Evening Star Newspaper, March 30, 1898, Page 1

THE EVENING &sTAR. —— PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, . 111 Pennsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th 8t,"by- The Evening Star Ne Company 8. H. EAUFFMANN Fres't ee et Buildia;. The Evening Star is served to subscribers in the ‘ity by crrriers, on their own account, at 10 cents per week, or 44 cents per month. Copies at the cetnter 2 certs each. By mall—anywhere in the postage prepaid—S0 cents Saturday Quintupl- Sheet Star, $1 per year, with a t Star, ar, pe x foreign postage . (Entereg at the Pot Office at Washington, D. C.. ma‘l matter.) as Keen 58 EF All mail subscriptions must be paid in advance. gq Star. - No. 14,065. WASHINGTON, D. 0. WEDNESDAY, MAROH 30, 1898—FOURTEEN PAGES. TWO CENTS The Evening Star is the only, afternoon paper in Washington that receives the dispatches of the Associated Press. It is therefore the only one in which the reader can find the complete news of the world, directly trans- mitted by telegraph, up to the moment of going to press. AN ULTIMATUM SENT Lalest Propositions Made: to Spall. WAR IN CUBA MUST END A Reply Looked for Within Two Days. CUBA 70 PURCHASE INDEPENDENCE Congressional Callers on the Presi- dent Reassured. MANY CONFERENCES HELD a An ultimatum has been sent to Spain de- mending cessation of the war. Many conferenc2s were held at the White House and members of Congress who went to urge action on the Cuban question ‘rere reassured as to the President's plan. No agreement has been reached with Spain, but certain propositions have been made and a reply is expected in a few days. Representative Bailey, the demucratic leader in the House of Representatives, presented as a matter of privilege a resolu- tion recognizing the independence of Cuba. The Speaker decided it out of order, and Mr. Bailey's app2al was tabled by 179 yeas to 159 nays. The House ‘hen took up the naval appropriation bill. Minister Woodford notified the State De- partment that a fleet consisting of two armored cruisers and a torpedo boat had sailed from Carthagena, Spain, west, pre- sumably for Cuba. Szcretary Long detailed officers today to ecmmand the auxiliary torpedo boats re- cently added to the navy. . Senator Frye reported a resolution calling for the consular correspondence on condi- tions in Cuba. H. S. Rubens, counsel to the Cuban junta in New York, is report2d as saying that the Cuban insurgents would be willing to pay $100,000,000 for the independence of the is- lene. It is stated on authority close to the ad- ministration that a communication was sent to Spain today in the nature of an ultimatum to the effect that Spanish com trol in Cuba must end. In the whirl of the day's events at the White Hous>—a day of unparalleled activ- ity—there stands out one fact which can- not be disputed.” This is that no agreement has y2t been reached between Spain an the United States. c The only substantial change in the situa- tion ts that the President evidently sw2- ceeded im quieting the Congressmen who yesterday threatened to break over the traces. They called upon him in droves to- day and ke saw all. He talked with his friends and with those who were apparent- ly about to break away from lim. One and all went away from him with tightly closed lips, a few venturing to say that they were satisiied. What brought out these expressions of satisfaction remains to be learned, but they were undoubiediy based on the President’s assertions that the whole question will probably be settled to the satisfaction of Congress. The President told his callers just enough to make them believe that Cuba is to be freed by diplomatic methods, and just enough to put a stop to revolutionary meth- ods in Congress until there has been time to conclude the negotiations with Spain. Summed up, the status of the negutiations is as follows: The Situation Summed Up. Spain now has under consideration propo- sitions made by this country looking to the independence of Cuba. The Spanish cabinet will meet tomorrow and will pass upon these propositions. Un- tl the cabinet meets no one can predict the outcome. President McKinley believes that the Spaniards will accept the solution offered them. His advices are that way. If Spain does not accept these proposi- tions, and shows a belligerent spirit, Pre: gent McKinley will make no further ef- forts at settling the questions by peaceful Methods. He will put the entire affair in the hands of Congress »nd will stand with that body in all it does. War will then be certain. Proposed Purchase of Independence. The leading proposition before the Sa- gasta ministry is to allow the Cubans to purchase their independence