The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-02-24

SENATOR GEORGE Y. HoAE
Mr.. Thurston regretted that the gov
ernment did not recognize the belliger-
ency rights OF Cuba when IL would have
been proper to do SO and without In
volving the United States in the dan
gers of war He said: II believe now
that we are drifting into war with Spain.
Spain has not been able to quell the re-
bellion, and the possibility of peace Is
growing more and more remote. The
time is coming when we shall either
have 10 back down from our position,
or intervene in the Cuban affair with the
probability of war. There is enough
being said all over this country con-
cerning the inquiry now proceeding in
Havana into the Maine catastrophe TO
involve us in war. our people in the
present delicate situation might well
be at their affairs praying for calmness
and peace. hope that the inquiry pro-
ceedings in Havana will develop nothing
more that may involve us in hostiities;
but while that inquiry is proceeding we
In the senate should maintain a most
circumspect attitude and be calm and
quiet"
Mr.. Allen made an extended reply TO
the arguments advanced against his
position. He maintained this was the
first time the belligerency proposition
had been presented to the senate when
there was any chance of being effective.
The house would be brought face TO face
Hith Il, and ii would be brought to vote
in that body.
Mr.. Hale, in charge of the bill, yielded
to Mr.. Hoar, who said he desired, in
justice TO himself and TO those who be-
lieved with him, to refute the charges
OF cowardice which had been hurled by
Mr.. Allen at those who differed with
him. He discussed the situation from
the standpoint of an international law
yer. maintaining that the recognition of
belligerency in ordinary circumstances
was not cause of war. 1t was neces-
sarily an unfriendly act. Mr.. Hoar
maintained however that, before TAX
ing any action of that kind, the United
States ought to have clear and un-
questioned statement of the facts in the
case. He believed too that action of
any kind in the Cuban matter should
only be taken with the concurrence of
the senate, the house of representatives
ment OF a belligerency resolution at the
present time would be productive of a
war because of the friction that would
be created by Spain exercising the right
of search of United States vessels on
the high seas. This. he said. was the
position maintained by Grant in the 10
year war. Severe partisan and angry
discussions. particularly of such a ques-
G hn1 NO nj f,,f ba
proceedings of the senate-no more than
they would have i'm the supreme court.
The senate, as the treaty making power
OF the government. was the constitu-
tional adviser of the president, and it
pught not in It's discussion violently CEN
sure any foreign nation for it's action
in the conduct of war. Spain he thought,
would have just cause OF complaint on
account Of these violent discussions. II
have always" said Mr.. Hoar, favored
q resolution proposing mediation. If
that fails. am in favor OF supporting
the executive department when the time
shall come when the case is so clear and
fiagrant that all the constitutional rep
rescntatives of the American people
substantially agree as to the facts"
Mr.. Stewart made a speech in favor
OF granting belligerent rights to the
Chbans at once.
Mr.. Hale made the point of order
against the amendment that il was gem
eral legislation and had under the rules
no place in the bill. The vice president
sustained the point. and Mr.. Allen took
an appeal from the ruling.
MIR. Bacon. speaking i'm support of the
ruling OF the chair. drew from the gal
leries enthusiastic applause He said
that one OF the greatest causes ever tried
before the nations of the world was now
being tried I'm Havana. let us do moth
ing" said he. that will in the least way
embarrass those who are conducting
that investigation. We desire to know
the facts. IT IL should be found that the
explosion was due TO an accident. we
must know that. II. however. IL should
be disclosed that IL was due to treachery,
the whole world will applaud the action
OF this country i'm holding TO strict ac-
count the country i'm whose friendly
harbor that awful disaster occurred"
Mr.. Hale moved to lay the appeal on
the table. and MIR. Allen demanded the
yeas and nays. Mr. Hale's motion was
carried. 81 60 ;, those voting against the
motion being Messrs. Allen OF Nebraska.
Cannon OF Utah. Heitfeld of Idaho.
Mason of Illinois and Teller Of Colorado.
PATRIOTISM OF SOCIAL LEADERS.
Washington. Feb. IA variety OF
subjects occupied the attention OF the
house during the consideration OF the
sundry civil appropriation bill. Mr..