The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-04-19

Washington. April 1s.-The tocsin OF
war has been sounded by the American
conxrexs. AT 1918 o'clock this morning
tho senate received the report Of the con-
ference committee of the two branches
OF congress. and IL minutes afterward
had adopted IL. There was Aght TO
the last minute. however. the advocates
or recognition OF the independence of
the island republic standing their ground
until they were fairly knocked down by
= vete OF ~ to So The minority vote
was cast by those who wanted radical
action and insisted that the resolution
should carry with 1t the recognition of
independence. Upon this split de-
xeloped which nearly proved fatal TO
any action at all.
The adoption OF the conference report
brought to close one of the most inter-
ssting and tumultuous sessions of the
senate held in years. Such scenes OF
confusion and excitement have rarely
been witnessed in the ordinarily staid
and dignifed body as characterized Its
progress from noon until nearly 2 o'clock
this morning. Interest In all other qucs-
tions was dwarfed into significance
by the one overwhelming question OF
war, which all now regard to be absolute
ly inevitable. Efforts were made to
xransact the regular business, but 1t was
with the utmost indifference that the
senators performed the work Among
those who remained upon the floor while
che sundry civil bill was under con-
eideration tho confusion was so great
that business could scarcely proceed.
Notwithstanding the vice presidents
constant effort to preserve order. the
members gathered in groups about the
chamber excitedly discussing the va
rious phases OF the question OF the hour
A feeling OF bitterness grew up be-
tween the senate and the house during
The late afternoon and evening that at
one time seemed likely TO delay action.
Cooler counsel prevailed, however. and
4 determination OF the question was
Anally reached. Those who were fght-
ing for the recognition OF the republic
early decided that the senate should not
take the initiative In requiring con-
ference. They further resolved that
when the senate conferees were finally
appointed at least two OF them should
represent the majority sentiment OF the
body. The radical advocates OF in
dependence slowly. but none the less
surely. lost ground, however. being swept
hack by the powerful and compact mi
nority opposed to them. They yielded
only after one OF the bitterest contests
in the history OF the senate.
Mr.. Davis motion TO concur in the
house amendments having been defeat
ed. 80 TO 49, he moved that the senate
insist on it's amendment. and that the
president OF the senate appoint three
conferces.
From the Democratic side of the cham
ber came such expressions as I'VE don't
want conferencel" Lets settle this
question now. while we are at IT,"
Without discussion the first part OF
Mr.. Davis motion, insisting on the sen-
ate amendment. was passed. After dis
cussion the second part OF the motion
was defeated. 81 TO 43.
After consideration OF the sundry civil
appropriation bfff. Mr.. Alien took the
floor to say that Mr.. Hale had been mis-
taken when last Saturday he had said
that the change of front on the part OF
certain senator's on the Cuban question
had been due to the presence in'the city
Of w. ]. Bryan. He had interviews
with Mr.. Bryan read 20 show that Mr..
Bryan had supported all the movements
made looking TO the advancement OF the
American cause in the Cuban situation.
In the course OF snappy. vigorous
speech. Mr. Chandler said: "The SEN
ate has by two votes. with a majority
of "a on each. declared that IL was the