The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-03-29
IT READS LIKE AN APOLOGY
ONE CONGRESSMAN'S COMMENT
ON THE MAINE MESSAGE
McCleary, of Minnesota, Not Willing
to Make n Final Judgment Upon
the Presentation of the Case by
Expressed by Members of the
HOuse-Reed md DingIey Silent.


Expressed by Members of tn.
House-Reed md DingIey Silent
WASHINGTON, March 2S.-Neithel
Speaker Reed, Mr.. Dingley, the flool
leader of the majority, nor Mr.. Bailey
the Democratic leader of the house
would make any comment upon the
message. Other members, however
were not SO reticent.
Representative McCleary, of Minnesota
(Republican)-The report Is not full enough
to warrant one in stating a final opinion.
1t indicates, however, that the responsibility
for the loss of the Maine does not rest on
her officers. It does not attempt to locate
the responsibility, but it seems to rest on
Spain. The extent Of the responsibility de-
ponds on her relation to the act. If it was
absolutely without her knowledge or con-
sent, she is still responsible as O sovereign
state. She should in this case promptly dis
avow her responsibility, express her deter
mination to find and punish those respon-
sible and express her anxiety to make such
reparation as is possible. If she does not do
SO her non-action may be freely construed
as at least partial approval of the act.
In that case, trust 1T will be SO dealt
with that she and all the world may know
that such horrible crimes cannot be COM
mitted with impunity.
Representative Lacey iowa. Rep. 1.-The
explosion of mine or torpedo in such a
skillful manner under the Maine could only
have been accomplished by experts The
Spanish soldiers and officers in charge Of
these explosives are the most likely cul-
prits. OF course it was greatly against the
interest of Spain to have met such an occur
renee, and 1t is hard to believe the Spanish
authorities should have planned such a
crime But the hot-headed Weylerites in the
army would be guided by no such prudence
and conspiracy among some Of them is
the most probable explanation. This sue
cessful and effective work was not directed
by any green and inexperienced hands.
Hartman's Views.
Mr.. Hartman (Silver Rep, Mont. 1.-The
message of the president, together with its
mechanical reception by both houses and
the administration reports in the senate, was
no surprise to any who knows what inf1u-
ences dictate the actions of both the Span
ish and American governments. The mes
sage simply confirms what every one knows,
that the president. in his every act, is
responsive to-the wishes of the Spanish
bondholders and the so-caled business in
terests of the country, which being inter
preted. means the moneyed interests and
gold gamblers of the world. If the people
of the United States will only keep in mind
this supreme power as controlling the des-
TIMES of both Spain and the United States,
there will be no fear of war.
Whenever this power can demonstrate
that time peace will prevail at any price.
Mr.. Quigg (Rep., Pa, member Of the
foreign affairs committee)-The facts dis
closed in the message are only those which
have been anticipated, and their effect on
public feeling is naturally discounted. The
president states them clearly and defines a
course which becomes the chief magistrate
of a sober, right-thinking and self-con1dent
people He is acting with absolute good
Judgment, and, one representative, I
purpose to sustain him. War is hideous,
and should be resorted to only when no
other course is possible in justice and
self-reSpect.
Like an Apology.
Mr.. Livingston Oem., Ga.)-The message
reads like apology.
Mr.. McMillin Oem., Tenn. 1.-The message
is thoroughly non-committal, and does not
acquaint congress with the policy of the
administration. From the fact that the
president simply transmits the findings of
the board, and notifies us that they have
been laid before us and the Spanish gov
eminent, l judge we are expected to do
nothing until Spain is heard from.
Representative Cummings On. Y, men,
Der of the naval committee)-In my opinion
the blowing up Of the Maine ought to be
considered one of the main factors in the
case against Spain. The Spaniards are
proverbial for their trickery. Their policy
is one of delay. By stunning the issue
made by the blowing up of the Maine they
concentrate everything on the issue Of feed
ing their own starving people.
Charles A Russell, Of Connecticut men,
Der of the ways and means committee-The
presidents message transmitting the report
and evidence Of the Maine board of inquiry
calm and dispassionate, BETTING the
gravity of the subject.
Mr.. Bromwell Rep. O)-The finding of
the naval board fixes conclusively the re-
sponsibility for the accident upon the Span
ish authorities. private individual could
not have procured or used such mine as
the report refers to without the knowledge
at least, and probably the connivance of the
Spanish officials at Havana. | believe in
holding Spain strictly accountable for the
loss Of our vessel and the murder of our
men. have been willing to wait and trust
the executive until we should have absolute
knowledge of the situation. That we now
have and as a member of the house repre-
senting the sentiments of patriotic merci-
full and just constituency, I feel that the
time has come for Intervention, even If that
means immediate war
Mr.. Hopkins (Rep. Ill.)-I think the next
step should be armed Intervention. The
order of Spain calls for prompt and ag-
gressive action.
Representative Babcock (Rep. Wis.,.
chairman Of the Republican congressional
committee-The president has treated the
matter with great forbearance and has been
very conservative in his action.
Mr.. Dolliver Rep, 1o)-The report shows
that the explosion was the result Of a
well-planned conspiracy, involving many
persons expert in the use of Internal weap-
ons and having access to the military stores
of the Havana government. 1t was an act
Of barbarism, and if it were not over
Swallowed by the larger national duty in
respect to Cuba would lead at once to a
declaration of war; AS the whole case
now stands. out duty to end the misery in
Cuba by whatever means are necessary is
plain. / hope that there will be no hesi-
tation and little delay.