Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-04-11

when the doors were opened there were
bniy few more than could be accommo-
dated. 1t was those who came afterward
who were cut of from the top floor of the
Senate wing and compelled to content
themselves with view of the outside walls
of the Senate chamber and with an occa-
sional glimpse of passing senator. The
falling off in the attendance was attributed
partly to the light rain of the early morn
Ing and to the apprehension on the part
Of some that the message might not be re-
ceived. '-f--
Those in the waiting line rushed madly
PIP the steps when the doors were
opened, few. however aged infirm,
waiting for the elevator. Practically
all the seats except those in the diplomatic
and senator's galleries were occupied five
minutes after the opening. 1t was three
hours from that time until the Senate con-
vened at noon, but no Impotence was man
ifested and absolute order and decorum
were preserved. Almost all persons had
brought books. magazines and newspapers,
and the crowd in the gallery during this long
wait presented the appearance of large
mixed school rather than an assemblage
of people gathered together. as most of
them thought they were, practically to hear
q declaration of war.
As soon as the session was called to order
by the Vice President Mr. Quay Pa)
moved that the reading of the journal be
dispensed with, which was agreed to.
Mr.. Quay presented some petitions, among
them several favoring the independence of
Cuba. Another was from the Trades
League of Philadelphia. composed of 1909
business firms. urging the Pennsylvania
representatives in Congress to do every
thing in their power to prevent a disturb
ance of peace.
To this communication Mr.. Quay had
read stirring reply, in which he said that
time had now passed for any other plan to
be considered than the absolute freedom of
Cuba and the withdrawal of the Spanish
flag from Cuba 1t was too late now,
continued MIR. Quay. in his reply, for pope,
prelate or presbytery to interfere to pre-
vent an accession to the just demands of
the United States.
AT 12:o3 pm. while the communications
were being read, Major Pruden, one of the
secretaries to the President, appeared at
the main entrance of the chamber with the
long-expected message in his hand.
The Message Read.
Three minutes afterward. the pending
tOut4Ht DuSiiieSS having DeeA concluded,
the Vice President recognized Major Pru-
den. u x --s.'.
As he announced the delivery of a mes
sage from the President there was a COM
motion in the galleries, a brief hum of
whispered conversation, followed by
silence so profound that the least noise
was audible throughout the Chamber
As the Vice President, cleaning forward
over his desk, handed the message to the
reading clerk, senators on the floor and
people IN the galleries bent forward anxi-
ously that every word. of the message,
upon which peace or war might hang,
might be heard. f-
Throughout the reading of the message
every senator, except MIR. Pasco of Florida
gave IT the most undivided attention. Mr.
Pasco busily wrote on big letter pad for
quite ten minutes. AT times during the
reading Mr. Foraker (Ohio) and Mr.. Berry
lArk.) jotted down notes upon particular
points.
After reading for half an hour the voice
Of the reading clerk began to fail and the
leading was continued by, another clerk.
Soon after the change was made Mr.. Ma
son ull) complained that he could not un-
qerstand, and requested that the clerk read
more slowly.
Clerk resumed the reading and concluded at
1850 pm, the time occupied in presenting
the message being forty-two minutes
Mr.. Davis tMinn), chairman of the COM
fnittee on foreign relations, was, upon the
conclusion of the reading, instantly recog-
nized- He moved that the message be re-
ferred to his committee.
The Message Criticized.
Upon that question MIR. Stewart (Nev.)
said that while he. did not care at this time
to discuss the general question, he desired
to submit some remarks bearing upon the
message. He sharply criticized the posi-
ton taken by the President, as 1t seemed
evident to him that the proposed interven-
ton would precipitate what would prove
to be a war of conquest. He hoped there
would be no Intervention that did not rec
ognize the rights of the Cubans who had
~ IA: Mn