The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1898-04-23
FIFTY-FIFTH CONGRESS.
ACRIMONIOUS SESSION IN THE HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Iho Senate Proceedings wero Cool and
DeliberAtc--TheA Armed Intervention Res,
olution Passed the House.-.A Memorable
Week in Congressional History.
SENATE,

MoNDAY.--ln the senate today every
available seat, both on the floor and
in the galleries, was occupied when
Vice-President Hobart's gavel called
the session to order. In the galleries
the people had been waiting for hours
but the arrangements for handling the
crowds were so admirable, that not
the slightest confusion existed. Every
member here was in his seat. Among
the visitors on the floor was Gen. Mel
son A. Miles, commander of the Army.
In the diplomatic gallery were the
representatives of many Of the more
important governments of the world.
The galleries presented a brilliant
scene. Many of the ladies were at
tired in the most fetching Easter fnery
and the handsome display of gowns
and bonnets was notable, even in that
city Of beautiful dressing. While Mr..
Quay was speaking on the Cuban topic
Major Pruden, the executive secretary
to the president, entered the chamber
bearing the long expected message.
He was recognized as soon as Mr..
Quay had concluded and when he had
presented the message the yice-presi-
dent immediatol y laid it before the
senate. In stiffness that was almost
breathless the message was read. At
tho conclusion of the reading there
was hum OF whispered conversation
IN the galleries, but no demonstration.
At lilo pm. the senate adjourned
TUEsDAY-For nearly three hours
today The senate had the Cuban ques-
ton in it's several phases under dis
cussion. Three resolutions bearing
upon the question were introduced,
one directing that the contemplated
operations against the Spanish army
in Cuba be in concert with Gen.
Gomez, the supreme command to be
vested in the commander of the United
States forces, to tho end that indie
pende1ce Of the Cubans be secured;
the second directing tho president at
once to take such stops es will secure
to the Cuban people all independent
republican form Of government; and
the third declaring the existing of war
in Cuba and directing the president to
take steps to stop it and secure to the
people Of the island stable and indie
pendent government. Consideration
Of the Sundry Civil bill was resumed,
but no progress was made. At 1855
p. m. the senate went into executive
session, adjourning a. 1855 F. m.
WEDNEsDAY-W;r etwt two pow.
erful nations was the sole tol i, Of dis.
! cussion in the senate to day. Such ex'
element, suppressed though it vas;
such a feeling that the country was on
the verge of events that would make
history for all time to come; such clio:
quent and imrassioned oratory; and
such keen and brilliant repartee have
not been known in the senate since the
exciting days when the country was
convulsed by the greatest war Of mod.
ern time. Mr.. Davis presented the
resolution and report compiled by the
foreign relations committee, and re-
quested that they be read. The report
was terrific arraignment Of Spain and
fher policies, yet so eager were all te
hear every word that not the slightest
demonstration occurred throughout the
reading. Mr.. Hoar, Of Massachusetts
1 demanded that the resolutions lie over
under the rules till tomorrow. The
vice.prssident sustained the point and
the senate, at 5:25, adjourned.
THURsDAY--For more than six hours
this afternoon the senate had the reso-
luton prepared by the committee on
foreign relations under consideration
The speeches delivered upon the varl'
GUS phases of the situation, eloquent,
spirited and vehement as oil OF then
we're, disclosed no irreconcilable at
ferences among. those who spoke. Al
were in favor of action in some form
by the government Of the Unltec
States. The most radical difference
was as to whether the resolutions final
ly adopted should recognize the indie
pondence OF the Cuban republic O
simply declare for armed intervention
with view to the ultimate freedom
and independence of tho Cuban PEG
pie. After stormy proceedings on thu
floor and much enthusiasm in the gal
leries, the senate, at 6:15, adjourned
FR1DAY-After the debate had con
tinued for eight hours today an ettor
was made to reach an agreement to be
gin the vote upon all Of the pending
resolutions at 7 o'clock tomorrow even
ing, and in the confused coliloqu
among Senators there was made mani
fest for the first time disposition t.
flibuster Mr.. Caffrey Of Louisiana
although disclaiming any intention
delay action unduly, objected to an
agreement to the fixing of q time tor
vote. The debate tl1en proceeded
but in few minutes motion wa
, made to adjourn. This was defeated
At 8 o'clock another effort was mad
to reach an agreement to adjourn, br
it, too, was unavailing. The debat
4bo up,aual)v early hOu