Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1898-02-22
by the senate He deplored the reflections
which were made upon the navy depart
MoRRo CASTLE.

by the senate. He deplored the reflections
which were made upon the navy depart
ment.
Senator Hale said the whole world de-
plored the great tragedy. He hoped the
senator (Mason) would see the improperly
of the position he was taking.
Senator Mason said he meant no reflec-
ton on Secretary Long. but an investiga-
ton by congress could not Interfere with
the navy department.
Tired to Secret Investigations.
Senator Mason said the American people
were tired Of Investigations behind closed
doors, that with $50 seamen lying at the
bottom of Havana harbor, the people Of
the United States wanted to know whether
she was blown up by her enemies or from
spontaneous combustion
Senator Mason said that II 1t was found
that the Maine disaster was the result of an
accident, the people would be better salts
fled II a committee of congress should find
1t SO, and no harm would be done.
Senator Mason, referring to the De LONE
letter, said he thought every one would
commend the president for the manner In
which he handled matter which was In
part SO personal to himself. Senator Ma
son said that those who are so anxious to
go slow in the matter Of the Maine were
the defenders Of De LONE, and had praised
his wise craftsmanship.
Senator Mason said that the president
said in his message that one reason why
ne has hesitated to interfere was because
Of the promise Of autonomy, and yet AT
the same time the Spaniards We're de-
nouncing the government. Senator Ma
son said there should be American divers
for the Maine, SO that the truth could be
told. He would not act upon an investi-
cation committee, he said, because he
would not sit at a table with Span
lard unless he had stiletto in his pocket.
r.
senator WoIcott's Sensation.
genator Wolcott created a sensation in.
replying to Senator Mason. Senator VOL
colt said the senator from Illinois had said
the people We're losing confidence in one
OF the great departments of the govern
ment, statement that could not 70 un-
challenged.
Senator Mason sought to interrupt Sen
ator Wolcott, but the latter peremptorly
declined to be interrupted, and insisted that
the words be read.
He then said he desired to resent as
utterly unfounded the insinuation that the
people distrusted any department of the
government. He resented especially a
statement on the floor of the senate that
there was any dlstrust Of the navy, any
especially during this calamitous and ter
rible time. This country, he said, will
| never stand and listen to insinuations that
our ofticers Will lie.
He did not know what slums the senator
from Illinois had dragged to secure a basis
| for his remarks He declared that the
investigate ton of the terrible disaster would
be conducted fairly.
To-day we should refrain from insult
Ing friendly nation and outrageous crit
icism of our own people.
Senator Worcott said war might come
In fact. 1t might not be far distant, but
| our conduct must be such as to make us
respect ourselves and make nations re-
spect our position.
senator Lodge Heard.
| Senator Lodge (Mass) said this was
| question which involved the death of
| American seamen in Havana and that the
only way TO get at the truth was through
the naval officers. Senator Lodge said no
one could distrust the naval officers or
doubt that they would tell the truth. No
one believed that Capt. Sigsbee would l!e
Speaking Of Secretary Long, he said he
was an honored citizen of Massachusetts,
No one believed he would conceal any
thing OF the great disaster. Senator Lodge
said that none of those who know Rooss-
welt, the assistant secretary believes that
| he would do anything to deceive the peo-
| pie. Senator Lodge said that UP to this
| lime the ACTION Of the American congress,
In the face Of the great disaster, had been
| dignifed, and 1t was to be regretted that
this debate had arisen.
| Mason Strikes Back.
| Senator Mason followed Senator Lodge,
and charged Senator Wolcott with maxi
Ing statement that was not borne out
by any statement made by him (Mason),
He was sorry that the great admiration
Senator Wolcott had for the navy depart.
ment had not "slopped over to the treas
ury department.
This caused laugh among senator's and
spectators,
Senator Mason SAID he IA moi. tina xAnAt