Evening star., 1898-02-23
Resolution Introduced in the Senate
by Mr.. Allen.
TO INVESTIGATE CRUELTY TO CUBANS
An Exciting Debate on the Ques-
ton Of Recognition.
TO PREVENT FILIBUSTERING


Whereas. it Is the established doctrine
of the United States that the western hem
isphere shall b, dedicated to republican
ferns of government recognizing the po-
litical equality of human being; and
Whereas. the principles OF the Monroe
doctrine or the doctrine of national self
preservation, is as applicable in wrestling
any portion of this continent from the
grasp Of foreign countries, as in preventing
them from obtaining additional territory
ard
Whereas, the Island of Cuba, by reason
of its location ard close proximity to the
United States. should. by right, be dedi-
Gated to a republican form of government;
ard,
Nv hereas. republican form of govern
ment Is, and has been, for nearly three
years maintained in said island by force of
arms, and
Whereas, it is alleged that 100000 per-
sons oil said island have died of starvation
by reason of beng concentrated by the
spanish government at various points.
without being fed or afforded an opportuni-
ty to provide food for themselves, and
hundreds are daily dying; and
whereas. fha dictates of humanity re-
qI.re the Intervention Of the United States
in such case; therefore
Resolved, That select committee of
nVs senator's shall be appointed whose
duty 1t shall be to forthwith make a thor
ough investigation and inquire into and re-
port on the following subjects:
Subjects of Proposed Inquiry.
First, to what extent the work of con-
eentrating the inhabitants of Cuba has
been carried on by the Spanish govern
nent and how many persons on said is
land have in the last three years died as
result of starvation, or for lack of sufIi-
cient food, ard diseases incident thereto
and to what extent concentration is now
being practiced there by Spanish authority
and the condition of the people concen-
trated.
Second, whether the concentrated
Cubans have been adequately sheltered.
clothed and fed by the Spanish govern
rient, or by others, or have been per-
nlitted to obtain food and clothing for
themselves.
Third. what lawful steps, if any, are
necessary and can be taken by the United
States 10 bring the war in Cuba to
speedy determination. on grounds honor
able alike to Spain and Cuba, and which
Will result in the kingdom of Spain re-
Enquishing its hold on the island and in
the establishment of a republican form Of
government there.
Fourth, to what extent Spanish bar
barity and cruelty have during the war
heen practiced toward the Inhabitants of
Cuba. and what can be lawfully done hy
the United States. if anything to anchor
ate 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 this sessions of Congress and 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 preserved and the finding of said select
committee, together with all testimony
shall be reduced to writing and reported
to the Senate at as early a date as practi-
cable"
On objection to immediate consideration
by Mr.. Platt Comm the resolution under
the rules went over until tomorrow.
Mr.. Hansbrorgh On. d. asked unanimous
consent for the consideration OF an act
extending the homestead laws and provid-
ing for right CT way for railroads in the
district of Alaska. He said that 10000 or
LEGO people in the northwest were await
Ing congressional acticn upon the bill, and
1t was considered by the public lands
committee to be of great Importance he
hoped the measure might be. considered at
once.
Mr.. Turner CWash.) objected.
Mr.. Hansbrough then gave notice that he
would call up the bill tomorrow.
Mr.. Sewall of the committee on approprta-
tiCnS called up the Military Academy ap
rropriation bill.
The bill with the amendments offered by
the committee was then passed without di-
vision
On motion Of Mr.. Hale CMe) the diplo-
matte and consular appropriation bill was
taken up. 1t appropriates $1,I464os. that
amount being an increase over the sum
carried by the bill as 1t passed the House
of Sl7, 400. BY the terms of the bill Russia
is placed among the nations at whose capt.
tails the United States Is represented by
amba ssadors, France, Great Britain and
Germany being the other three.
Cuban Beliserency as an Amendment
AT the conclusion of the reading of the
bill MIR. Allen (Neo) indicated his desire to
offer an amendment, but first suggested the
lack of a quorum. The roll call developed
the presence of fifty-five serators-more
than a quorum.
Mr.. Aliens amendment was the resolu-
ton recognizing the belligerency of the
Cuban insurgents, which was unfavOrably
reported a lew days ago by the committee
on foreign relations
Respecting the amendment, Mr. Allen
thought a statement was due the country.
1t is practically copy of the resolutions
which have passed the Senate referring to
the unfavorable report presented on the
an endment by the foreign relations COM
n.ittee. MIR. Allen said that 1t was a con-
feysion and avoidance and meant simply
that the COMMITTEES did not desire to act
upon 1t. He read this report, commenting
upon 1t as a remarkable document. II ad-
naitted the truth of the charge that the con-
ditions had grown worse since the adoption
of a similar declaration as an Independent
measure, and 1t took an adverse view of
the propriety of Incorporating such an
amendment in the bill He denied that
there was any intention or desire to coerce
the House. The assertion that such was
the purpose was a mere subterfuge
The truth was, he said, that Congress
was merely finding some excuse under
which 1t could continue business and es-
cape censure. His desire was to find
whether Congress could In any way be In
duced, cajoled or kicked into putting the
country in a dignified attitude on the Gu
ban question.
In reply to a question from Mr.. Gray as
to whether the Senate belligerency resolu-
ticn was not now before the House, Mr..
Allen replied that it was before the Speak
er. which was the same thing.
Taking up the main issue involved, he as
serted that he had reliable Information
that not less than 33 per cent of the Cuban
population. G: 10000 persons. had perished
In Cuba within the past three years re-
suit of Spanish cruelty.
And yet" said Mr.. Allen, ''lest we, the
Senate. a body cf eighty-nine men, offend
the House of Representatives consisting of
35T men, a point Of oruer is to be made
against this amendment, and 1t will go the
way of very much valuable legislation"
Mr.. Hale gave notice of point of order
against the amendment.
Mr.. Morynn'a Opposition.