The herald., 1898-04-09
MIGHT BIND Us TO PAY THE
SPANISH BONDS
CHE DEBT OF HALF A BILLION
e. Used as a Strong Argument in
Favor Of Recognition Of Gu
ban Independence
Associated Press Special Wire


the house Republicans last Wednesday &c
canvass the situation 10 see how many Re-
publicans would stand by them if occasion
arose for immediate action. and In gen
eral way decide on a course of procedure
held another meeting this afternoon From
the reports pres ted it was clalmec that
more than 100 Republicans will act with
them. The main question before the COM
mittee was as to whether they should stand
for independence and intervention or for
Intervention without independence. The
feeling in the committee has been strongly
In favor Of the recognition Of the Cuban
republic, but they do not desire to break
with the administration. except as last
resort. Meantime some Of them are much
exercised over the legal phases Of the ef-
feet Of Intervention without independence.
A fear was expressed among the members
that intervention by the United STATES
might bind the United States for tho $780,
100000 Of Spanish Cuban bonds issued
against the revenues Of the Island. Taw-
uey of Minnesota, stated before the COM
mittee that some writers on International
law main tanned that in case of the ac-
Quirement of territory by conquest all the
local obligations Of that particular terri
tory are assumed, and it was argued that
II the United States intervene with this
ultimate intention Of turning over The isl
and to the Cubans, the United States
would practically have acquired the island
by conquest and then conferred it as gift
upon the Cubans.
In this view of the case the United States
might be held liable for the bonds. The
sentiment of the committee is against the
United States assuming such possible la
bility. Others, like Hopkins of 1llino IS, do
uot think Tawney's contention tenable.
He argues that the bonds were Issued by
Spain and the revenues of Cuba pledged as
security. If Spain loses Cuba as a result
of war, the security of. the bondholders IS
simply gone, Spain's liability remaining.
But the committee lacked light upon the
subject. The International authorities will
be looked up by members Of the committee
tonight and attempts will be made to as
certain exactly IN what way the bonds are
a lien on the Cuban revenues.
Tomorrow the committee Will meet again,
and Senator Davis Of Minnesota, who is
considered one of the authorities on inter-
national law in the country, will be asked
to appear before them.
SENATORIAL OPINION
Among the senate seen today who ex-
pressed themselves in opposition to any
modification of the resolution to be pre-
sented by the committee on foreign rela-
tions were Messrs. Thurs ton, Pettigrew
Allen and Mason. I'VE cannot" said
Senator Mason, "agree to any change that
would rob the present Cuban government
of the victory which they have so nearly
Won"
"Ip my opinion Of men who have main
tanned thems elves as the Cuban insurgents
have, in opposition to the entire Spanish
arms, deserve our fullest indoreement,"
said Senator Allen, adding that he would
oppose any effort TO curtall their rights.
Senator Thursron said: 'If we Should
Intervene without recognizing the present
government of Cuba, we should place the
United States in a position Of responsible
ity to all other powers and to the citizens of
all other countries for any damage done
them In case of war"
Senator Lodge Of the committee on for
eign relations said today that he thought
the committee would not report before
Tuesday. He also expressed the opinion
that the senate would dispose of the reso-
luton reported at one sitting.
Tonight the conservative senators who
are opposed to any recognition of the pres
ent Cuban government claim that a major
fly of the committee on foreign relations
will now support this position, enting
themselves with general declaration for
the freedom and independence of the ISL
and coupled with a proposition for inter
vention in the present war between Spain
and Cuba. They count upon getting the
votes of six of the eleven members of the
committee and say this number may still
be Increased.
TIME TO DECIDE
WASHINGTON, April S.-The expecta-
ton of the state department officials is
that Consul General Lee will be out of Ha-
vana before another sun sets in that city
This statement is based on the opinion of
Assistant Secretary Day, who said this
afternoon that the consul general will
leave his post of duty probably tomorrow
on the Olivette.
A dispatch was received at the depart
meht late this afternoon from General Lee
but it was said it related simply to a mat
ter Of detail of no Importance. From the
fact that he made no reference to any dis
turbance or ill-feeling the officials take
for granted that the day In Havana passed
by without anything of moment happening
BY Sunday, at the very latest, it is now
believed, all the consular officers of the
United States in Cuba and all American
citisehs who desire to do so will have left
the cities where they are located and be
either in the United States or aboard ves-
sells bound thither. The effects of the con-
sulates, consisting of unimportant papers,
furniture, ETC., will be placed under the
charge of consular representatives of the
British government now in the island,
where they will be kept pending the de-
velopment Of the issue between Spain and
the United States. The important papers
of the offices will be brought to the United
States Officials of the state department
in discussing the withdrawal of the consuls
from Cuba at this time say 1t presents
many phases of interest. They point out
that such Withdrawals must not be consid-
cred in any manner a belligerent act, but
simply one of the precaution based on hui
manitarian motives designed to protect
them from any trouble which might result
from the strained feelings between Spain
and this country. In week, suggested