largely sought or urged by those
interested in Spanish success, or by those
who would market the national honor and
make merchandise OF the blood and bones
of the dead Of the Maine: that Intervention
Should be armed. immediate and impetu-
Gus; that rot merely a stable. but re-
publican form of government should be
given the CubsnS: that the Spansards
should get cut of Cuba: they should stand
no; upon the order Of their going, but so
at once For these purposes they believe
the army and nav, OF the United States
should be utilized. until Cuba Is free and
tha Maine is avenged
Even when Quay was speaking, Maj.
Pruden, the executive secretary 10 tho
president. entered the chamber, bearing
the long expected message. He was recog-
mixed as soon az Quay hae concluded, and
when he presented the message the vice
president Immediately laid Il before the
senate in A stiffness that was almost
hreathlsss the message was read, the
reading occupying forty-,wo minutes. At
the conclusion OF the reading there was
no demonstration.
Davis OF Minnesota. chairman OF The
committee on foreign relations. at once
moved that il he referred 10 his commit
tee. and Stewart Of Nevada, taking sd
vantage os the opportunity. briefly ad-
DRESSED the senate IN favor of reeoEnix-
irg the tndepessds OF the Cuban iasIr-
gents without further debate the mes
sage was referred read.
Stewart sad that while ne a!5 not care
a. this time 70 dlscuss the general aues
tor. he desired TO submit, some remarks
bearing upon the message. He sharply
criticised the position taken hy the rreSl-
deaf. saving L seemed evident that the
propossa intervention would prscipita;e
VIVA, would prove TO be war az con-
Quest, He hoped there voaia be 30 in
terrenssoa that wcgld not recognize the
rsghss Of the Guiana who had been s;rux-
| gssnx fsr years for their independence.
He believed we ought not 20 50 % Cuba
with ar armed fores ua,ess we vert With
the snssa,sca OF recagaiz.ng The vigass ard
authority 81 Tie Cusza republic ofisefas
and OF sosasns with the insurgents to as-