Worcester morning daily spy., March 31, 1898, Image 1

About Worcester morning daily spy. (Worcester, Mass.) 1888-1898

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SPY ESTABLISHED 1770.
SPAIN CHANGING FRONT.
Propositions Once Scorned Taken
Into Careful Consideration Now.
it
INTEREST CENTRES IN MADRID.
United States Must Have an Answer Sometime
This Week.
President McKinley’s Will Prevails in Spite of Violent
Talk’=Spain Disappointed in Attitude
of European Powers.
Washington. March 80.—The vital I
point in the Cuban situation, viz., inde-1
pendence, has shifted itself from Wash
ington to Madrid, where the Spanish
government Is now giving grave and
earnest consideration to propositions
presented by the government of the
United States.
On the answer to these propositions
probably depends the future course of
the relations between Spain and the
United States. It Is believed that it is
now but a question of an exceedingly
short time before the inevitable crisis
must come. The Spanish ministry will
hold a cabinet council tomorrow after
the propositions have been submitted to
the queen regent, and as a result of that
conference, it is said by the administra
tion. that a definite answer to its pro
posals will be received.
*rhe propositions submitted by this
country contemplate a complete and im
mediate cessation of hostilities in Cuba,
the return of the reconcentrados to their
usual avocations, and the independence
of Cuba, this last feature to be secured
probably on an indemnity basis, by
which the island would pay a. substan
tial sum for its freedom from Spanish
rule.
These propositions take a wide scope,
and there are many details in the alter
native propositions, the purpose being
to present every possible plan promising
a solution of the Cuban problem so long
as an end of the Cuban war and Cuban
Independence are embodied in the ulti
mate result.
It has been made perfectly clear to
Spain that nothing less than a close of
the war and the independence of the
island will suffice as an adequate settle
ment. Such lesser methods as have been
contemplated from time to time are now
put aside. It is now for Spain to accept
or reject these tenders.
Never before until now has the Span
ish government even for a moment en
tertained such propositions. Now in the
stress of present emergency, with dec
larations of war introduced in the Am
erican congress, Spain has reluctantly
consented to consider them. This in it
self has given lively hope of satisfactory
results, but it involves a grave crisis in
Spain, and it cannot be foretold what the
final 'action at Madrid will be. Until to
day it was believed that Spain would in
dignantly reject a proposition involving
the independence of Cuba or American
intervention, or the disappearance of
the Spanish flag from the Island, either
through purchase by the • Cubans or
otherwise.
There was the best of reasons for the
official belief that, as between peace
and war. on these propositions, Spain
would choose war, but more hope ap
parently is entertained here of Spain
being in a yielding mood, as the Amer
ican plans for solution are being care
fully weighed with a view to a final
decision. As stated, the answer is be
lieved to be only a question of perhaps
two or three days. When it is received,
the future course of this government
will be determined. It is the view of
the administration that the present
week will shape the policy of the future,
whether it Is one of peace or one of
war.
Naturally this critical juncture has
occasioned the greatest interest here,
coupled with no little excitement as
word was passed about that the last
stage in the negotiations with Spain
had been reached. Many representative
men of congress, senators and repre
sentatives, called at the White House
and conferred with the president. To
the leaders In congress, the president
stated that definite results were expect
ed from Madrid by Friday. This served
to allay the intense feeling which has
been manifested in congress, ana
through the influence of the leaders
further radical action by the senate
and house was for the time being de
ferred
\t the capital, excitement was un
abated. The meeting of the senate
committee on foreign relations oc
casioned a great deal of interest be
cause of many warlike resolutions
which were introduced yesterday, and
referred to that committee On the
house side there was an intensity of
feeling. After the vote on the Bailey
resolution rflany republicans went to the
White House to confer with the pres
ident, and to express to him their hope
that something might be promised
which would relieve the strained situa
tion The assurance of the president
was given to these members that by
Friday "night, at the latest, something
definite could be expected.
The foreign relations committee had
an afternoon session, at which Com
mander Bradford, chief of the bureau
of equipment of the navy, presented his
estimate of the relative strength of the
Spanish and United States navies. This
proved onlv incidental to the main
sublect under discussion, which was
the value of the Island of St. Thomas
or some other point in eWst Indies for
a naval station. .
The situation at the capital Is one of
waiting expectancy. Senators and rep
resentatives aje willing to give the pres-
IdWM?" opportunity to carry out his
itoEjtnhnt there Is impatience to have
formation regarding these plan?,
and some assurances that they will not
delay action too long.
It'was stated today In a high diplo
matic quarter that the Spanish govern
ment. within the last 10 days, had ad
dressed a note to- the great powers of
Europe, fully setting forth the grave as-
-Ws A If
pect of the controversy with the United
States, and at least inferrentially sug
gesting that the time was now oppor
tune for European influence to be ex
erted. It is said this note led to the
utterances of Premier Hanotaux in the
French chamber, last Saturday, and has
been the cause of the activity in Eu
ropean capitals within the last few
days in connection with Spanish-Ameri
can affairs. Up to the present time no
actual step toward mediation or inter
vention has been taken by any of the
great powers, although there is little
doubt that France stands ready to take
the initiative, if there is the slightest
evidence that the United States govern
ment will view’ isuch a move with favor.
