The herald., 1898-03-30
REVOLT RAMPANT.
AGAINsT THE PLANS MAPPED
BY M'KINLEY
REPUBLICANS CONFER
ON MEANS TO OBTAIN EARLY
ACTION
WILL UNITE, WITH DEMOCRATS
AND Force Upon the President Pol
icy Which Shall Speedily Make
the Cubans Free
Associated Press Special Wire

WASHINGTON, March 29.-The revolt
IN the house against further delay of ac-
tion on the Cuban issue eliminated today
In conference of Republican members
whose ideas are in accordance with posi-
i've early course
About fifty representatives attended,
representing all sections.
Representative Hopkins OF Illinois,
member of the ways and means commit
tee, presided
Representative Joy of Missouri was Sec
retary. The meeting was called to take
steps to secure immediate intervention in
some form and the recognition Of Cuban
independence. 1t was the first definite step
toward this end since the presidents mes
sage was submitted yesterday.
Up to this afternoon the sentiment was
half concealed, but strong feeling against
voting money for Cuban relief unless ac-
companied by action to stop the war. The
meeting today was called with view to
accomplishing the unqualified removal Of
the Spanish troops from Cuba and prompt
armed intervention in the affairs of that
island. Late this afternoon the 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 con-
solidation with the Democratic forces TO
carry out a program.
Representative Hopkins, as chairman,
briefly stated the objects of the meeting.
He Indicated his disappointment that the
presidents message carried no outline of
definite responsive policy toward Spain,
and he did not believe further delay should
be brooked. He, however. thought the
administration might have another day or
two in which to act, and falling to do so
that congress should take the matter into
Its own hands Independently and at once.
He favored action looking to Cuban inde-
pendence, but made no specific suggestions
as to the methods of Its accomplishment.
Representative Tawney of Minnesota,
another member of the ways and means
committee, said this country should not
stop short of securing the absolute inde-
pendence OF Cuba.
Representative Belknap of. Illinois, who
favors immediate and decisive action, took
the floor and asked number of questions
tending to bring out the sentiment of the
meeting and the policy to be followed
The feeling seemed to be that no action
other than the cessation Of hostilities on
the island and absolute independence
Wouiu De acceptable.
Representative Marsh of Illinois, chair
man Of the committee on militia, made a
vigorous speech, in which he denounced
Spain as the proven cupable party to the
blowing up of the Maine. He would, he
said. put an end to Spanish rule in Cuba by
immediate Intervention and formal rec
ognition of Cuban independence. His re-
marks were warmly applauded
Representative Lorimer of Illinois also
spoke at considerable length and said he
was In favor Of securing absolute inde-
pendence by any means whatsoever Other
speakers were Representatives Reeves of
Illinois, Price Of Missouri, Hicks and
Brumm of Pennsylvania, Mann Of Illinois,
Joy Of Missouri, Kirkpatrick and Arnold
of Pennsylvania and Lawrence of Massa-
chusetts.
After some vigorous speeches denunc:a-
tory of Spain, It was decided to defer ac-
tlon until o'clock tomorrow afternoon.
The present program is to present to
Speaker Reed evidence that large major
ity favors the step and the Cuban sympa-
thizers believe that once convinced Of the
numbers enlisted in its support he will
yield to them. 1t is also proposed to COM
municate their sentiment to President Nc
Kinley. This step today is expected to
bear fruit In important action in the house
on Thursday. Tomorrow a poll Of the
house will be taken. The following were
among those who participated in the con-
ference: Hopkins. Mann, Warner, White.
Reeves, Belknap, Marsh, Lorimer of Illi-
nois. Tawney of Minnesota, Spalding, VIM.
Alden Smith, Samuel W. Smith, Mesick,
Sheldon, Cnnliss and Hamilton of Michi-
gan, Mercer Of Nebraska, White of North
Carolina, Mudd of Maryland, Sulloway of
New Hampshire. Knox and Lawrence of
Massachusetts, Johnson of North Dakota;
Brownlow Of Tennessee, Colson of Ken
lucky, Ellis of Oregon, JOY and Pierce Of
Missouri, and Brumm. Hicks, Kirkpatrick
and Arnold Of Pennsylvania.