The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1898-01-20
NORFOLK vIRGINIAN: THURSDAY JANUARY 20 1898

on the pending bill with brief but i'm
portant statement as to our foreign re-
lations with Spain and Cuba, and the
course Of the administration.
He sketched the course Of affairs
since Mr.. McKinley's advent to power
and told of the successful efforts Of
the President in obtaining the release
OF all American prisoners in Cuba.
6ut the President had gone farther.
lie had protested with such emphasis
and energy against the barbar!ties Of
war and the policy Of concentration
mat General Weyler had been re-
called in disgrace. and the policy of
concentration had been abandoned.
Further even than this the Presi-
dent had gone. He had notified the
Sagasta Ministry that the war mus.
cease and proposals Of settlement made
within a reasonable time. These rep
resentations had been made owing to
the great interest all over the coun-
try in the struggle the Cubans were
making. The Presidents representa-
lions had been listened to by Spain,
said Mr.. Hit. and the scheme of self
government. modelled upon that of
Canada, had been issued. Whether it
would be successful, said he, many
might doubt. Perhaps it would be
harsh Judgment now to say it had
already failed
Every act OF the President. con-
tinued Mr. Hit, had shown that the
Spirit which animated him in his pub
lie utterances In the past. He had
achieved much in a few months, but
he said that he thought it unwise for
the United States at this time to rec
ognize the belligerency Of the insur-
gents.
NIr. Hit admonished the members
that national action must be vim
dicated before the world. and that we
must prove in what we do that we are
actuated by no vulgar greed to rob a
neighbor or to seize property of others
Proceeding, he dwelt upon the effect
OF the extension Of belligerent rights
to the insurgents, arguing that it
would give Spanish cruisers the right
of search and impose q great hardship
on the Cubans, who were without a
navy.
y declaration of 'belligerency would
allow Spain's war ships to hunt our
vessels on the high seas. In the exist
ing situation, good men sympa thizing
with Clrba'S cause, were constantly
making their way to the islands.
Supplies, guns and ammunition were
going from the United States Mem
bers. he said, might ask why, with all
these disadvantages In store for them,
the agents of the Cuban republic in
this city desired belllgerent rights. ~
could explain It," said Mr.. Hit, "but
l prefer to do so in the words of one
of these agents to me.
we know said this gentleman.
that we have much TO lose in the
matter of supplies, but we also know
mat II Spanish cruisers begin to stop
american shippers It will not he long
before hasty shot is fired With that
shot public opinion in Spain and the
united States will plunge those coun-
trieS into war; then our battle will be
over" "
That perhaps is a very lust argu-
ment for the Cuban" continued Mr.
HIT. hut not for an American. If we
are TO have war let us face il directly.
not be forced info 1t by n chance. 7 do
not Diane the Cubans however, any
more than I blame the Confederate
VINO. during the rebellion, hoped to
p!ecipi,ate war between the United
States and Great Britain, Knowing that
once war came the contract for freeing
the Confederacy would be taken off his
hands"
Mr.. Hit spoke OF the Spanish au-
thority In Havana as tottering between
armed forces without and tumultoua
riot within, but with impressive words
warned the members that they cast re-
sponsibility of action with the momcn-
tous consequences that might ensue
rested on the shoulders of the executive
not on members of Congress- who might
be making speeches for popular an
proval.
FIe referred to General Lee ae an Of
fcer of ability and experience who
could be relied upon to guard jcalously
our honor at Havana and concluded
with an eloquent appeal to the mem
bers OF the House, though they might
nave had differences, TO drown all 9TH
er voices as they did in the Venezue-
Ian crisis. and stand by the President
and the country. While he could no:
prophesy as to the future he solemly as
sured the House that the President
would not diSoppoint the expectations
Of his countrymen.
A9 MIR. Hit concluded roar of ap-
proval swept the floor and the CALLER
les.
Mr.. Dinsmore, of Arkansas. the lead
Ing minority of the committee on For
cign Affairs, replied to him and Messrs
Adams. Rep0. of Pennsylvania, chair
man of the Cuban subcommittee of the
same committee, Berry, (Dem), and
Wheeler, Dem.). of Kentucky, also ad-
dressed the House during the general
debate The debate will close to.mor-
row at O'Clock under the arrange
ments made to-day when final test
Will be made on n motion Of which Mr.
N''''ii''' VI hiiSF'lS9IASlIpI gave
notice to-day. to recommit the bill with
instructions to report back the Cuban
resolution as 4 rider.
Al O'Clock the committee arose and
the House adjourned.
SENATE
~ spirited debate was precipitated in
the Senate to-day by the introduction
or a resolution by Mr.. Hoar, of Masaa-
the Committee on Postoffices and Post
RAlla nlnnhrninp tha IL