Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-03-24
FIFTY FIFTH CONGRESS,
WASHINGTON, Mar. q.
SENATE.

~ NSo HAeAA POOPAO 0bAiOdS W near
the promised discussion of the Cuban
question. The crowd of yesterday was
as nothing compared with that of ia
day. Hundreds of people sureed
through the upper corridors of the Sen.
ate side of the Capitol eagerly, but vain.
ly appealing to the doorkeepers at the
various gallery entrances for admission
The crowd had been attracted particu-
larly by the announcement that Mr.
Thurston was to address the Senate
upon the Cuban embroglio, basing his
utterances upon his recent trip to the
island-a trip that had brought to him
the deepest bereavement that can come
to man. 1t was expected that the adj
dress would be notable oratorical eff.
fort as well as thorough discussion of
the political phases of the pending con-
troversy.
In the diplomatic gallery were Senior
Mendonca, the Brazilian minister ac-
companied by a party, and several la
dies and gentlemen from other lega-
tions.
One the floor the Senators were early
in their seats and here and there about
the chamber was member of the House
OF Representatives.
Mr.. Allison moved that when the
Senate adjourn to-day it be to meet on
Monday next. The motion prevailed.
Mr.. Mason emphatically voting in The
negative.
The routinue morning business nav.
ing been completed Mr.. Thurston was
recognized for the delivery of his ar
nounced speech on the Cuban situation.
His first sentence that he appeared by
command of silent lips to present his
views once and for all on the Cuban
situation, containing as it did contain.
a delegate and touching reference to
his recent bereavement, commanded IL
slant attention.
In the course OF his address Mr..
Thurston referred to a statement pun
ported to have been made by Mr.. Hale
in sn interview to the effect that the
President in the present emergency had
been swept off his feet.
When Mr.. Hale entered the chamber
and had his attention called to the
statement, be interrupted Mr.. Thurston
to say:
"The Senator has referred to an a.
legged interview quoting me rs saying
that in the present emergency the Pres
ident has been carried of his feet.
not Only did not say anything OF the
kind, but the statement quoted does not
correctly represent my views. believe
the President has been eminently wise
and calm in this whole Cuban matter.
AS Mr.. Thurston neared the end Ct
his speech he became noticeably excit-
ed. Almost at the instant of the cor
clusion of his speech his voice broke
with emotion and he finished with dl.-
fculty. As he sank into his seat he
buried his face in his hands. The Vice
President made diffident effort TO re.
strain the demonstration, but it was not
possible to control the people.
AS Mr.. Thurston's colleague, Mr.. Al
len, led him quietly from the chamber,
many of his associates silently, but
with every evidence of feeling, grasped
his hand.
HOUSE.
The galleries of the House were
crowded to-day in anticipation of some
exciting speeches on the Spanish crisis
during the consideration of the naval
bill. The leaders had
arranged q programme by which the
general debate on the bill should be
confined to four hours, two hours on
side. As soon as the journal was read
on the motion of Mr.. Boutelle, chair
man of the naval committee, the House
went into the committee of the whole
(Mr. Sherman, of New York, in the
chair Cor the consideration of the bill.
Mr.. Boutelle stated that it was exceed
ingly important that the bill should
be passed as speedily as possible. II
was the most complete measure for
the naval establishment
ever reported to the House. The
reasons were too obvious to require
The committee, over
which he presided, had been impressed
with an earnest desire to meet fully
and completely the expectations of the
House and the country in providing
this great arm of the naval defense
with all reasonable requirements to
meet any exigency that might arise.
At the conclusion of Mr.. Boutelies
he attempted to arrange Il
time for closing general debate. He
5 o'clock tonight, but there
was chorus of protests, whereupon be
moved that the committee rise for the
purpose of fixing the time at which the
debate should close. The motion was
notly contested, but it prevailed by Il
narrow margin-93-SS.
Several republicans voted with tho
democrats. Speaker Reed himself
marched through the tellers. When
the committee rose Mr.. Boutelle NOV
I'D that general debate close st 5 O'Clock.
1t was finally agreed that the general
debate should close at l o'clock to-
morrow, the session of the House to be
extended until o'clock tonight. This
arrangement was ratified and then the
debate proceeded,
DIR. Meyer, one Of the members OF
The naval committee, taking the floor
10 favor of the bill.
A -