The Portland daily press., 1898-02-24
WOULD VOTE FOR WAR.
Senator Morgan, However, FaVoFs
Direct Action.
ALABAMA MAN OPPOSED TO THE
ALLEN RIDER.

Declares That Belligerancy Resolution
Would Now Mean War With Spain
senator Thursron Says This Country is
Rapidly Drifting Into War.
Washington, February 29.--While the
Senate today had under consideration the
diplomatic and consular appropriation
bill. sharp debate on the Cuban question
was precipated by Mr.. Allen of Nebraska,
who offered as an amendment the resolu-
sion passed by the Senate year ago,
recognizing the -belligerent right of the
Cuban insurgents. The debate became
general and occupied four hours. In the
cotlrse of reply to the preliminary state
ment by Mr.. Allen, Mr.. Morgan OF Ala-
hama said that this country's relations
with Spain at the present time were
seriously strained and that intervention
by the United States, which year ago
would have been inoffensive, would now
be almost cause for war. He expressed
the opinion that the Cuban affair would
eventually be submitted to the arbitra-
ment of the sword between the United
States and Spain, but he did not want
war precipitated by rash acts OF legisla-
ton. AIr Foraker of Ohio, thought the
day not far distant when the time for
action by this country would arrive and
that the chief magistrate OF the nation
ought to rejoice that the legislative
branch of the government was prepared
to support him in asserting AmerioaS
rights.
MIR. Thurston of Nebraska counselled
calmness and prudence, for he believed
that the country was rapidly drifting in
TO war with Spain. u
Mr. Hoar of Massachusetts. maintained
that the floor of the SenaS &c was no proper
place for angry discussions on inter-
national affairs an9-that no Senator
ought to utter Anything that might not
well be uttere4 by the President Of the
United States, He expressedEhis willing
hess, howeysr., to give his support to the
Executivs should the time for action ar
rive, pr5viding the action was based on
clear End unmistakable facts.
NJ, Aliens amendment was ruled out
III order and the appeal from the ruling
taken by the Nebraska Senator was laid
on the table by vote Of 81 to S. Early
in the day Mr.. Allen offered a resolution
providing for committee of five Sen
ators who should go to Cuba and ascer-
tain the precise situation on the island.
Under the rules 1t went over until to-
morrow. Both the military academy and
diplomatic and consular appropriation
bills passed.
Washington, February 23.-The Cuban
question was again precipitated in the
Senate today by Mr.. Allen of Nebraska
who offered the following resolution:
Whereas, 1t is the established doctrine
of the United States that the Western
Hemisphere shall be dedicated to Repub-
lican form of government, recognizing
the political equality of human beings;
and,
whereas, The principles of the Monroe
doctrine or the doctrine Of national self
reservation is as applicable in wrestling
any portion of this continent from the
grasp of foreign countries as In prevent
ing them from obtaining additional terri
tory; and
Whereas, The Island of Cuba by reason
OF it's location and close proximity to the
United States should by right be dedi-
Gated to Republican form of govern
nient; and,
Whereas, A Republican form of govern,
ment is, and has been, for nearly three
years maintained in said island by force
of arms; and,
Whereas. 1t is alleged that 500, COO per
sons on said island have died of starvation
by reason ofsbeing concentrated by the
Spanish government at various. points,
without being fed or afforded an oppor-
tuinty to provide food for themselves
and hundred are daily dying; and,
Whereas, The dictates of humanity re
ouire the Intervention Of the United
States in such cases, therefore,
Resolved That a select committee OF
five Senators shall be appointed whose
duty it shall be to forthwith make q
thorough Investigation and inquire into
and report on the following subject:
First-To what extent the work of oon-
,centrating the inhabitants of Cuba has
been carried on by the Spanish govern.
nient, and how many persons on said
iGiand have in the last three years died
as q result Of starvation, or for lack OF
sufficient food, and diseases incident
thereto and to what extent concentration
is now being practiced there by Spanish