The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-03-30
REVOLT In The HOUSE
Fifty Representatives in Conference Resolve
Upon Immediate Action.
To INFORM SPEAKER REED TO-DAY
ASpirted Meeting in Which Vigorous and Determined
Speeches Were Made---Action to be Deferred Until
This ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Heretofore Conser-
vafve Among Those in the Meeting.

Washington, ID. c., March 29-Ihe
revolt i'm the House against further de-
Law Of action on the Cuban issue culml-
mated to-day in a conference OF Repuo-
lean members whose ideas are In ac-
cordance with a positive early course.
About fifty Representatives attended,
renresenting all sections. Representative
HoDkins. OF Illinois, member OF the
Ways and Means Committee, presided.
REPRESENTATIVE JOY. of Missouri, was
Secretary. The meeting was called to
take steps to secure immediate interyen-
tion in some form and the recognition
of Cuban independence. 1t was the first
definite step following discussions in the
cloak rooms and Hobbies since the Presl-
dent,s message was submitted yester-
day. nv many members who favor inn
mediate and aggressive action. Up TO
this afternoon the sentiment was half
concealed but strongly felt against vot-
ing money for Cuban relief unless ac-
ton 10 stop the war We're taken. me
meeting to-day was called with view
to accomplishing the unqualined removal
Of the Spanish troops from tuDa anu
tho nrolnnt armed intervention IN the
affairs of that island. Late this after
noon it was decided to call meeting
Immediately after adjournment. me
word was quietly passed around but
many who are enthusiastically in favor
of Intervention failed of notification.
though the number present would be
sufficiently large by consolidation with
the Democratic forces to carry out a
programme. Representative Hopkins, as
chairman. briefly stated the objects of
the meeting. He indicated his disap-
pointment that the Presidents message
carried no outline of definite responsive
policy toward Spain, and that he did not
believe further delay should he brooked.
He. however, thought the administration
might have another day or two within
which to act and failing 10 do so. Con-
gress should take the matter into its
own hands independently and at once.
TO WAIT A DAY.
He however thought the administration
dependence hut made no specific sugges-
tions as to the method of its accomplish
ment Representative Tawney. of Min
nesota, another member of the Ways and
Means Committee. said this country
should not stop short of securing the
absolute independence of Cuba. He re-
ferred to the efforts to have the matter
brought directly before the House and
said he wished to secure resolution for
the prompt consideration of the question
ON the floor. Representative Belknap,
of Illinois, who fayors immediate deci-
siye action. took the floor to ask num-
her Of questions tending to bring out
the sentiment of the meeting and the
policy to be followed. Various views
an3 oc ~, ~ hoe fat
securing action. though the feeling that
no action other than the cessation of
hostiities on the island and alb
s0lute independence should be taken APP
parently was unanimous. Representa-
tive Marsh. chairman of the Committee
on the Militia. made a vigorous speech
in which he denounced Spain as the
proven culpable party to the blowing up
the Maine He had hitherto taken 4
most conservative view of the situation
and had not believed it would be shown
that Spain had had a hand in the dis
astpr Now he said it would be shown
that Spain had hand i'm the disaster.
Now he said he would put an end to
Spanish rule there by immediate inter-
vention and formal recognition of Gu
han independence Just as early as Con-
gress could act. His reference to Span
ish policies as to reconcentrados and
other phases of the war were warmly
applauded. Representative Lorimer
also spoke at considerable length and
said he was in favor of securing abso-
lutte independence by any means what
soever He deprecated the delay that
had already occurred and protested that
the people of this country would not
stand the withholding of action.
A NUMBER OF SPEAKERS.
Other speakers were Representatives
Reeves. His; Pierce. Mo-: Hicks. Penn.
sylvania; Brumm. Pennsylvania: Mann,
Illinois: JOY, Missouri; Kirkpatrick.
Pennsylvania; and Lawrence. Massa-
chusetts. 1t was pointed out that while
it was fit that the Executive should BE-
given. as he had been. reasonable time
within which to advise, it was exclusive
ly the function of Congress to declare
war, commence hostilities, or take ac-
ton of that character. The remarks
carried the view that a mere recognition
Of belligerency was not 10 be considered,
for it would not of itself bring a cessa-
lion Of hOstilities and that Intervention.
armed and immediate, and recognition of
independence only would be considered.
Some more conservatively put it ito in
tervene and if necessary support such ac-
tion by the prompt dispatch of our land
and naval forces to Cuba" After vigor-
Gus speeches denunciatory of Spain. it
was decided to defer action until :
o'clock tomorrow afternoon The pres
ont programme is to present to Speaker
Reed evidence that a large majority IA
yor the step and the Cuban sympathiz-
ers believe that once convinced of the
numbers enlisted in its support he will
yield to them. 1t is also proposed to
communicate their sentiment to Presi-
dent Mckinley. The step to-day is ex-
pected to bear fruit in important action
in the House Thursday. Tomorrow n
poll of the House will be taken.
THOSE IN THE CONFERENCE.
The following were among those who
participated in the conference: Messrs.