The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1898-04-01
REVOLT IN THE HOUSE
Conference of Republican Mem
bers Who Are for Radical
Action in Cuba.
HOPKINS OF ILLINOIS PREsIDEs.

Fifty Republicans Attend, Their Purpose
Being to Secure Action by Congress
That VIII Make Cuba an Independent
Republic-Many Speeches Are Made, but
Action Is Deferred Until This Afternoon
Prominent Men Who Were Present.
Washington, March 30.-The revolt In
the house against further delay Of ac-
ton on the Cuban issue eliminated yes
terday in a conference of Republican
members whose ideas are in accordance
with positive, radical course. About fif-
ty representatives attended, represent
Ing all sections. Hopkins Of Illinois, a
member Of the ways and means COM
mittee, presided. Joy of Missouri was
secretary. The meeting was called to
take steps to secure immediate inter-
vention in some form and the recogni-
ton of Chan independence. The meet
ing was called with a view to accom-
plishing the unqualified removal of the
Spanish troops from Cuba and the
prompt armed Intervention in the af-
fairs of the island. The word was quiet
ly passed around, but many who are
enthusiastically in favor of Intervention
failed Of notification, though the num-
bera present would be sufficiently large
by consolidation with the Democratic
forces to carry out the programme.
Would Give the President Two Days.
Hopkins, as chairman, briefly stated
the objects Of the meeting. He indicated
his disappointment that the presidents
message carried no outline of definite
responsive policy toward Spain, and
said he did not believe further delay
should be brooked. He, however,
thought the administration might have
another day or two within which to act,
and failing to do so that congress should
take the matter into its own hands in
dependently and at once. He favored
action looking to Cuban independence,
but made no specific suggestions as to
the method of Its accomplishment.
Representative Tawney of Minnesota,
another member of the ways and means
committee, said this country should not
stop short of securing the absolute in
dependence of Cuba. There were a num-
Der Of speeches in the same vein.
Action Deferred Until This Afternoon.
Marsh Of Illinois, chairman of the
committee on militia, made a vigorous
speech in which he denounced Spain as
the proven culpaDle party TO the dow
ing up of the Maine. He said he would put
an end to Spanish rule there by immedi-
ate intervention and a formal recogni-
ton Of Cuban independence just as
early as congress could act. His refer
ences to Spanish policies as to recon-
centrados and other phases of the war
were warmly applauded. After some
vigorous speeches denunciatory Of Spain
It was decided to defer action untifs5
o'clock this afternoon.
VIII Interview Mckinley and Reed.
The present intention is to present to
Speaker Reed evidence that large ma
jority favors the step and the Cuban
sympathizers believe that once con-
WINGED of the numbers enlisted in its
support he will yield to them. IL is also
proposed to communicate their senti-
ment to President Mckinley. The step
is expected to bear fruit in important
action in the house tomorrow.
The following were among those who
participated in the conference: Hopkins,
Mann, Warner, White, Reeves, Bel
KNAPP, Marsh and Lorimer, Of Illinois;
Tawney Of Minnesota; Spaulding, Will
lam Alden Smith, Samuel w. Smith,
Mesick, Sheldon, Corliss and Hamilton,
Of Michigan, and Johnson Of North Da-
kota.