on a probable basis of $200,000,000. It is claimed the representatives here have agreed to Pending the arrangements of this pur- chase a short armistice will be agreed to by the United States, a cessation of hos- tlities just long enough for Spain to wind up her affairs in Cuba and to withdraw her troops. Following this agreement for an armistice and sale the United States will recognize the independence of the Cubans. All the money interests of Europe are working on Spain to have her accept the Proposition for the sate of Cuba. It is as yet undetermined whether the United States will guarantee the purchas2 money or whether the allied money power of the world will’do so, taking charge of certain revenues of Cuba a# guarantec. No caller upon President McKinley would, admit the foregoing today. None would deny it, however. Col. J. J. McCook, the author of the $200,- 400,000 purchase scheme, said todny that he did not believe this to be the solution of | noon. the difficulties. He callzd at the White House, but did not see the President. Cabinet members and all other visitors to the President say the situation is improved. If Spain’s reply to the representations made to her by this government is received by tomorrow afternoon, President McKin- ley will call an extra meeting of the cabi- net. If the answer is delayed until Friday, it will be considered in the regular cabinet session that day. Assistant Secretary Day said today that Minister Woodford had cabled an interro* gation to the State Department since yes- terday, and was answered today. That was all that had passed, he said. An Important Conference. The most important conference of the day at the White House was taken part in by the President and Senators Burrows, Wolcott, Hanna, Spooner, Aldrich and Alli- son. Senators Hawley, Cullom and Gray were present part of the time, but the first six senators were the leaders in the conference. The talk was long and seri- ous The President undoubtedly unfolded the plan outlined above. Upon this plan he is willing to stand or fall. While the majority of the senators named have all alcng been considered as not over sym- pathetic with the struggling Cubans, they did not fail to tell the President of the intentions of Congress. Michigan Delegation Calls. next mest important of the many ecrferences of the day was with the re- publicans of the Michigan delegation, head- ed by Representative Corliss. The delega- tlor met yesterday afternoon and unani- mously decided to call upon the President The Capt. Wm. T. Sampson, Commanding the Fleet at Key West. in a body and urge prompt and vigorous action on the Cuban situation. The delegation told the President that their state wanted intervention and want- ed it promptly. The conference lasted for twenty minutes. The President again outlined his inten- tens, giving promise that he believes the plan he has proposed will be successful. The delegation left the White House ap- parently satisfied, Mr. Corliss speaking to this effect for the others. The President, it is understocd, said he €id not desire longer tkan the end of this week to find out the result of the negotia- tions in progress. House Chairmen Seen. The President next conferred with Rep- resentatives Hull and Boutelle, chairmen, respectively, of the military and naval af- fairs committees of the House. Mr. Hull has been foremost in the list of men who demanded immed.ate intervention. He did not talk when he went away. Still another conference was with Repre- sentatives Adams, Pearson and Cousins of the foreign affairs committee of the House. Several of these men have also been op- posed to any delay. They are said to have gone away satisfied that the President w:.l give a good account of himself. Senator Davis of the Senate foreign rela- tions committee of the Senate, Senator Frye, Representative Bailey, democrat; Senator Sewell and Representative Pitney were other men who saw the President. In addition to these, Secretaries Aiger, Long, Gage, Wilson, Bliss and Attorney General Griggs dropped in during the day, three of them being with the President at one time. Secretary Sherman called and presented the new Turkish minister. The Postponed Message. It is now a matter of doubt when the President will send to Congress the post- poned message asking for an appropria- tion for the starving Cubans. He changed his mind again today about sending in the message. It is not improbable that the message will be held back pending the re- sult of the negotiations in progress with Spain. Congress, it is said, would not vote the appropriation until it understood the situation clearly and fully. As the Presi- dent is not in position