Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-04-01

floor, General Grosvenor. of Ohio With
his reply the climax OF the day was reach
ed. He charged Mr.. Bailey with attempt-
ing to make political capital. He denounced
the statements that the administration in
tended to force Cuba TO buy her freedom
as the silly invention OF an idiot. and de-
cIared that. from the president down, this
administration was for free Cuba. Rec
ogniticn of her independence, he said.
would be but a. halfway measure. He
thrilled his auditors when he asked what
meant the war preparations that were
going on night and day. Il not that, when
action was taken looking TO the independ-
ence Of Cuba. II would be backed up. If
necessary. by the army and navy OF the
United States.
After Mr.. GrosveTor concluded the de-
bate went on. the most significant utter
ances being made by Mr. Cummings. a
New York Democrat, who denounced the
political character which the question was
assuming unpatriouc and unwise.
Messrz. Grow. Republican. Of Pennsyl-
vania; GrigGs. Democrat. of New York:
Morton. Democrat. of Ohio. and Skinner.
PopuIist. OF North Carolina, also spoke.
Little progress was made with the naval
bill. The only important amendment adopt
ed was one appropriating $4,000 for the
erection Of new buildings at the naval
academy.
Mr.. Johnson's Plea for Peace.
The speechmaking began when Mr.. Lew
f., Democrat, Of Washington. denounced
the alleged agreement which rurror said
the administration was considering to ac-
cept a money naturalization from Spain
for the murdered sailors OF the Maine HIS
remarks drew from Mr. Johnson, Republic
an of Indiana, an indignant protest against
the cries for war which he heard all about
him. At one point in his speech the storm
of Kisses from the galleries was so great
that the chair was Obliged to warn the
spectators against demonstrations.
Mr.. Johnson made some humorous re-
marks about Mr.. Lewis, saying sarcastica!-
ly that II he was set loose in Cuba the
Spanfards would depart. Turning to the
mere serious part OF the question, he said:
Now. in all seriousness. in discussing
this cry OF war, that We have heard on that
side of the chamber. do gentlemen stop and
reflect moment upon what It means II We
should enter upon hostilites?
IF the hotheadedness of men in public
tn
Spain into an embarrassing position which
her proud spirit will not permit her to
accede TO; II the public men in congress
would simply restrain their zeal and keep
their hands off the president, he would be
able TO accomplish in a very short space Of
time, by the arts OF diplomacy, the inde-
perdence Of Cuba We hear that the Cuban
junta in New York say that they are will
ing to raise and can raise 500 10000 in or
der to purchase their independence. Now
you see we have brought these two antago-
nizing forces together by the success Of
Judgment. Of diplomacy and exalted patriot
ism Of the statesman in the White House
(appiause). and / believe II We will give
him a fair opportunity to carry out his
purpose. he Will bring us to a triumphant
conclusion without shedding an ounce OF
American blood" tGreat applause)
LcWIs humorous htpIys
Mr.. Lewis replied to Mr.. johnson in 2
humorous strain for a time, in which he
created a great deal of merriment, accused
Mr.. johnson Of being muzzled by the speak
er and afraid 10 shake off his shackIes
quailing when the speaker looked at him.
Mr.. Lewis closed by saying:
Il do not know, Mr.. Chairman, whether
the president of the United States has Sc
lected the gentleman as his Fidus Achates
as his good friend and defender on thi:
floor; but certainly II such is the case, then
as an humble adviser Of the president.
would suggest that he join in the prayer
of Caesar to be delivered from his friends
III IL should come to pass that the pres
dent should receive, as some people in Ger
tain quarters hope. and others fear, hi!
political death, then those who may writ;
his obituary, IL the gentleman from Indiana
continues in the course he has been pur
suing, may content themselves with th'
elegy too much Johnson" loud con
tinued laughter and applause.)
johnson Speaks Again.
Mr.. johnson rose as soon as Mr.. Levi.
took his seat and made a speech which
while 1t met much disapprovaI from tht
galleries, was listened to intently. 81
have realized from the start" said he
that the danger to the country was thu
stop to reflect into what they would pre-
cipitate the country. Ny voice has beer
and still is for peace. Whether ii be prop
e. or not, / do not stop to care. 1 an
opposed to war; war with its devastatin;
consequences. war which involves a vas
expenditure of public money. which in
wolves burdens of taxation to be pal,
by the people, which involves the issuint
OF paper money, which involves a perioc
OF wild speculation; war which, while 1
affords opportunities for exalted patriot
ism and heroic devotion TO the flag. at tn
same time opens up an opportunity for tn
cormorant who always preys upon tn
vitals of the government and seeks 10 TAX
advantage OF its necessity.
Il am opposed to that condition of af
fairs which would take away the fowe
of the American people, which would pu
women in the garments of mourning an
which would bring to our unwilling ear
the voice Of the orphan. l would 20 to Wa
only as last resort. I would not sacrl
flee precious American blood except OH
quarrel should be 4 just one. He VIII
believes that the moral support of th
world is TO be ignored In n conflict be