The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-19
Sessions of Both Bodies Marked by
Exciting Incidents and Numer-
GUS Conferences.
SEVERAL TILTS IN HOUSE
AND CONSIDERABLE BITTERNESS
DISPLAYED IN SENATE.
Henry L. johnson and MIR. Bailey
Again Central Figures in the
Proceedings of the Day.

WASHINGTON. April 1s.--After one OF
the hardest fought battles between the two
houses known in many years Congress at
late hour this morning came to an agree
ment upon the most momentous question 1t
has dealt with in third of century. The
Cuban resolution was passed and will be
sent to the President tomorrow morning
It's provisions mean the expulsion of Spain
from the island of Cuba by the armed forces
of the United States. There were many
roll calls in both houses and each body held
tenaeiously for its own resolution The COM
ferees had great difficulty In agreeing. The
first conference showed determination
the part of the House not to yield a single
point and it was only after q long con-
sultation with the House leaders that they
agreed to allow the little words 'are and
in the first section of the Senate resolution,
which declares that the people Of Cuba are.
and of right ought to be free and inde-
pendent. The resolution as finally adopted
is that reported from the Senate committee
on foreign relations with the addition OF the
fourth section, known as the Teller amend
ment. disclaiming any intention on the par.
Of the United States to acquire Cuba. The
resolution cannot be sent to the President
until after it is signed by the presiding Off
GERS to-day.
AT l:15 o'clock this morning the Senate
received the report of the conference COM
mites of the two branches of Congress, and
twelve minutes afterward had adopted it.
T1ere was fight to the last minute, how
ever, tbs advocates of recognition of the In
dependence of the island republic standing
their ground until they were fairly knocked
down by vote of AZ to "a. The minority
vote was cast by those who wanted radical
action, and insisted that the resolution
should carry with it recognition of the in
dependence of the Cuban republic. Upon
this q split developed which very nearly
proved fatal to any action at ALL The
adoption of the conference report brought
10 a close one of the most inter-
esting and tumultuous sessions of the
Senate held in years. Such scenes Of con-
fusion and excitement have rarely been
witnessed in the ordinary staid and dignifled
body as characterized its proceedings from
noon Yesterday until nearly 2 O'Clock in
the morning Interest IN all other questions
was dwarfed into insignificancc by the one
Overwhelming question of war-war which
all now regard to be absolutely inevitable.
Efforts were made to transact the regular
business of the Senate, but it was with the
utmost diffdence that senators performed
the work. Among those who remained upon
the floor while the sundry civil bill was
under consideration the confusion was so
great that business could scarcely proceed.
Notwithstanding the Vice Presidents earn
est and constant effort to preserve order
the members gathered in groups about the
chamber excitedly discussing the various
phases of the question of the House.
A feeling of bitterness grew up between
the Senate and the House during the late
afternoon and evening that at one time
seemed likely to delay action until to-rnor-
row. Cooler councils prevailed, however.
and a determination of the momentous
question was finally reached. Those who
were fighting for recognition of the island
republic early decided that the Senate
should not take the initiative in requesting
further resolved that when the Senate con-
ferees were appointed at least two of them
should represent the majority sentiment OF
the body. The radical advocates of inde-
pendence slowly. but none the less surely.
lost ground, however, being swept back by
the powerful and compact minority opposed
to them. They yielded only after one of the
bitterest contests i'm the history of the
Senate They capitulated, but did not sur
render.
The scene in the Senate even up to the
minute of adjournment was one of wonder
full beauty and impressiveness. Hundreds
of brilliantly dressed women and men In
evening dress filled galleries. On the floor
were the makers Of the country's history
awaiting the verdict from the conference
committee. When it finally came there was
a hush in the great chamber which a few
seconds before had been thrilling with ami
nation. When the verdict had been re-
turned and accepted by the Senate the great
audience dispersed--dispersed quietly, al
most solemnly. All realized that the verdict
meant war and the action taken was too
momentous to inspire anything less than
awe,