to reveal this situa- tion in full, it is thought best to hold back the message. Sentiment of the Michigan Men. Tne Michigan delegation is understood to have toid the President that the country believed Spain to be legally and morally responsible for the destruction of the Maine and considered it a casus belli; that if Con- gress declares war it will be as much due to this feeling as to the general condition in Cuba. The President is said to have expressed surprise at this. Another story this afternoon, coming from a member of the Michigan delegation, is that the President gave the delegation no satisfaction. It will hold another con- ference this afternoon. —_—---____ THE FLOODS IN THE WEST. Ohio Falling Slowly at Cincinnati, but Rising Above. CINCINNATI, Ohio, March 30.—At 1 e’clock this morning the river registered 60.5 feet, a fall of only nine-tenths of a foot since twenty-four hours ago, when it reached its maximum. “ A panic was started at Lawrenceburg, Ind., by @ report that the levee there had broken. The report proved false, for the break was in the Big Four railway, which Was soon repaired. News of a fresh rise at Pittsburg makes rain a thing to be feared in this place for three or four days. The weather is pleas- ant for the present, and should it remain s0 the flood will run out before the rise from that’source reaches this point. Se se ‘Terror Sails for Key West. CHARLESTON, 8. C., March 30.—The monitor Terror sailed this morning for, Key West after having her air compressors, paired and taking on coal... - ~ The monitor Puritan came into port at eee REPUBLICAN REVOLT |SCHLEY P ee eee It Did Not Materialize in the House Today. ASSURANCES FROM THE WHITE HOUSE Willing to Give the President a Few Days More. THE DEMOCRATIC VIEW + The republican revolt in the Housg. was held in check today by promises that there should be speedy action on the Cuban ques- tion and the will of the House should find expression in a proper and orderly way. The promise of action first came from tife White House. The President stated to sen- ators and members of the House with whom he conferred this morning that he expected a satisfactory reply from Spain by Thursday, and that action one way or the other would then be determined. It was also held out that the negotiations with Spain were based on the independence of Cuba, and that at all events the inde- pendence of Cuba would be insisted on by this government and be included in any so- lution of the question. The hope of peace- ful settlement was based on the old propo- sition of a syndicate indorsing the bonds of Cuba for the purchase of its liberty, but the terms of the transaction were kept obscure and the proposition was looked upon with suspicion. The assurance that acceptable terms of peace would be agreed upon or intervention would follow served, however, to secure a suspension of action by the House for a day or two. It was necessary, however, that this assurance should be supported by a further assurance from the Speaker of the House that he would speedily give the House an opportu- nity to take such action on the question as @ majority deemed proper. This assur- ance was given not only privately to those who waited on the Speaker, but was pub- Ucly announced in connection with his rul+ ing In which it was held that a motion to recognize the independence of Cuba was not a privileged motion, and was the basis of action of the republicans in sustaining him in this decision. Assurances Sufficient. When the House met this morning it was not the intention of the republicans who are demanding the recognition of the inde- pendence of Cuba to call the matter up to- day. The assurances they had received had been accepted as sufficient to warrant them in waiting a day or two for develop- ments. They were induced to wait because they wanted the President to take the ac- tion desired by them if he would without being forced into it by any vote of theirs, but they declared that they would not de- part from their purpose to act if the Presi- dent did not. ‘They declared that they were ready to take the responsibility of over- riding the President and the Speaker, but that they did not want to do so without cause, and would support both in a very brief delay if assured that the indepen- dence of Cuba would result. The revoiters regarded it as a victory for them when they secured a promise from the Speaker that he would give them an opportunity to have a yote in the House on the subject as soon us the two or three days had passed which were degired to enable a reply to be received from Spain, and it is declared that they would not have sustained the Speaker without this promise. The