The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-01
WANT TO HEAR SlGSBEE

Washington, March 31.-The senate COM
mittee on foreign relations resumed its
sitting today but It began its work with
| the elaboration of a body which feels
that 1t has ample time for all that is to
be done. The committee was called to
meet at 1890 o'clock but it was almost II
| before a quorum appeared. The members
came in one at time and all had the air
Of going to work for which there was
more time than was needed. Even Sena-
tor Davis, chairman of the committee,
who is usually at his committee room by
$50 o'clock, did not arrive for an hour
after this time. He was joined about
1920 by Senator Turpie and he in turn by
other members of the committee until a
quorum was secured and business began
at II O'Clock.
The members of the committee ALL re-
fused to discuss the situation before en-
tering upon their labors, further than to
say that they had the whole Cuban ques-
ton under careful consideration and ex-
pected to be able to report by the end
of the week or a any rate at the first of
next week
Chairman Davis declined to say whether
any new resolutions embodying the views
OF the committee as TO the course that
should be pursued towards Cuba in case
of the failure of the diplomatic negota-
tons, were under consideration but there
was no doubt that the senator had been
giving his attention to the formulation of
such a measure.
The general question of the Cuban sit
uation was taken up Immediately upon
securing quorum, especial attention be-
ing given to the proposition TO purchase
the Danish island of st. Thomas.
The committee adjourned shortly after
u O'Clock. until o'clock this afternoon.
1t was announced that Captain Sigsbee.
Of the Maine, would be before the commit
tee when 1t reassembled to give informa-
ton concerning the testimony taken be-
fore the court of inquiry.
The commtttee discussed at some length
the acquisition of St Thomas island, but
no action was taken. Considerable oppo-
sition developed to the proposition, II be-
ing asserted that the ISLAND could be of
no possible use at the present time, as IL
could not be made available for war with
Spain. The desire of the committee to
have Captain Sigsbee before 1t was said
TO be because his evidence was wanted,
some of the members of the committee
having expressed the opinion that he
would be able to give information explain
atory OF his testimony, which would tend
to show that the Maine was destroyed by
design. Other members believe that Cap
tain Sigsbee would point out to the COM
mittee what he regarded as the significant
features of the testimony. not only by
himself. but by other witnesses.
The committee did not expect to make
a report until Monday on the Cuban sit
uation, as ii would wait absolutely upon
/ the presidents wishes until that time. The
committee was proceeding in perfect har-
mony with the president and would do 50
to the end. The committee 1t was stated
by its members, was proceeding upon alb
solute information as TO the character OF
the negotiations between this county and
Spain and this was 10 the effect tina; the
independence Of Cuba was made the one
essential consideration of the negota-
tons. the president having told Spain IN
SO many words, It was said. that 4. was
useless 20 so farther upon any other IN
Outstanding. With this end IN view and
conceded by Spain, he would not attempt
to dictate terms or any manner Of con-
Quoting negotiations between the Span
iards and the Cubans and ne had indica-
ted 10 Spain that he would be willing that
an arrnistice should be arranged for the
settlement of the details. II was said
20 be the desire OF the administration not
to put the matter so hsrshly as 90 prick
the national pride OF the Spanish people
but al the same time 10 put Il 50 81 a:nly
that there could be no doubt OF ths one
essential consideration. Having this as
sQranCe the committee was IN mood To
proceed deliberately and with 10 desire
unnecessarily 70 press the question % ths
form OF q resolution 20 be brought n
until II should be necessary 20 decide that
point. which could be done IN few mo-
ulents Indeed. II vas tire expectation
that che president himself would Indicate
the action he would Ike 10 have congress
take il the case Of the failure OF his 5ipic-
macy and the inclination az the con nit
tee vas to follow his leadership n this
respect. This inclination was due % The
fact. however. that the committee il THIS
event. would be prepared Tor armed .a-
;ervention 70 secure The freedom OF the
Cuhazs
The committee was nat counting conf
IDENTIFY upon being called upon 20 make