The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-08
He Says, That the Message Would Be
Withheld.
NO WARRANT FOR STATEMENTS
About the Situation in Havana, He Al.
Ieges.-GeneraI Grosvenor Makes
Reply and Has a Running De-
bate With Several Mem
bePs of the Opposi-
tion.-A Denial

WASHINGTON, April 7.-There was a
scene Of great excitement in the House
late this afternoon during The consldera-
tion of the bill for the reorganization Of
the army. II was caused by Mr.. Lentz,
an Ohio Democrat, who made vigorous
assault on the administration, charging
that the policy of delay was in the inter-
est OF stock jobbers in Wall street.
GRAVE CHARGES.
He alleged that Wall street was in the
possession Of information that the mes
sage would not go in long before It was
know at the Capitol and profted heavily
by the advance in the price of stocks
which resulted. He even charged that
there was no warrant for the alarming
statements about the situation in Havana
which were made as a justification for
the delay of the message.
Mr.. Lentz's speech created a profound
sensation and was met with an emphatic
reply from General Grosvenor. now gen.
orally regarded as the administration
spokesman on the floor.
Mr.. Grosyenor said a message from
General Lee was received on Tuesday
pnd another received yesterday which
was very urgent. He said the second
was an appeal for time.
Speaking Of the note Of the powers,
Mr. Grosvenor said the Presidents reply
put an end without qualification to every
delay or interference frcm those powers.
SHARP CUTTING.
Mr.. McMillin asked Mr.. Grosvenor what
the latest information was as TO the
Presidents policy. IN reply Mr.; Grosve-
nor asked Mr.. McMillin for the ia est
information as TO the controlling power
on the Democratic side next Monday.
daughter and app!ause-l
II know what power is controlling on
your SIDE" observed Mr.. McMiilin. That
power is Mark Hanna Oeers on Repub-
lican side)
Mr.. Grosvenor de- s1ded Senator Hanna.
calling attention 10 the Sena OF s denial
that he had ever bought a snare OF STOCK
on Wall street in his hfe.
"Can he say the same thlng ABOUT
votes?" asked Mr.. McMilin, amid derislVe
laughter from the Democratic side
Mr.. Grosveror declared that John j.
McCook was Willingly in "a great conspi-
racy TO secure the independence OF Cu0a
and validate $4,000 900 Of Cuban bonds:
These bonds he said would be destroyed
If Spain was driven out OF CUBA IN the
interest of the American people. lie de-
clared that he had been tOlo thal gen
tleman i'm New York was "shor." OF the
market before the crisis came 10 sucn an
extent that ruin stared him in the face.
Since then that gentleman had neglected
no enterprise TO promote war.
He declared mat there was no evidence
that the President had faltered MT;
Lentz's allegation that the President had
acted in the interest of stock speculation,
he said. was a terrible onsIaugh,. Ill ~
ought, IL the President was gulitys resul'
i'm his imDeachment. II was infamous.
such a charge in the cid days would nave
sent its author 10 the DlOck
A DENIAL.
Mr. Lentz denied that he had sald the
President was seeking to promote stocA
I'm concluding. Mr.. Grosvenor said he
was delighted that this assault mao Dseh
made upon the President because u us
closed the plans of the opposition. IL was
now apparent that the Democrats propos-
ed 10 take political advantage OF every
When the opposition opened a recruit
ing station for Republican volunteers 10
fight the administration, he SAID. they
would have little use for their quarters.
Ii WAS infamous. he said. that the caDle
should carry to Madrid tonight the news
that the President S motives had been I'M
pugned and his integrity assaiied.
Il have no more doubt that We shall go
to war" Mr.. GrosvenOr said, than that
] will live until next week. | may be mis-
taken; pray God l am. But believe We
shall 20 to war practically upon the de-
claration Of Congress. If il Is ayerted, 1t
must be by SPAN. tAppiduStf.
BAILEY CONTENTION.
After Mr.. GrOsvenor concluded his re-
marks Mr.. Bailey took the floor in a
brief speech in which he quoted several
utterances of Mr.. GrosVenor, 10 show that
the Buckeye statesman haG shifted his
position. Then. turning his attention 10
some of Mr.. GTOsvenors remarks, Mr..
Bailey Indignantly repelled the idea that
If war came 1t was TO be Republican
war.
1T would be a war Of the people Of the
United States AGAINST Spanish tyranny on
the island or Cuba said he. amid tu-
multuous applause.
A great deal OF opposition develored
during the day 10 the army bill Mr..
Hull tried 10 save the bill by agreeing
To strike out all its provisions. even the
three battalion function features. hut IL
was In the emo recommitted-i50 10 81.
The House adjourned till Monday.