Speaker Sustained. The democrats, however, were not in- ciuded in this understanding between the Speaker and the republican importunates, and a motion fer action emanated from Mr. Bailey, with the approval of all the demo- crats and populists, and it was thought that tt would have the approval of those repubiicans who wanted action and had been soliciting democratic support in their contemplated aggressive moves in behalf of Cuba. When the point of order against Mr. Bailey's motion to recognize the inde- pendence of Cuba having been made by Mr. Boutelle or Maine, Mr. Hull of Iowa, who had been chosen the leader of the republican revolt, and Mr. Hopkins, who had presided over their meeting, attended by forty-six yesterday afternoon, got up on the floor of the House in turn and spoke in support of the point of order, it was at once understood that the Speaker was to be sustained, an armistice having heen established between him and those threatening revolt. This understanding was confirmed when the Speaker on clos- ing his ruling-announced that the majority of the House would have specdily an op- portunity to express their will with respect to Cuba. Upon this statement of the case, there were but about six republicans who refused to vote to sustain the Speaker, and he was sustained by a vote of 178 to 137. The Democratic View. ‘The democrats are disposed to make cap- ital out of this outcome of the much boast- ed revolt of the republican Cuban Hbera- tors, and are digposed to sneer at them for what they term a fizzle. It is insisted, however, by the republicans who have led in the revolt that the vote today has no significance except that they are willing te give a trial to the promises of their own recognized leaders, and they declare that they intend to insist upon immediate ac- tion to establish the liberation of Cuba, and that if it is not taken by the Presi ent within a few days, they will vote dif- ferently in the House from what they did today. 2 ad HAS NOT RESIGNED. No Trath in a Report About Co: General Lee. Secretary Long is authority for the state- ment that there is no truth in the report published this morning that Consul General Lee has cabled his resignation to the State | Department, at the same time requesting that he be relieved at once. The report was that a telegram to that effect was re- ceived from Gen. Lee last night. Secretary Long said today in the most positive man- ner that no such telegram had beefi re- ceived, and he had every reason to doubt the report that Gen. Lee was dissatisfied with the presen? policy of the administva- tion. i Major Armes’ Case. 7 that question has made an adverse report on the application of Major George A. Armes, retired, for the brevet rank-of lieu- terant colonel for Workmen on the Brooklyn Ordered to Rush Repairs. Columbia Has Arrived and te Now Receiving a Coat of War Paint. FORT MONROE, Va., March 30.—Mon- day and yesterday everything about the flying squadron had a peagéeful =r, be- cause of the Pacific news from Washing- ton. This morning found a great deal of Suppressed excitement noticeable, particu- larly in the orders to men working upon the vessels to hurry their labors to com- pletion. Some workmen from the shigbuilding yard employed in making minor changes oy the Brooklyn were told emphatically tnaj all work must be finished »y tonigat and that the men on board would not be surprised to find the fleet moving within a.few days. The hurry was in the main due to the uncertainty of the situation in Washington, as detailed in the Associated Press dispatches, and the similar situation in Key West. The protected cruiser Columbia has ar- rived, and this gives this squadron a varied type of vessels. The Brooklyn is a first- class armored and protected cruiser, one of the best-equipped fighting; vessels in the world; the Massachusetts is a first-class battle ship, throwing more tons of iron than any vessel afloat, and the Columbia is a protected but unarmored cruiser of fast type, and carrying rapid-fire guns in her main battery. The Columbia will put on her coat of gray paint this morning, transforming herself from a highly dec- orated, pleasant-to-look-at craft into a fcrmidable-looking fighting machine. Conimodore Schley has almost fully cr- ganized his working force, finding it not a difficult matter, as many of the officers of the fleet are old shipmates, and nave worked with him before, notably on the Baltimore at Valparaiso, Chile, when the international episode occurred, and where he displayed diplomacy that won for nim the confidence of the country. TO SELL Ct BONDS. American Financiers Afleged to Be at Work in Berfin, ‘ BERLDY March 30.