The French ambassador at Washing
ton, M. Cambon, has received no definite
Instructions directing him to tender the
good offices of France. Neverthless, the
ambassador, taking the cue from the
remarks of Premier Hanotaux. has
called on Judge Day and has said that
if this government at any time feels
that the French government can aid in
averting the present grave crisis, and
in maintaining peace, he has no doubt
that France will readily undertake to
exert such good offices as will be ac
ceptable to both powers.
It is probable that the suggestions
have not taken a more formal shape,
owing to the delicate character of such
overtures. A tender of good offices is
one of the last resorts of diplomacy
when all other means of averting war
seem to be at an end. There is addi
tional difficuity from the fact that when
two nations are involved in a crisis,
any external influence may be resented
as an intrusion. There Is reason to be
lieve that no step will be taken by
France unless it is clearly apparent in
advance that the United States desired
the friendly offices of other nation®.
The Spanish government has earnest
ly hoped within the last week that some
of the European powers, and more
likely Austria or France, would take
the initiative, without waiting to oon
sult the desires of this government.
This hope has proved vain, however,
and It Is said today on high authority
that recent negotiations in Europe have
disclosed positively that while the sym
pathy of some of the continental powers
was with Spain, no one of them stood
ready to espouse her cause by media
tion or by arms. Most had been ex
pected of Austria, owing to the dynastic
relations between Austria and Spain,
the queen regent of Spain being an
Austrian princess and a cousin of the
emperor of Austria. Up to the present
time, however, Austria has * not felt
ready to take the initiative alone.
The reports from Vienna last night,
that the Austrian minister of foreign
affairs, Count Goluchowski, had in
structed the Austrian representative at
Washington to co-operate In the steps
to be taken by France, are not borne
out by any actual developments here.
The Austrian minister has not been at
the state department during the pres
ent week, nor have any suggestions in
this line been received by the state de
partment from him. It is a coincidence
that the French ambassador, the Aus
trian minister and the Spanish minister
are more closely associated together
than any other diplomats in the corps.
The greatest /ecrecy prevails in many
bureaus of the war and navy depart
ments in regard to the various projects
of defense and naval movements now
going on. Capt. Crowninshield, of the
bureau of navigation, has issued the
following order:
“Officers, clerks and all employees of
the bureau are forbidden to make pub
lic any information concerning move
ments of ships, orders to officers or
other official business of the bureau ex
cept they have personal and explicit
permission from me.”
M’KINLEY IS COOL.
Excited Visitors Received a Lesson in the
President’s Behavior.
Washington, March 30. — The
president’s policy, it is said on high
est authority, means the ultimate inde
pendence of Cuba, and, while it em
braces an armistice, this armistice is to
be of very short duration, only time
enough for Spain to withdraw her
troops from the interior to Havana and
for the Cubans to collect the $200,000,000
they are to pay Spain for evacuating
the island.
This armistice is to be used by the
United States to immediately relieve
the suffering on the island, to assist In
sanding back the reconcentrados to
their homes, furnishing them with ag
ricultural implements and seed to till
the ground, and to be ended with the
departure of Spanish troops from Cuba
and the recognition of the independ
ence of the island by Spain.
It is stated that the delay in Spain’s
positive answer of acceptance of the
president’s ultimatum is caused by a
desire of Sagasta to find out if the Un
ited States will guarantee the principal
and interest of the $200,000,000.
The administration has notified Spain
that this is not contemplated, simply
because congress would not listen to
such a proposition. It Is understood
the Cubans are to guarantee the
amount from the revenues of tbe Island
and that the money can be raised by
financiers In England, France and in
the United states. But these details are
only tentatively d scussed.
The president showed his remarkable
ability at harmonizing and calming the
disturbing elements by his wonderful
WORCESTER, MASS., THURSDAY, .MARCH 31. 1898.-TEN PAGES.
work this morning. Before 10 o’clock
Washington was in a ferment of excite
ment. Confusion reigned, and no one
dared to predict what the day would
bring forth. All sorts of rumors flew
thick and fast through the hotels and
streets. Congressmen threatened dire
things. Senators were fearful of an ex
plosion in congress which would result
in hasty action and shatter forever all
hope of a peaceful settlement. It
seemed as if by one mind senators and
members as well as cabinet officers, 1
rushed to the White House, either to
warn or advise the president.
To the surprise of all, they found Wil
liam McKinley in his office as calm, as
firm and as confident as ever. Senator
after senator came, talked with him and
left the executive mansion convinced
that the affairs of the government were
in masterful hands, and that there was
no fear of dishonor or harm to the na
tion. It is doubtful if ever so large a
number of members of congress and of
a cabinet gathered at the White House ,
as did today between the hours of 10 and
11 o’clock.
Secretaries Bliss and Alger and Assist
ant Secretary Day; Senators Allison, Al
drich, Hanna, Spooner, Foraker, Haw
ley, Hale, Burrows, Fairbanks, Platt,
Wilson and Gorman; Representatives
Dingley, Babcock, and others almost too
numerous to mention, crowded about
president and heard his words of ad-.
vice and confidence.
