The herald., 1898-01-20
IS. THURSDAY MORNING, JANUARY 20 1898

many cases his demand was complied
with, but not in all. Then, by the hant
OF an assassin, the leader of the policy
OF stern conservative oppression hat
| fallen. His successors pursued the
same policy until overthrown. Wher
the liberal ministry came in the presi.
dent had again pressed for the release
OF the American prisoners. The minis
try yielded at last and all had been giver
their freedom. But the president had
gone further. He had protested with
such emphasis and energy against the
barbarities of the war and the policy ol
concentration that General Weyler had
been recalled in disgrace and the policy
OF concentration that General Weyler
mas been recalled in disgrace and the
policy of concentration had been aban-
ooned. Further even than this the
president had gone. He had notified
the Sagasta ministry that the war must
cease and that proper settle
ment must be made within a
reasonable time. These representa-
tions had been made owing to the gen.
eral interest all the country had in the
struggle the Cubans were making. The
presidents representations had been lis
tened to by Spain and the scheme of
self-government, modelled upon that OF
Canada, had been issued. Whether 1t
would be successful, he said, whether II
was practical or sincere, many might
doubt. Perhaps it would be a harsh
judgment now to say it had already
failed. But that it was sincere, events
had already made clear. Those who
understood Spain and her Vaccinations
far better than we had passed judgmen:
and had already attempted to destroy
the autonomy scheme and to pull down
the Sagasta government which had pro-
posed it.
He thought 1t unwise for the United
States at this time to recognize the bel
ligerency of the insurgents.
Hit admonished the members that a
national action must be vindicated be-
fore the world, and that we must prove
In what we do that we are actuated by
no vulgar greed to rob neighbor or to
seize the property of others.
A declaration of belligerency, he ex-
planned, would allow Spain's warships
to hunt our vessels on the high sea.
Hit spoke of the Spanish authority in
Havana as tottering between armed
forces without and tumultuous riot
within. but, with impressive words,
warned the members that the vast re-
sponsibi.ity of action, with the momen-
tous consequences that might ensue,
rested on the shoulders of the executive,
not on members of congress. who might
be making speeches for public approval.
Let us remember" said he, that We
have faithful pilot at the helm, and If
the ship of state is near the rapids we
should be patient and ready to support
Hit spoke of the Spanish authority in
him in whatever step he thinks the hon
or and interest of our country may de-
mand."
He referred to Gen. Lee as an officer of
ability and experience, who could be re-
lied on to jealously guard our honor at
Havana, and concluded with an eloquent
appeal to the members of the house,
though they might have had differences,
to drown all other voices as they did in
the Venezuelan crisis, and stand by the
president and the country. While he
6DR11}AxnN* ophesy as to the future, he
soIemn1y assured the house that the
president would not disappoint the ex-
pectations of his countrymen.
Dinsmore of Arkansas, Democratic
of the foreign affairs commit
tee. declared that the time had come for
giving the Cubans the recognition they
had SO long sought.
Berry, Democrat, of Kentucky, elo-
quently pleaded Cuba's cause. After
100000 Cubans had gone down to their
death during the last four years, he said,
1t was absurd for members to stand on
the floor of the house and deny that
state of war exists on the island.
II don't fear war; said Berry. "I think
a little blood-letting would be good for
us. Let Spain fire on the American flag
just once and the flame will be kindled
that will free Cuba"
But what will happen to us?" asked
Mahany.
"Oh, we can take care Of ourselves"
replied Berry.
After some further remarks by Wheel
er, Democrat, of Alabama, in favor of
granting belligerent rights to the in
the committee rose, and at S
o'clock the house adjourned.