Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-24
CUBA IN THE SENATE
PROPOSAL OF COMMITTEE TO LOOK
INTO SITUATION.
THIS COUNTRY DRIFTING WAR WARD
So Think Number of the Senators,
Hut They Prefer Not TO Hasten the
Testimony.

situation was precipitated by Mr.. Allen
Of Nebraska. who offered as an amend
ment the resolutions passed by the Sen
ate a year ago. recognizing the belligerent
rights of the Cuban insurgents. The de-
bate became general and occupied nearly
four hours.
Mr.. Allen first offered the following:
whereas. It Is the established doctrine
Of the United States that the Western
Hemisphere shall be dedicated to repub-
lican forms OF government, recognizing
the political equality Of human belngss
and
whereas, the principles Of the Monroe
doctrine. or the doctrine of national self
/ preservation, is as applicable to wrestling
any portion Of this Continent from the
grasp Of foreign countries as to prevent
ing them from obtaining additional terri
tory; and
whereas. the Island of Cuba. by
reason of its location and close proximity
to the United States, should by right
be dedicated TO a republican form Of
government; and
Whereas a republican form OF gov
| eminent Is, and has been for nearly three
| years. maintained III HoAh iHieiiiA ~ AtANN
| of arms and
"Whereas. It Is alleged that 100000 per-
sons on said island have died of starva-
ton by reason of being collected by the
Spanish Government at various points,
without being fed or afforded an oppor-
tunity TO provide food for themselves;
and hundreds are daily dying; and
Whereas, the dictates of humanity
require the Intervention of the United
States in such case; therefore,
"Resolved, That a select committee OF
five senators shall be appointed, whose
duty it shall be to forthwith make a
thorough investigation, and enquire into
and report on the following subjects;
CONCENTRATION POLICY.
"First. To what extent the work Of
collecting the inhabitants of Cuba has
been carried on by the Spanish Govern
ment and how many persons on said
island have I'm the last three years died
as q result of starvation, or for lack OF
sufficient food. and diseases incident
thereto: and to what extent concentra-
lion is now being practiced there by
Spanish authority, and the condluoh OF
the people concentrated.
Second. Whether the concentrates
Cubans have been adequately sheltered
and clothed by the Spanish Government
or nv others. or have been permitted TO
Obtain food and clothing for themselves.
"Third. What lawful steps, II any, are
necessary ana could be taken by the
United states to bring the war in Cuba 10
q sneedy termination on grounds honora-
HE alike to Spain and to Cuba, and which
would result in the Kingdom OF Spain
relinouishing its hold on the island ana IN
the establishment of a republican form or |
government there.
"Fourth. TO what extent Spanish bar
barity and cruelty have during the war /
now in progress on the Island OF CUBA |
been practiced toward the inhabitants OF
cuba. and what can be lawfully done by /
the United States, if anything, to amelio-
rate the condition Of the Cubans.
"And to these ends and for these pur-
poses. said committee may sit at such
times and places as they may see proper
during the Session of Congress ana IN
vacation. and shall have the right TO visit
and take testimony in cuba, If deemed
proper to do so. All testimony taken shall
be reserved and the findings Of said
select committee. together with all testi-
mony. shall be reduced to writing and re-
ported TO the Senate at as early a date
as practicable"
on objection 20 Immediate consideration
by Mr.. Platt Of Connecticut the resolu-
ton under the rules, went over uhtll TO-
morrow.
The Military Academy appropriation
bill. carrying S4A,24O, was passed.
on motion of Mr. Hale, Of Maine, the
diplomatic and consular appropriation bill
was taken up. 1t appropriates $,7i6, iOS,
that amount being an increase over the
sum carried by the bill as it passed the
House Of ST, 400.
Mr.. Allen offered as an amendment the
resolution recognizing the bellgerency OF
the Cuban Insurgents, which was unfa-
vorably reported a few days ago by the
Committee on Foreign Relations.
CHARGE or DODGING.
Mr.. Allen claimed that Congress was
lodging the issue in any way it could be
Mr.. Morgan. Of Alabama, said the Sen
ate had twice passed the Cuban belhge-
rency resolution substantially as it was
now offered, but both times it had been
done openly and frankly.
1--WE have no right" said he. Ito make
a declaration Of war against Spain, and
that is precisely what this resolution
would mean. If this amendment were
attached to an appropriation bill Spain
might well regard il as a cause of war.
AS have before indicated, the conditions
and situation in Cuba were entirely diff
rerent when this resolution was passed by
The Senate"
Mr.. Morgan said that it might almost at
any time previous to this have been re-
garded as a peace measure, and Spain
would have had no right to take offence
It the United States on the ground or our
declaration of belligerency. The situation
low, however he thought, was entirely
different Between 100000 and GOO 900 people
nave been starved to death on the island
Fortunately. on account Of the relief
measures Instituted by this country, few,
{ any. Americans have been included in
hat number. a
This awful condition Of affairs" said
Mr. Morgan, makes our position in the
cuban matter extremely difficult. Inter-
Yention now of the kind proposed means I
var. 1t could mean nothing else. An J
on the part of this govern
nent i'm the present critical condition of I
lffairs. would almost certainly be regard
ID by Spain as casus belli. I
I'm the present circumstances it would
lot be consistent with the feelings or 4
Of the sentiments OF the a
american people to do anything that A
would I'm any way aggravate the situa-
ion which has been brought about by Il
he events leading up TO the inquiry now r;
n progress at Habana. b
IF, however, any senator believes In a m
declaration OF war, and will draw up OF
UGH a declaration, with sufficient and h.
roper grounds upon which 10 base 1t, "
viii vote for IT," OF
Il will not however vote for any de-