The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-13
RESOLUTIONS AND SPEECHES.
Senator's Give Their Views ON the Gu
ban Situation.

three hours to-day the Senate had the Gu
ban question in its several phases under dis
cussion. Three resolutions bearing on the
question were introduced, one by Mr.. Lind
say, of Kentucky, directing that the contem-
plated operations against the Spanish army
in Cuba be in concert with General Gomez,
the supreme command TO be vested in the
commander of the United States forces, to
the end that the independence of the Gu
bans be secured; the second by Mr.. Wilson,
of Washington, directing the President at
once TO take such steps will secure to
the Cuban people an independent republican
form of government and the third by Mr..
Allen. of Nebraska, declaring the existence
of war between Spain and Cuba
and directing the President to take
steps to stop it and secure to the
people of the island a stable and independ-
ent government Following the introduction
of the resolutions speeches We're delivered
by Mr.. Pettus, of Alabama, Mr.. Mason, of
Illinois, and Mr. Butler, of North Carolina
Judge Pettus presented an argument that
the Congress could not delegate to the Pres
ident the power 10 make war either in
general or in a special sense, and declared
that the making of any war without an ex-
press declaration by Congress would be a
disgrace to the Nation. Mr.. Mason's speech
was largely a legal argument in favor of
the recognition of the independence of the
Cuban republic, and was delivered with
characteristic fire and vehemence. Mr.. But
Ter spoke for the Opposition on the floor
of the Senate, maintaining that it had thus
far upheld the hands of the administration
in the present crisis and would continue to
do so for q definite and vigorous policy. He
regretted that the President had not present.
L. n A.,
Intervention without the recognition of in
dependence would simply mean the crushing
of the Cuban patriots. Consideration of the
sundry civil bill was resumed, but no prog
ress was made.
At the opening of the session the chaplain
said solemn responsibility rests on the
Senate and House of Representatives in
volving the interests of two nations, a great
island and the entire civilized world. He
prayed that Congress and the country
might be guided by the hand of the Great
might be established on earth forever.
Mr.. Hale reported the naval appropria-
tiCn bill, and gave notice that he would call
it up as soon as the sundry civil bill was
disposed of.
THE RESOLUTIONS.
Mr. Lindsay offered the following joint
resolution and asked that it be laid on the
table:
''First-That the contemplated military
operations against the Spanish armies on
the Island of Cuba should be carried on in
concert with the military forces under the
command of Gen. Maxine Gomez, such
concert to be secured by arrangements with
the Cuban authorities, aud that any offer
looking to such arrangements that may be
made by the Cuban authorities shall be ia
vorably considered, provided it shall con-
e.o1o f1i,oer of
United States the right to control and direct
ali military operations.
'Second-That all such military operas
tons should be carried on, 10 the end that
the independence of the Cuban people may
be secured"
Mr. Wilson, of Washington introduced
the following joint resolution:
Whereas, The conditions which for three
years past have prevailed and are row pre-
vailing in the Island of Cuba have become
iDtolerable TO the people OF the United
States: therefore. be it - - 49,,
United States is empowered and directed to
take at once such steps as may be neces-
sary to put an end to hostilities in the
Island of Cuba and to secure TO the inhab-
itants of that island a stable and independ-
ent republican form of government, and the
President of the United States is empow-
land and naval forces of the United States
to make this joint resolution effective"
AT Mr.. Wilson's request the resolution
was referred to the foreign relations COM
mittee
Following came resolution from Mr. AL
len declaring that state of war existed
between the United States and Spain. 1t
follows:
THAT a state of war exists between the
United States of America and the Kingdom
of Spain, and that the political existence
and national Independence of the republic
by force of arms, is hereby recognized
That the President is empowered and di-
rected to take at once such effectual steps
termination of hostlitieS in Cuba and an in
dependent and stable government by the
people thereof, and to enable him to carry
out the purpose of this resolution he is
hereby empowered and directed to use the
lard and naval forces of the United States"
The resolution went over under the rules
Mr.. Pasco presented a joint resolution di-
recting the President to use not to exceed
s., 900 of the fund appropriated by Congress
to relieve American citizens in Cuba. for the
relief Of American citizens and others who
have recently landed in Florida from Cuba:
He explained that, while the citizens of
Florida were doing all their power to assist
the refugees, their means were limited. The
resolution was agreed to.
A LEGAL ARGUMENT.
MIR. Pettus presented a legal argument on
the authority of Congress and the President
under the Constitution in declaring and
prosecuting war. Congress alone, he said,
has power to declare and to limit it, but has
no authority to delegate this power to the
President or any other officer. If war is to
be waged, Congress must order what shall
be the nature of the war declared and as
commander-in-chief of the army and navy
the President must carry on the war di-
rected by Congress and in no other way
Yet what are we advised to do?'' inquired
Mr.. Pettus IF you boil the words down to
their true meaning It is evident that we are
advised to delegate to the President the
power TO intervene and make war if he sees
fit. without any declaration of war at ALL
War made in such q manner-withOut q
declaration of Congress-would be dis
grace to the Nation.
When Mr.. Pettus had concluded Mr.. Allen
just received from the House. To this Mr..
Mason. who had announced his speech on
the Cuban situation. objected. II had
hoped" suggested Mr.. Allen. that the
senator would yield. Hostilities will not be-
gin to-day.
Il am not so sure of that" retorted Mr.
Mason, as the senator from Nebraska
seems to be"
Mr. Lindsay of Kentucky, gave notice
that tomorrow he would address the SEN
ate his resolution.
MIR. Mason then proceeded with his
speech. He mad prepared ii carefully and
coriined himself closely to his manuscript
OF the recognition by this government of
the independence OF the Cuban republic.
Nj. Mason was accorded close attention by
senators
Mr.. Mason said in substance: LAS before
announced to you. in language which could
not be misunderstood, | am for war. and
have been since the hour our flag was low
cred In Havana harbor. and the lives of our
citizens taken by the government of Spain.
But | am and have been for this declaration
of war only us a means of securing an hon
orahle peace l have no desire To destroy