The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1898-02-17
DOINGS Of CONGRESS.
Abstract of the Important Proceedings
in Both Houses.

In the Senate, on Feb s, several Cuban
resolutions were offered. The next day
the Cuban situation was freely debated.
A resolution offered by Mr. Cannon (Utah)
the day before, urging the President to
the independence of Cuba before March d
next this Government would then recog-
nize the belligerent rights of the Cubans,
and 80 days thereafter assert the indie
pendence of the Cuban Republic was
laid before the Senate, and Mr. Cannon
was recognized to speak.
Should the efforts of Spain succeed, he
sad the result would be to saddle upon
the people of Cuba the enormous debt OF
500, OOG000, debt that has to Il great ex-
tent been incurred in the vain effort to
Subdue the spirit of liberty manifested by
the Cuban patriots.
g charge now that the purpose of the
Administration is in consonance with the
wishes OF the Spanish bondholderS, and
before peace is restored in Cuba security
for the payment of that tremendous debt
must DE given by the blood stained island.
That, l say, appears to be the wish of the
Administrator, and, | may say, of Spain. u
He said the sigma ture Of the President to a
document would set people free. What
was it that stayed MIR. McI<inley'S hand
1t was no answer satisfactory to the Cuban
patriots or to the sympathiZers with them
that the battleship Maine should be sent tc
Cuban waters. Or that the Adm inistra ton
should have under consideration at this
time treaty with Spain looking to recipro-
Cal trade relations relating to the Island OF
Cuba.
Mr.. Hale followed Mr.. Cameron with a
motion to refer the Cannon resolution tC
the Committee on Foreign Relations and
with speech CeprecatOry Of the policy Of
(,nnDrp Gerilr1ffDpl on
question, and in support of the course o
the Administration.
The policy Of the Administration hac
been clearly outlined in the Presidents
message. There were many good results
from that policy.
the Government notify Spain and the
insurgents that the war ESQ called mus
at once cease, and the United States would
maintain peace in Cuba. Said he, MY
resolution is f9r peace. One word from this
Administration would bring peace TO this
continent, and under the providence Of
God we believe it WoBld bring independ-
ence to Cuba Mr. Mason spoke at length
The resolutions were referred.
Thursday in the House was spent in fill
clustering. On Friday the Senate passed
the indian appropriation bill.
The Senate, on Feb. IA, devoted about
four hours in Executive session to con
Sideialioh VI .ic Iid"dhdi uedty- iHe
principal speech was made by Senator
Pettigrew, this being the third install
ment Of his remarks upon the subject
Senator PetdgTew devoted himself largely
to the administrations President Dole.
The House, in a resolution introduced
by MIR. Quigg (N.IY., R.), asked the State
Department for information concerning the
condition OF the reconcentrados in Cuba
Mr.. Quigg said it was the purpose of the
resolution to put the country in the pos
session OF the real facts concerning the
condition of the people of Cuba, both in
military and private life.
The Senate also asked for information
The Committee on Foreign Relations re
ported adversely an amendment to Tho
Diplomatic bill recognizing the belligerency
of the Cuban insurgents.