—The Tageblatt to- day announces the presence in this city of an American financier, representing a syn- dicate, who is said to be trying to interest Berlin financiers in a project fer purchasi Cuba and paying Spain 1,500,000,000 pesetas, the syndicate recouping from the customs of Cuba. Inquiries made at the United States em- assy, as at the leading banks, show that they have no knowledge of the matter, pare SAGASTA HUNG IN EFSIGY. Indiana Normal School Students Ex- press Their Sentiurents, VALPARAISQ, dnd., March 30.—A thou- sand students of the Northern Indiana Normal School and the citizéss, Headed by the city band, paraded the principal streets of the city last night carrying banners reading “Long live Cuba” and “Down with Spain,” and an effigy labeled Premi2r Sa- gasta, with the stars and stripes floating at the head of the procession, The crowd marched to the court hense yard and there hung Sagasta in effigy. Speeches w2re made by a number of stu- dents condemning Spain and indocsing the stand taken by Congress, Then torches were applied to the effigy and it was burned. —_+—__ SHOOTING AFFRAY AT SKAGUAY. Steamer George W. Elder on_ the Rocks in Tongas Narrows. TACOMA, Wash., March 30.—The steam- cr Cleveland arrived at Tacoma today dl- rect from Ske with news.of a shooting affray in Skaguay March 24, the day the Cleveland sailed, in which two-men were Filled 1a a saloon or dence ball and a third man shot in the leg in the same resort. ‘The shooting occurred but @ few hours be- fore the vessel sailed, and particulars were rot obtainable. It 1s said that the men killed were bound for the gold fields. The Cleveland passed the steamer George W. Elder, from Portland for Skaguay and Dyea, with a very large number of passen- gers, on the rocks in the Tongas narrows last Saturday night. The bow was quite a distance out of the water and the stern deep. but not submerged. The Rosalie wes standing by the Elder, and assistance refused irom the Cleveland. It was not known how setiously the ship was damaged, but it was hoped to float her at high tide. The Eider belongs to the Pacific Coast Steamship Company. —_-_. INDIANS’ PROPERTY DESTROYED. Damages to the Seminole Tribe Enti- mated at $2,600. MUSKOGEE, I. T., March 30.—W. F. Wells, assistant clerk at Union Indian agency, has completed the investigation into the depredations and destruction of Froperty of Seminole Indians, which was recently co:nmitted by a mob of United States citizens in the Seminole nation when the two Indian boys were burned at the stake. Wells finds the property loss to be about $2,600, and that several Indians were arrested and more or less tortured by the mob. His complete report has been forwarded to the department at Washington by Indian Agent Wisdom and for the information of the department, as i: is thought numer- ous claims will be filed by the Indians for indemnity, which is guaranteed them by treaty stipulations. = = ——__ HAGERSTOWN GOES DEMOCRATIC. Shindel Elected Mayor by Sixty-One Majority. Special Dispatch to The Evehing a HAGERSTOWN, Md., ¥ B0.—Revised returns of Hagerstown’s election of Monday give Shindel, de t, 61 mi jorty over Keedy, reputfican, the present cecupant, in a total vote ms ee Zeigler, republican, was to the city council by 23 majority, amd Weisner, demvcreh, in the fourth’ wi by “88_ma- jority. ae The result practically gives the demo- crats entire controt of the city government, with the exception of the street commis- sioners, in which beard the ~<— have a majority. This, too, will cratic at the expiration of the term of one of its members. oh: z iblicans: demo- KRUEGER jstroyed by the insurgents on March 28, REPARES TO SAIL|RESENTS OUR HELP Madrid Imparcial Demands that Cuban Relief Be Rejected. TT 18 HOMILIATING INTERVENTION Points With Pride to Patiotism of the Spanish. IN PRIVATE CONTRIBUTIONS MADRID, March g0.—The general tone of the press today foreshadows peace. An eaception is the Pais (republican), which, referring to the conference yesterday be- tween the United States minister, General Stewart L. Woodford, and Senor Sagasta, the premier, Senor Gullon, the minister for foreign affairs, and Senor Moret, the minister for the colonies, sees therein that the United States is “gaining time and awaiting the rainy season so to take Spain at a disadventage in Cuba.” The Pais also expresses the belief that the Spanish government is prepared to make further concessions to the United States and fears the upshot may mean “Joss ot Cuba, money and dignity.” It further says that all the questions pend- ing between Spuin and the United States were discussed yesterday, but that nothing further is known. Secrecy in Respected. The