The Monmouth inquirer., 1898-03-31
SOLONS FOR WAR
Coagressmen Grow Impatient
Over Delay.
SAY CUBA MUST BE FREE.
They Insist That the President Shall
Act Immediately.
SAY CUBA MUST BE FREE.
CONGRESS IN BELLIGERENT MOOD

War with Spain introduced In Both
Houses-A History Making Session of
the National Legislature-Senato Ma
son Makes an Impassioned Plea For
Cuba Libre-The President Steadfastly
Maintains His Purpose Rumors of
spain's Acceptance of His Plans.
Washington, March 30.~-In congress
the feeling which began to take form
after the presidents pacific message on
| the Maine report was submitted found
open expression yesterday in resolu-
tions proposing a declaration of war,
recognition of the independence of Cuba,
armed intervention and other decisive
and warlike steps against Spain and in
conferences of Republicans having for
their object the overruling of the speak
er if necessary to get prompt action.
On the floor, in the cloakrooms, in the
lobbies and in the corridors there was
little else discussed than the Cuban sit
nation and the Maine disaster Every
senator and member was furnished
with copy of the testimony sent to
congress, and every person who could
procure copy read the printed pages.
Every group of senators in the cloak
room talked of Cuba. Constant and con-
tinual conferences We're held, and all
recognized the seriousness of the situ-
atiod
INiiIhin five minutes after the senate
convened Mr.. Allen of Nebraska intro
dueed a resolution recognizing the inde-
pendence of the Cuban republic This
was followed by a resolution proposed
by Mr.. RawIins Of Utah declaring war
against the kingdom of Spain. Mr.. For
aker Of Ohio then introduced resolu-
ton declaring for such intervention in
the Cuban war as would bring about in
dependence of the Cubans. Following
this came a resolution by Mr.. Frye OF
Maine demanding that Cuba be made
free. The resolutions followed one an
other so rapidly as almost to stun the
auditors, both senators and spectators.
The galleries were in a commotion and
the people were prepared for anything.
This was the condition when the vice
president recognized Mr.. Mason of Hi
nois for his announced speech on the
presidents message transmitting to
congress the findings of the Maine court
y
from manuscript, but it was delivered
with all the vigor and fire of which he
is capable The intensity of the feeling
of those in the galleries was evinced by
the storm of applause which was elicit
ed by his declaration that he was for
war. Vice President Hobart had great
difficulty in suppressing the demonstra-
ton.
Representatives Impatient.
on the house side it was apparent
that the Republican majority could no
longer be controlled by what is known
as the conservative element, led by the
speaker. Groups of members in state
of excitement We're to be seen on every
hand In each cIoakroom there were
members listening eagerly while por-
tions of the Maine testimony were read.
Members of the committee on foreign
affairs grouped together and discussed
plans and possible future proceedings.
That congress will not long remain
inactive if some decided action is not
taken by the administration is certain.
1t is also true that the talk Of an ar
mistice caused great deal of i'll feel
ing. The house proceeded to do busi-
ness without outbreak or without
can be promised when the naval bill is
being considered. The day closed with
a prospect that the committees to which
were referred the Maine correspondence
Will act soon, possibly before the end Of
the week
A number of resolutions were intro
duced in the house during the day re-
lating to the Cuban situation Mr.
Marsh of Illinois. chairman of the house
committee ON the militia, introduced a
resolution declaring war between the
government of Spain and it's dependen-
cies and the United States and her ter
ritories. 1t is as follows:
That war be and the same is hereby
declared to exist between the govern
nent of Spain and her dependencies and
the United States and her territories,
and that the president Of the United
States is hereby authorized to use the
whole land and naval force Of the Unit
ed States. including the militia and the
naval militia thereof, to carry the same
into effect 2
Mr.. Hartman of Montana introduced
a resolution declaring that the govern
ment of the United States hereby rec
ognizes the independence of Cuba and
pledges the full measure of it's support
for the maintenance Of that independ-
ence.
Mr.. Lewis Of Washington introduced
one asking information of the presi
dent as to what he communicated to
the Spanish government as the views Of
the government of the United States
upon the court OF inquiry on the de-
struction of the Maine and asking that
such information be communicated to
congress at once.
Mr.. Chickering of New York intro
duced a bill to encourage the enlistment
of veterans Of the late war in case Of
war with Spain. 1t provides that sol
diers drawing pensions who may enlist
in the army or navy shall continue TO
draw pensions during their term Of en-
listment.
Mr.. Mercer of Nebraska introduced a
resolution similar TO that introduced
by Mr. Foraker Of Ohio in the senate.
The Presidents Purposes.
The president remains steadfast in his
convictions as to what Is his duty in the
present emergency, and adverse eriti-