The record-union., 1898-04-05
WRECKINc OF
MAINE: AN
ACT OF WAR
Brought About by Span
ishTreachery,
Perkins Delivers q SET Speech
In the = '9ie
Openly Charging Spain With Re-
sponsihi!ity for the Disaster.
Would Have Been Impossible for Anyone 10
Place T0rpedOes or Mines in the
HarbOr Without knowledge
Of the Authorities.

w <AhoA1IANNi io-N, <ApAii IL w SA1
frankly and openly charged in the Sen
ate to-day by Mr. Perkins of California,
in a set speech that Spain was re-
sponsible for the Maine disaster. as 1t
Vaccinations and Spanish treachery.
The speech Of Mr.. Perkins was only
one of four prepared addresses on the
Cuban question delivered in the Senate
to-day. Mr.. Clay of Georgia, while
hoping fer a peaceful solution of the
problem the country is now facing, de-
clared strongly in favor of independence
of the Cubans and pledged to the Adj
ministration the loyal support of the
South, which, in the event of war,
would have to bear the brunt of the
conflict.
Mr. Perkins took substantially the
same grounds, and his vigorous treat
ment of the Maine disaster aroused the
crowded galleries to enthusiastic ap-
plause.
Mr. Mantle of Montana, while ex-
pressing confidence in the Administers
ton, maintained that the time for ac-
tion had now arrived and that action
must be to the end that Cuba should
be free
Mr.. Rawlins of Utah entirely elimin-
ated the President from consideration
in his speech, holding that the case
against Spain was already made up,
and that with Congress rested the re-
spone'5ility of declaring war. Forcing
US to wait longer was only to invite
criticism. lie declared for the most
vigorous action Immediately.
After the Cuban speeches had been
delivered the Senate resumed consider
alton of the sundry civil bill, and fin
ished thirty-thre pages before adj
iourning.
Despite the specific statement that
the Presidents message would not be
sent to Congress to-day, and the infer
entail understanding that the subject
of Cuba might not be even referred to,
people came to the Capitol by the
thousands. It was a great audience
that looked down upon the chamber
when the Senate convened. Every seat
in the gallery, except the diplomatic,
was filled, and even in the diplomatic
gallery there were several members of
foreign Legations.
Mr. Pettigrew Of South Dakota pre-
sented a telegram signed by more than
hundred of his constituents, which
said:
'All parties here want Spanish tor
pedo flotilla turned back or destroyed
Patience exhausted
Mr.. Gear of Iowa presented a resolu-
ton of the Iowa Legislature indorsing
the action of the President and Con-
gress upon the Cuban question, and
pledging it's support to the Administra-
ton.
Mr. Turner Of Washington introduced
a resolution, which he asked should
go over until tomorrow, if in the
meantime nothing has been done in the
matter The resolution requires the
Committee on Foreign Relations to re-
port at the earliest moment, without
waiting for the concurrence or advice
of any department of the Government
which action. If any. in view of the
disaster to the Maine and of the de-
plorable condition of Cuban affairs,
should be taken to preserve the honor
and dignity of this country.
Quite unexpectedly discussion of the
Cuban question was preciDitated, and
two set speeches We're delivered upon
it.
CLAY PLEADS FOR INDEPEND-
ENCE
Mr. Clay of Georgia made a strong
plea for the independence of Cuba, bas-
ing his remarks upon the Foraker res
oluticn He maintained. however, that
the President ought to be offered every
opportunity to bring about diplomatic
solution of the difficulty. Though he
was for the recognition of the independ-
| ence of Cuba, he said he would await
upon the Presidents recommendations
L believe" he said. lin the independ
ence of Cuba and if Spain will not
agree to that, the United States must
enforce it with all the power of her
| land and naval forces. The people
| of the South believe in the peaceful
solution of the question. if possible
! but are willing to employ force, il
necessary
PERKINS FORCTBLE SPEECH.
| In opening a set speech upon the
Cuban question, Perkins of California
said that he felt it his duty to speal. nol
only for himself, but in behalf of the