Liberal (moderate republican) says rothing has leaked out beyond the official pote, adding. : “We respect this secrecy, provided it does not hide a definite decision prior to the opening of the cortes. ‘The nation must be consulted as well aS the queen regent and the ministers.”” According to the Imparcial (indepeident) Senor Segasta will have an interview with the queen regent today respecting the con- ference of yesterday. The Giobo (liberal) heads its editorial article “Reserve, Serenity, Confidence, claring to lift a corner of the veil of minis- terial secrecy. The Imparcial opens a long articles by exclaiming “There is patriotism. It is heard everywhere in connection with the generous offers arriving from all the provinces. It is a national spirit like this which accomplish- es what riches cannot.” People Are Responding. he great mass of the people,” the Im- parcial adds, “respond to the call to lend help in the defense of the honor and in- tegrity of the fatherland, which is wrapped up in the honor and dignity of the nation. Nothing will so decisively prevent the goy- erfiment in Washington, on humanitar pretexts, from interfering in the internal affairs of Cuba. Charity, as the Americans understand it, is not charity; it is an out- Tage to the pious, Christian sentiment ex- isting in Spain. In the minds of other peo- ple Spain's consent to allow United States officials to succor Cubans constitutes true ignomjny. Moral integrity is necessary to the honor of the nation, as well as the ma- terial integrity. It is the former the United States is trying to wound. Reject American Aid. “With the sums collected and collecting by subscriptions in Havana, by theatrical performances and other means in Spain and South America, the government at Madrid ought to say to the government at Wash- ington that Spain is in no need of its in- digent subjects being succored by the charity of ancther state, this constituting the most humilitating intervention, and that she desires to depend upon her own re- sources, yoluntarliy given, and not ex- tracted, like your half a million dollars from Congress. The moral effect and dip- lomatic result of such a pronouncement would be incalculately greater than of any warship which could be purchased.” WILL NEVER GIVE UP VUnA. Opinion of Diaro de La Marina at Havana. HAVANA, March 30.—The Diaro de la Marina, commenting editorially today on the strained relations between Spain and the United States and the hopes expressed here that the end of the trouble may be that the United States will declare in favor of the annexation of Cuba and not for the independence of the island, says: “Spain will spend her last dollar before giving Cuba up to either the insurgents or the Americans.” Nothing further has been learned regard- ing the wrecking trair sent to the relief o! the train carrying supplies to towns in Havana province, which was wrecked yes- terday about twenty-one miles outside of this city, between the Cienaga and Bojucal by an explosion on the track. No one was injured by the accident, though four freight cars left the track and one was overturned in a ditch. The only loss reported is two sacks of cornmeal. The stores will be dis- tributed today. Special Commissioner Louis Kicpsch, who was in the passenger coach behind the freight cars, will return to New York today or tomorrow. © Garcia is Banished. A man named Garcia, who has acted as interpreter here for a New York news- paper, leaves for Key West today by order of the chief of police, who Accuses him of being the author of many sensational stories and of having been in communica- tion with the insurgents. ‘The great iron railroad bridge near Pal- mira, province of Santa Clara, was de- with the use of dynamite. The report of the explcsion was heard fifteen miles away. It is reported that orders have been given to expel from Cuba George C. Musgrave, the correspondent of a New York paper. The palace authorities announce that the Spanish forces at Cacagual, in the Sancti Spiritus district of the province of Santa Clara, have been engaged with ihe insur- gents. It is added that the latter left nine men killed on the field and retired with their wounded. Among the latter, it fs al- leged, {s-General Chucho Monte Agudo, who is reported to be seriously wound2d in the breast. : ‘ ——_>—- — STOP THE BUTCHERY IN CUBA. Cleveland Republican Club to Hold a Mass Meeting Tonight. CLEVELAND, cu WOULD PAY $109,000,000. Horatio S. Rubens Makes This Authoritative Statement. NEW YORK, March 30.