The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-04-19
The President Signed the Joint Resolution Pass
ed by Congress and Issued His Ultnatun1 Spain to-
day, Giving "a Hours for Reply.

ing the various phases of the question
of the hour
A feeling of bitterness grew UP be-
tween the senate and house during the
late afternoon and evening that at one
time seemed likely to delay action. But
cooler counsels prevailed, and the de-
termination Of the momentous question
was finally reached. Those who were
fighting for recognition of the island re-
public early decided that the senate
should not take the initiative in re-
questing a conference between the two
houses. They further resolved that when
the senate conferrees We're finally ap-
pointed at least two of them should rep
rd ent the majority sentiment Of the
body The radical advocates Of inde-
pendence slowly. but none the less
surely, lost ground, Aeing swept back
by the powerful and compact minority
opposed to them. They yielded only
after one of the bitterest contests in the
history Of the senate. They capitulated,
but did not surrender.
The scene in the senate, even up to
the minute of adjournment was one
of wonderful beauty and impressive
ness. Hundreds of brilliantly attired
women and men in evening dress filled
the galleries. On the floor were the
makers of the country's history await
ing the verdict from the conference
committee. When finally it came there
was a hush in the great chamber,
which a few seconds before had been
thrilling with animation. When the
verdict had been returned and accept
ed by the senate the great audience
dispersed-dispersed quietly, almost
solemnly. All realized that the ver-
dict meant war, and the action taken
was too momentous to inspire any
thing less than awe.
The house, after one of the hardest
and most desperate fights in its his
tory, succeeded in forcing the senate to
yield the main contention in the war
resolutions-the. independence of the
existing government in Cuba With
that exception the house accepted the
resolutions. The Republicans who
Joined with Democrats in an attempt
to concur in the senate amendments
entire rallied IA votes at one time, and
on every vote thereafter the vote
dwindled. When the final vote was
taken, shortly before 3 o'clock this
morning, 80 votes were cast for the
declaration upon which we are to go to
war, If war it is to be- Six votes only |
We're cast against it. They included |
five Republicans and one Democrat, as
follows: Boutelle of Maine, Brewer of
Alabama, Gardner of New Jersey, John
son of Indiana, Loud of California and !
Mccall of massachusetts,. Brewer is
the only Democrat voting against the
resolutions.
Representative Hull, of Iowa, chair
man of the house committee on mill
tary affairs, today introduced an ad-
ministratioE bill authorizing the presi-
dent to issue a call for volunteers to
the number of 10000 of 10000 men. It
will be considered Immediately by the
committee, its passage expedited as
rapidly as possible, and will take effect
upon the presidents ap-
proval. Its terms will authorize the
president to call on the various states
for quotas for making the aggregate.
By reading in this way, instead of
specifically looking to calling out the
various state militia, will avoid sew
eral embarrassing technicalities,
main one being the constitutional in
hibition on sending state militia out of
the country, while volunteers so called
for can be ordered anywhere. 1t is
likely that IL the situation develops
into such grave proportions as is now
second call for 100000 vol
lnteers will be issued by the president
Secretary Long yesterday decided to
assign Commodore Howell to COM
mand the newly organized patrol fleet
of the Yosemite, the Prairie
he Yankee and the Dixie. This detail
Tor Commodore Howell Is a solution
If difficulty which has been confront
ng the department ever since his re-
urn from the European station Sec
'etary Long was very anxious to avail
himself of the experience of Commo-
lore Howell, but found some difficulty
n doing so, in view of the fact that he
both Commodore Schley and
Captain Sampson, in command of the
Wo fleets. Neither of these officers
'ould in justice have been relieved to
make room for Commodore Howell
md the creation of the new fleet solves
he difficulty. 1t is probable that the
ian Francisco will be retained by Com
nodore Howell as his flagship, thus
materially increasing the strength of
he coast squadron.
Probably with the view Of availing
imself Of The large experience of Rear
admiral Sicard, Secretary Long has
evoked the sick Leave Of that officer
nd ordered him to duty in his own
flee at the navy department. Tech
ically Admiral Sicard succeeds IN the
office Captain Sigsbee, who
as been acting in a similar capacity
ince Captain Earkcrs re'ief as profess I
ional adviser to thc sec"etary.
1t was seated ut the navy department ]
astera"v chat ths affnrts Ia soonrl