The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-01-20

existing situation good men sympathiz-
ing with Cuba's cause were constantly
making their way to the islands. Sup
plies, guns and ammunition were going
from the United States. 1t was said that
every pound of powder fired for the
cause of Cuba's freedom had come from
this country. Members, he said, might
ask why, with all these disadvantages in
store for them, agents of the Cuban re-
public in this city desired belligerent
rights.
II could explain it, said Mr.. Hit, "but
I 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 that if Spanish cruisers begin to
stop American steamers it will not be
long before hasty shot is fired. With
that shot public opinion in Spain and the
United States viii plunge these countries
into war. Then our battle will be over
THAT, perhaps, is a very just argu-
ment for the Cuban" continued Mr.. Hit,
''but not for an American. If we are
to have war let us have it directly, not be
forced into it by chance"
Mr. Hit spoke of the Spanish authority
in Havana as tottering between armed
forces without and tumultuous riot with
in, but with impressive words warned
the members that the vast responsibility
of action, with the mOmentous conse-
quences that might ensue, rested on the
shoulders of the executive, not on mem
bers of congress, who might be making
speeches for public APPROVAL.
WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS.
LET us remember" said he, that we
have a faithful pilot at the helm, and if
the ship of state is near the rapids we
should be patient and ready to support
him if he takes the step which the honor
and the interests OF our country may de-
mand."
He referred to General Lee as an Off
Ger of ability and experience who could
be relied upon to guard jalously our honor
at Havana, and concluded with an e1o-
quent appeal to the members Of the house,
though they might have had differences,
to drown all others vices as they did in
the Venezuelan crisis, and stand by the
president and the country. While he
could not prophesy as to the future. he
solemnly assured the house that the pres
ident would not disappoint the expecta-
lions of his countrymen.
Throughout Mr.. Hits speech he was
listened to with the closest attention.
Members crowded about him and the
thronged galleries leaned over to catch
his words AS he concluded a roar of
approval swept the floor and the gall
leries.
IN CLEVELAND'S TIME.
Mr. Dinsmore (Ark), a Democratic mem
Der of the foreign affairs committee, de-
clared that the time had come for, giving
the Cubans the recognition they had so
long sought. He arraigned Mr. Hit and
the Republican side for alleged inconsis-
tency. citing their Cuban speeches under
the Cleveland administration, and then
branched off to the tariff, civil service
bimetallism and various other topics. Re
turning 10 Cuba, he declared that no act
by this government could bring war with
Spain, for a bankrupt monarchy which
could not put down 5000 ragged Cuban
soldiers would not enter upon a contest
with the United States.
HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED.
Mr.. Adams CRep., Pa, a member of
the foreign affairs committee, and chair
man of the subcommittee on Cuba, fol-
lowed Mr.. Dinsmore and contrasted the
inaction and apathy of the last admin
istration toward Cuba with the achieve
ments of this. dwelling particularly upon
the release OF all American prisoners in
Cuba. the change in the Spanish war
methods. and the abandonment OF the pol
icy of concentration. He maintained that
the recognition OF belligerency was pure
ly an executive function,
Did you not vote for belligerency in
the last congress?" asked Mr.. Sulzer.
II did responded Mr.. Adams. but
then we were seeking TO protect Amcri-
can property; that property is now de-
stroyed. We were seeking 10 free Amer
lean prisoners; they are now free. This
whole question is nearing a solution. Of
its own weight. Spain is bankrupt. She
cannot send another man 20 Cuba There
are riots IN Havana. The handwriting has
I appeared on the wall
In reply 20 a direct question. as 10 why
his subcommittee had not reported the
senate resolution. he said the committee
had called for official information.
I'VE cannot rely on newspaper reports
when we see in this city two sides OF the
| question presented by different newsps-
pers."
Mr.. Berry Dem. KY eloquen;Iy plead
ed Cuba's cause After So 600 Cubans had
gone down 10 their death during the last
/ four years. he said, # was absurd for
members 70 stand on the lIoor OF the
house and deny that state OF war ex-
: listed on the island.
Il don't fear war" said NJ. Berry. 81
think little blood-ruanig would &c good
for US Let Spain fire on the American
flag Just once. and the fame viii Be kind
led that viii free Cuba