—The report that Spain was ready to grant independence to Cuba in consideration of an indemnity of $200,000,000, and that President Palma, for the insurgents, was favorable to the propo- sition, was the subject of considerable dis- cussion at the rooms of the Cuban junta today. ‘In speaking for the members of the jun- ta, Horatio S. Rubens said: “This is the ohl plan revived. Two years ago we were prefectly willing and anxious to settle the trouble in this manner; but conditions have changed since then. I am in a position to say, with authority, that, while the Cubans would not consent to the payment of $200,- 000,000 for their independence, they are willing and able to pay half that sum.” a THE Pi WAITING ON ESIDENT. Senators Willing to Delany Action a Reasonable Time. The Senate committee on foreign rela- tions failed to reach an agreement at its meeting today on any of ‘the Cuban resolu- tions before it, but referred the whole mat- ter to a subcommittee, and then adjourned. The members of the foreign relations committee who saw the President t iy assured the other members that the Cuban situation will come to a head in a very few days, and that Congress would be in- fcrmed. The utmost limit placed upon the tume when the matter will be settled one Way or another was stated as one week, while others thought thit ic might be within forty-eight hours. The committee considered that it would be unwise, in view of nego: ions pow cn, to precipitate matters at this time. It was suid’ that Congress need nox tak2 action to hurry the administration, in view of what had been learned by members. The Senate sed a resolution, on motion of Chairman is of the foreign relations committee, alowing them to sit during the session of the Senate. The only distinctive f2aturc of the meet- ing was the general disposition manifested to wait for a reasonable time upon the President, and the sentiment in chis direc- tion was quite unanimous upen the part of the members. The meeting was largely devoted to the ccnsideration of testimony tiken by the Maine court of inquiry. A majority of the members of the committee found that they had not bad time to read this testimony, ard much of what appealed to individual members was read by them io the tull committee. The general understanding appeared to be that the situation was such that the report and the testimony will heve to be fully considered in arriving at a con- clusion. While the present disposition of the com- mittee is to oblige the President, it was made evident that a large majority of the committee will favor vigorous action, as it is made manifest that diplomatic Te- sources have been exhausted. What form this action will take was not disclosed at today’s meeting of the commiitee, no pref- erence being shown for any of the four resolutions before the committee. ———_+o~__.. MR. TODD'S RESOLUTION, It Declares the Independence of Cuba and War With Spnin. Mr. Todd of Michigan has introduced the following resolution in the House: Whereas, the oppressive methods by which the kingdom of Spain has for many years sought to rule the island of Cuba has justly caused armed resistance by the Cubans, who have for some time maintain- ed successfully the independence of the éreater part of their island, and over which Spain is unable to regain control, and Whereas, said war has been for a long time waged cn the part of Spain by in- humaa methods unknown to civilized war- fare, by which the humane and Christian sentiments of the American people have been shocked and their maierial and com- mercial interests jeopardized, and Whereas, an American battle ship has been recently destroyed under cover of darkness and 268 American seamen, bound on a mission of peace, have been assassi- nated by an act of cowardly treachery on the part of the Spanish subjects, for which the kingdom of Spain must be held re- sponsible, and which constitutes an act of war by the kingdom of Spain againgt the United States. cf America. a Therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress assembled, that First. The Republic of Cuba ought to be, and of right is, a free and independent state. Second. The government of Spain is hereby notified that it must forthwith re- move all its armed forces, military and neval, from Cubar territory and waters; resign all civil authority in Cuban terri- tory and restore freedom to ail Cuban pris- oners. Third. A state of war is hereby declared to exist between the United States of Amer- ica and the kingdom of Spain, and the President is hereby empowered and direct- ed to use the existing military and navai forces of the United States as may be nec- e&ary, and to issue calls for volunteer forces in such number as may be required toe enforce al! demands of te United States upon Spain and bring the war to a success- fui terminaticn. Fourth. The