Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-04-14
CUBA IN THE SENATE
Senator Quay Presents Petitions and
Speaks on the Cuban Question.
MESSAGE REFERRED 10 COMMITTEE
Senator Butler Ofer Resolutlon Author
ising the President to stop the War
Little Interest In ths H0use
Outside Of tho Message

WARRINGTON, April 12-In the sen.
ate yesterday every available seat,
both on the floor and in the galleries,
was occupied when Vice President
Hobart's gavel called the session TO
order. Scarcely had the senate been
called to order when Senator Quay. of
Pennsylvania, precipitated the Cuban
question by presenting some petitions
and making startling comments upon
them. He took the strongest ground
for immediate and impetuous action.
1.-THE people Of the United States, in
my Judgment" said he, are pretty
nearly unanimous that the time for
negotiation upon the Cuban question
is past The present is a case
for neither pope, prelate nor pres.
byter They believe that further
negotiations mean further time for the
concentration Of the Spanish naval
forces and for general Spanish prepa-
rations for war They know that
Spanish torpedo dotilla is en- route for
our shores whose mission is hostile,
whose only interest can be to destroy
our vessels, Us the Maine was destroyed,
and STAY our sailors as the sailors OF
the Maine were slain. For these pur-
poses, they believe the army and navy
of the United STATES should be utilized
until Cuba is free and the Maine is
avenged"
Even while Senator Quay was speak
ing, Maj. Pruden, the Legislative Sec
rotary to the president, entered the
chamber bearing the long-expected
message. He was recognized as soon
as Senator Quay had concluded, and
when he had presented the message
the vice president Immediately laid 1t
before the senate. In stiffness that
was almost breathless the message was
read, the reading occupying just AZ
minutes. At the conclusion of the
reading Senator Davis. of Minnesota,
chairman Of the foreign relations COM
mittee, at once moved that 1t be re-
ferred to his committee. and Senator
Stewart, taking advantage OF the OPP
portunity, briefly addressed the SEN
ate in favor Of recognizing the indie
pendence Of the Cuban insurgents.
Without further debate. the message
was referred as requested.
Senator Butler, of North Carolina,
then offered resolution authorizing
the president to use the army and navy
to stop the war in Cuba. The resolu.
ton went over.
Another message from the president
transmitting the Cuban consular re-
ports was laid before the senate and,
after being read was referred with
the accompanying papers to the COM
mittee on foreign relations. The SEN
ate at lis p. m. then adjourned.
THE HOUSE.
WASHINGTON, April 12.-The presi-
dents message was read in the house
yesterday in the presence of vast as
semblage and referred to the commit.
tee on 10 reign affairs without debate.
There was sharp burst of applause
from the republican side when, toward
the close Of the message, the president
said the war in Cuba must cease. At
the conclusion Of the reading about
half the republicans applauded and
several of the democrats groaned.
After the message had been referred,
the house transacted some District of
Columbia business and then acted upon
the Fairchilds- Ward contested election
case from the Eighteenth New York
district by confirming Wards title to
the seat. Little or no interest was