Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1898-04-01
THEY TIRE OF DELAY
Members of the House Organize to
Force Immediate Action.
an AGGRESSIVE FEELING DISPLAYED.

AN AGGRESSIVE FEELING DISPLAYED.
Prompt Armed Intervention in At
fairs of Cuba Is strongly Advo-
Gated Definite Action
Is Deferred.
Washington, March 3O.-The revolt
in the house against further delay of
action on the Cuban issue eliminated
Tuesday in u conference of republican
members whose ideas are in accordance
with a positive early course. About so
representatives attended, representing
all sections. Representative Hopkins
Qll.), a member of the ways and means
committee, presided. Representative
Joy (Mo.) was secretary. The meeting
was called to take steps to secure i'm
mediate intervention in some form and
the recognition of Cuban independence.
1t was the first definite step following
discussions in the cloakrooms and lob
bies since the presidents message was
submitted Monday by many members
who favor immediate and aggressive ac-
ton. Up to Tuesday afternoon. the
sentiment was half-concealed but
strong feeling against voting money
for Cuban relief unless accompanied by
action to stop the war. The meeting
was called with view to accomplishing
the unqualified removal of the Spanish
troops from Cuba and the prompt
that island. Late in the afternoon it
was decided to call meeting immedi-
ately after adjournment. The word
was quietly passed around, but many
who are enthusiastically in favor of in
tervention failed of notification, though
the number present would be sufficient
ly large by consolidation with the dem
ocratic forces to carry out a programme.
disappointed with the Message.
Representative Hopkins, as chairman,
briefly stated the objects of the meet
ing. lie indicated his disappointment
that the presidents message carried no
outline of definite responsive policy
toward Spain and that he did not be-
lieve fnrther delay should be brooked.
He, however, thought the administra-
ton might have another day or two
within which to act, and, failing to do
so thatcongress should take the matter
into its own hands independently and
at once. He favored action looking to
Cuban independence, but made no spe-
citic suggestions as to the method of its
accomplishment.
Must Free Cuba.
Representative Tawney (Minn.), an
other member of the ways and means
committee, said this country should not
stop short of securing the absolute in
dependence of Cuba. He referred to
efforts to have the matter brought di-
rectly before the house and said he
wished to secure a resolution for the
prompt consideration of the question
on the floor
Representative Belknap Nn.), who
favors immediate decisive action, took
the floor to ask number of questions
tending to bring out the sentiment Of
the meeting and the policy to be fol.
lowed.
Various views were presented as to
the best means for securing action
though the feeling that no action other
than the cessation of hostilities on. the
island, and the absolute independence
apparently was unanimous. Represent
alive Marsh Qll.), chairman OF the
committee on the militia, made Wig.
orous speech in which he denounced
Spain as the proven culpable party tc
hitherto taken most conservative view
| of the situation, and had not believed
| it would be shown that Spain had haG
hand in the disaster Now, he said
he would put an end to Spanish rule
there by immediate Intervention ant
formal recognition of Cuban indie
pendence just as early as congress:
could act. His references to Spanish
policies of the reconcentrados and 9th
| CT phases of the war were warmly APP
plauded.
Many Other Speakers.
| Representative Lorimer Qll) alst
spoke at considerable length, and sale
he was in favor OF securing absolut.
independence by any means whatso
ever. He deprecated the delay that hat
already occurred, and protested tina
the people of this country would no
stand the Withholding of action. 9th
CT speakers were Representatives Reeve
Qll.), Pierce (Mo.), Hicks (Pa.), Brumn
| Pa.), Mann Qll.), Joy (Mo), Kirkpat
rick (Pa.), Arnold (Pa.), and Lawrenc'
| (Mass.). Their speeches were largei,
on the same lines.
/ 1t was pointed out that while it wa
fit that the executive should be giver
as he had been, q reasonable time with
in which to advise, it was exclusivel
the function of congress to declare wal
commence hostilities or take action O
that character. The remarks mad
carried the view that mere recogni
ton of belligerency was not to be cor
sidered, for it would not of itself brin
a cessation of hostilities, and that ii
PREVENTION, armed and immediate, an
recognition of independence only woul
be considered. Some more conserve
lively put it, Ito intervene and if neces
sary support such action by the promI
dispatch of our land and naval force
to Cuba"
Action Deferred.