sum of $509,000 is hereby ap- prcpriated to be immediately available to be used by the President for relieving the distress of the Cubans and to enable them to resume cultivation of their flelds. Fifth. The people of Cuba heving won their independence from Spain by force ef arms at the cost of hundreds of thousands oz lives, the United States of America will orpose any atiempt to fasten upon their republic in the form of a bonded indebted- ness under the plea of purchase a system of perpetual financial servitude as danger- cus as that frcm which they have become freed. ga 5 A | -|BAILEY WANTS ACTION ———— Introduces a Resolation of Recoaition. piers DECLARED TO BE OUT OF ORDER Appeals, But Appeal is Tabled by the House, REPUBLICANS STAND © TOGETHER Naval Appropriation Taken Up for Consideration. EXCITING SCENES The galleries of the House of Rep- resentatives were again crowded to over- flowing today, and the members on the floor were in an excited state. Sen- sational developments were anticipated, It was generally believed that an at- tempt would be made from the demo- cratic side to attach a Cuban independence resolution to the naval Dill, but the repub- lean leaders, even those in favor of radi- cal action, were opposed to co-operating with any movement which would give the democrats the credit. The storm broke immediately after the reading of the journal, when Mr. Bailey, the democratic leader, demanded recogni- tion as @ matter of privilege and offered a resolution. A profound sersation followed. Members rose all over the House. No one knew whai the resolution contained, but all knew that it related to the all-absorbing topic of Cuba. Mr, Evans (Ky.) interposed to devlaré that a pension bill coming over from last night was in order, and, amid intense ex- citement, tne Speaker, with white, stern face, held that the regular order was the consideration of the pension bill, which he directed the clerk to read. While it was being read Mr. Bailey re- quested that the resolution be sent badk to him. As soon as the pension bill was passed he was again on his feet demand- ing recognition. But Mr. Boutelle, chairman of the naval affairs committee, was also calling for recognition, and the Speaker recognized him, pausing amid the clamor and confue sion to inform Mr. Bailey calmly that his rights would be respected. Mr. Boutelle then moved that the House go into committee of the whole and re- sume the consideration of the naval ape propriation bill. “Pending that motion,” announced the Speaker, “the gentleman from Texas states be desires to present a privileged question, The gent!eman will state it.” To Recognize Cuban Independence. Mr. Bailey then offered the resolucion for the recognition of the independence of Cuba as follows: “Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives, That the heroic siruggle of the Cuban people against the force of arms and the horrors of famine has shown them worthy to be free; and, “Second, the United States hereby recog- nizes the republic of Cuba as a free and independent state.” The reading was listened to amid a si- lence profoundly impressive and at its ccnelusion cheer after cheer was given from the galleries and the floor. The re- publican side was ominously silent. The Speaker rapped vigorously for order and warned the galleries that no demonstra+ tions would be allowed. Mr. Boutelle immediately made the point of order that the resolution was not privi- leged and vpon that Mr, Bailey demanded to be heard. Mr. Bailey’s Demand. He declared that the subject with which the resolution deait was too serious and the ocession tco important to be hastily > cisposed of: He insisted that he had @ rat. to present the resolution under the! rules and rulings, and the responsibility must rest with the majority if it ru out of order and the ruling sustained. He ! called attention to the fact that in the Fifty-third Congress, when Mr. Crisp was Speaker, Mr. Boutelle, who now made the point of order that this resolution was not privileged, presented a resolution of a rimilar character melating to Hawaii, which the Speaker held was privileged, but must go toa committee. Against that latter rul- ing an appeal was taken and the whole re- publican side had voted against tebling the appeal. Wher. he said that at the head of the list of the distinguished republicans who voted on that occasion was the honor- able Speaker of this House the democrats went into rapturous applause. ‘The House in Confusion. a leantime the confusion was great. en leaders were evidently rallying their forces. Mr. Hull, chairman of the ccramittee on military affairs, who was. : i i i s i Hl : | | | | : fi 5 i . Pee