The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1898-02-10
SENATE GROWS WARM
Gnder ,hs ,Fsrvlh orniory Of Senators
Cannon ana Mason In Behalf Of tho
Cuban Insurrrnts- Galleries Crowded.

| Under thr tFtrvid Orntory of Senators
Csinom nnd Mason IN Behalf Of tho
Cuban Insurgcnts--G Galleries Crowded.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9.--For more
than three hours to-day the senate
chamber rang with eloquent appeals In
behalf OF tho Cuban Insurgents. An
nounced speeches were delivered by Mr..
Cannon, of Utah. OF MIR. Mason. OF I'LL
nois, In advocacy OF the adoption of reso-
lutlons which they presented 10 the SEN
ate yesterday.
Following Mr.. cannon's speech. Mr..
Hale, Of Maine, addressed the senate
briefly, urging the eenatc 20 uphold the
policy OF the administration. He point
cd out that much had already been ac-
compllshed by President Mckinley not
only for the cause OF peace on the island
but also for the protection Of Americans
and American interests and for the relief
OF the reconcentradoes and paclhcoS, He
maintained that It would not be guod
policy by the adoption Of any drastic
declaration to place the administration
In leading strings that might interfere
with the carrying Into effect OF 4 defined
policy.
Long before Cannon rose to address
the senate the galleries were packed with
people who were aware that this would
be n field day OF Cuban oratory. Mr..
Cannon's speech was calm dIspassion-
ute argument in support OF his resolu-
t!on. He did not he maintained. desire
TO disturb the peace or welfare OF this
government. but he warned congress-
men and officials In administration cir
cles that unless definite action was taken
upon the Cuban question by the United
States. the heavy hand Of the people
would fall upon them, He declared that
In the conflict In Cuba, Spain. afraid to
meet the Insurgents In the field. had re-
sorted to policy OF bribery and starva-
ton. or this, he believed. the American
people would not be brought 70 approve.
While Mr.. Cannon was speaking. n
sensational incident occurred.A member
of the house Of representatives standing
near the speaker, aud!bly denounced as
lie seemingly some statement Mr.. Can
non made. Mr.. Cannon. pale with feel
Ing, made reply to what at the moment
sIShAVN dii put " IllSH Was DubsCe
quently satisfactorily explained.
Referring 10 the situation as 1t was
presented when Mr.. Mckinley assumed
the presidency, Mr.. Cannon said that It
almos. an earthly omniposence which
the President possessed and possesses
now. The recognition OF the belliSerent
rights of the insurgents would have been
OF immense advantage at any time dur
inG the present war. but now such recog-
milton would absolutely terminate the
terrible struggle. Mr.. Cannon thought
It peculiarly significant that every Span
lard and every Spanish symplthizer was
opposed 10 the recognition OF the bel
l!gerency OF the Cuban patriots, while
every Cuban had maintained from the
first that such recognition would be OF
such advantage as to enable them 10
wrest victory from VIVA: otherwise
might possibly be defeat.
Mr.. Hale followed Mr.. Cannon with
motion to refer the Cannon resolution
80 the committe on foreign relations and
with a speech deprecatory OF the policy
of congressional declaration on the Gu
ban question, and in support OF the
course Of the administration on that
question.
Mr.. Mason, Illino!s) was then recog-
n.zed and the expectancy of the grea:
crowd which swelled the galleries was at
the keenest pitch. He had awaited this
opportunity smiling and taking occa-
sional EoteS OF Mr.. Hale's speech. He
stood In front OF the Republican side OF
the chamber, occasionally stepping into
the front area. There was n buzz OF
.sv,f 6.a, Ill d..
was read from the desk. He began 10
speak in an easy conversational way, but
gradually warmed to the subject. He
had hesitated long, he said, us he feared
that by some !ncautIous step he might
injure rather than benefit the Cuban
cause. But he was ready to make the
step now, feeling that any blame must
res. upon him. for he assumed full per-
soral responsibility"
Il deny the assertion" said he, sharp
~, that this Is an effort to put the ad-
n3nistratlon in leading strings" He
was a Republican. and he was proud OF
the patriotism of the executive.
II am charged with seeking war" ex-
claimed the senator, "but my resolution
Is for peace. One word from this ad-
ministration would bring peace TO thia
continent. and under the providence Of
God. we believe 4. would bring independ-
ence to Cuba"
There was burst OF applause q; this
declaration. The thumb screws Of the
inquistion were again brouGh; into use
in Cuba, proceeded Mr.. Mason The
plnchers that tear the flesh from human
bones have contributed TO the carnival
OF cruelty. Three hundred thousand
people starved! Three hundred thou
sand more marching to the grave! and
yet the cry was raised thar was was be-
Ing sought, when the one and only cry
was for peace and an end 10 this afro
city!
Then he discussed 4 question from the
view point Of an International lawyer.
Referring to the du:y OF the United
States. Senator Mason said:
This government ought TO maintain
that the horrible naSsacres which are
now too common In the island OF Cuba,
and conducted under the guise OF war
fare, must be stopped. We have no right
az Il neutral nation fully regardful OF
the rights of all. to look upon such a
warfare as within any reasonable con.
struct!on OF international law. The flag
OF truce has been abandoned, prisoners
OF war are being shot, and It Is cviden.
that no rule Of civilized warfare Is being
observed. The conflict has developed
into mere matter OF murder on
both sides.
Mr.. Mason then read letter purport-
Ing TO be the answer Of General Gomez
to General Blanco's offer OF a vessel to
enable him (Gomcz) tn leave the island
OF Cubn In safely. "Thlnk of this granh