The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-02-24
THE SENATE ON CUBA
Resolution Towards ReCOg-
nizing Cuba.
BRINGS ON HOT DEBATE
MEETS OPPOSITION ON ACCOUNT
OF CRITICAL SITUATION.
ITS PASSAGE WOULD PRECIPITATE WAR
The Crisis is Approaching, However, and We
Will Have to Take Action or Back Down
From Our Position. Resolution
Goes Over,
Goes Over.

IOW VuI TONItOH" neSVIuuOH
Gees Over.
Washington, d. c., Feb. 23.-Wmle
the Senate had under consideration the
Diplomatic and Consular Appropriation
bill today, sharp debate OH the Gu
ban situation was preciitated by Mr.
Allen, of Nebraska, who offered as an
amendment the resolution passed by
the Senate Il year ago recognizing the
bellgerent rights of the Cuban insur-
gents. The debate became general and
occupied nearly four hours.
Mr. Alien first offered the following:
Whereas, 1t is the established doc
trine of the United States that the
Western Hemisphere shall he dedicated
to republican forms of government recog-
nizing the political equality of human
beings; and,
"WhcreaS. The principles of the Mon
roe doctrine or the doctrine of national
self preservation, is as applicable in
wrestling any portion OF this continent
from the grasp of foreign countries, as
in preventing them from obtaining addi-
tional territory: and.
Whereas. The Island of Cuba. by
reason Of it's location and close proxi-
nifty to the United States, should by
right. be dedicated to "a republican form
of government; and.
Whereas. \ republican form OF gov
ernmcnt is. and has been. for nearly
three years maintained iIr said island
by force of arms; ana
"WhcreaS. II is alleged that 100000
persons on said island have died of
starvation by reason of being concen-
tratcd by the Spanish government at
varied points. without being fed or af-
forded an opportunity to provide food
for themselves, and hundreds are daily
dying; and,
Whereas. The dictates Of humanity
require the intervention of the United
States in such case, therefore,
Resolved, That a select committee Of
five Senators shall he appointed, whose
duty il shall be To forthwith make a
thorough investigation and inquire into
and report on the following subjects:
First TO what extent the work of
concentrating the inhabitants of Cuba
has been carried on by the Spanish
government. and how many persons on
said island have in the last three years
died as q result of starvation, or for
lack of sufficient food, and diseases in
cident thereto, and to what extent con-
centratio is now being practiced There
hy the Spanish authority. and the condi-
ton of the people concentrated.
MIR. ALIENS RESOLUTION.
Second. Whether the concentrated
Cubans have been adequately sheltered
clothed and fed by the Spanish govern
ment, or by others. or have been per-
mitted to obtain food and clothing for
themselves.
Third. What lawful steps. if any,
are necessary and can he taken by the
United States TO bring the war in Cuba
TO Il speedy termination, on grounds non
Orahle alike to Spain and Cuba, and
which will result in the kingdom OF
Spain relinquishing its hold on the Is
land, and in the establishment of re-
publican form of government there.
Fourth. To what extent Spanish
barbarity and cruelty have during the
war now in progress on the island of
Cuba, been practiced toward the inhabi-
tants of Cuba, and what can be law
fully done by the United States. if any
thing. to ameliOrate the condition of
the Cubans..
And 10 these ends and for these pur-
poses, said committee may sit at such
times and places as they may see prop
er during the sessions of Congress and
in vacation, and shall have the right
to visit and take testimony in Cuba, if
deemed proper 10 do so. All testimony
taken shall be preserved and the findings
Of said select committee, together with
all testimony shall be reduced to writing
and reported to the Senate ut as early
a date as practicable.''
On objection to immediate c0nSidera-
ton by Mr.. Platt, (Connccticut), the
resolution under the rules, went over
until tomorrow.
The Military Academy Appropriation
bill, carrying $4J4,240 was passed.
On motion of Mr.. Hale. (Maine), the
Diplomatic and Consular Appropriation
bill was taken up. 1t apprOpriates ST.
T4G,4GS; that amount being an increase
over the sum carried by the bill as il
passed the House of $17,400.
Mr. Allen offered as an amendment
the resolution recognizing the bclliger-
ency Of the Cuban insurgents, which
was unfavorably reported few DAYS
ago by the Committee on Foreign Rcla-
tions.
Mr.. Allen claimed that Congress was
dodging this issue and his desire was
to find whether it could in any way
be induced, cajoled or kicked into putting