He carefully outlined to them as far'
as was compatible with the nature of the
negotiations, his plan. He showed them
how criminal would be any outburst
from congress at this time. It did not
take him long to convince them that
he was right, and almost as qulckQy as
they had assembled, they left with a
feeling of assurance, and hastened to
the capitol, to use their influence for
patience and silence in congress today.
Senor Palma, tlhe representative of the
Cuban republic, came here from New
York yesterday afternoon, and was In
consultation with high officials au
thorized to treat with him. As the rep
resentative of the Cuban republic, he
was asked if the Cuban Insurgents would
accept the proposition outlined above.
Senor Palma slhowed a disposition to de
mur at the payment of the enormous
indemnity of $200,000,000, but it is stated
that when the learned that President Mc-
Kinley would insist on this condition,
he finally consented.
It is said that President McKinley in
structed Minister Woodford to place
this proposition before the Spanish gov
ernment about ten days ago. Senor Sa
gasta frankly stated that he could not
discuss any proposition involving the
freedom of Cuba pending the elections.
The elections were held last Sunday and
Senor Sagasta won by an overwhelming
majority. He Is now in a position to
treat w’ith President McKinley.
The solution of the situation as out
lined, involving Cuban independence
and the payment of a generous indemni
ty to Spain by the new republic, is en
tirely satisfactory to the fi lends of
Cuba, and if President McKinley can
promise Spain’s acceptance of the prop
osition, the money needed to feed the
starving Cubans will be granted with
out a dissenting vote.
SAYS IT IS ABSURD.
Washington, March 30.—The Spanish
minister today declined to speak to the
press concerning the reports of a Span
ish settlement When pressed, how
ever. as to the report published in New’
York that a solution had been reached
comprising the payment by a republic
of Cuba of $200,000,000, the embarkation
of Spanish troops for home, etc., the
minister said that the story as a whole
was unwarranted, and absurd.
HIS COURSE APPROVED.
New Jersey Methodist Conference Con
gratulates the President.
Camden, N. J„ March 30.—At the 62d
annual session of the New Jersey Meth
odist Episcopal conference, today, Bish
op McCabe of Texas presiding, a resolu
tion was unanimously adopted approv
ing the action of President McKinley
and Consul General Dee, in the present
Cuban difficulties. The following tele
gram was sent to the president:
The New Jersey conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church assembled
at Camden, N. J., sends greetings to
the president of the United States. We
admire your diplomatic course in re
gard to the Cuban question, and be
lieve in your ability to settle the mat
ter. We are earnestly praying that God
may give you signal wisdom in pre
serving peace with honor; and that you
will not forget that God is jealous for
the cause of the oppressed.”
CABINET COUNCIL SESSION.
Sagasta Explains America’s Proposals—
Aid for Reconcentrados.
Madrid. March 30.—At the cabinet
council which adjourned late tonight,
Senor Sagasta gave an account of the
conference with United States Minister
Woodford, and explained America’s pro
posals, their character and significance.
The council deliberated at great length,
and after consideration of important is
sues depending upon its decision, re
solved to submit the results of the de
liberations tomorrow to the queen re
gent.
The report that the government had
obtained the queen regent’s signature to
a new credit from the Bank of Spain,
is unfounded.
Senor Moret presented and the coun
cil approved an open credit of 3,000,000
pesetas to be placed at the disposition
of Gen. Blanco by cable to be used in
succoring necessitous reconcentrados.
TORPEDO BOATS WON.
Victory Claimed Against Warships in the
Sham Attack.
Key West, Fla., March 30 —The cable
from the Dry Tortugas to Key West was
completed today, when • the Nashville
and the cable boat arrived. The work
was speedily done.
The torpedo boat attack upon the In
diana. lowa and New York in last
night's evolutions, resulted in a torpedo
boat victory. The torpedo boat men
claim that the lowa could have been
blown up, with a loss of only two tor
pedo boats, while the Indiana and New
York were In serious danger.
The report published here that Consul
General Lee has demanded a warship in
Havana harbor is generally discredited.
Nothing Is known of any such request
by Capt. Sampson, or other high officers
of the fleet.
The sailing of the Spanish warships,
presumably for Cuba, has created con
siderable feeling among many of the offi
cere, as was the case when the torpedo
flotilla sailed for Porto Rico.
News from Washington regarding
Spain’s reply to the ultimatum of the
United States is eagerly awaited. Capt. j
Sampson, Capt. Evans and Capt. Chad-!
wick had a long consultation today on I
board the flagship. Capt. Evans has been
warmly greeted on his new ship the
lowa.
Five bodies from the wreck of the
(.Continued on Third Page.;
WORKINGFOR PEACE
Gen. Woodford Doing His Best
With Spanish Government.
CRISIS NEAR AT HAND.
Spain Would Welcome Media
tion by a European Power.
Influence of Public Press Being Turned
in Part Toward Sale of Cuba—Spain
Not Ready for War.
Madrid, March 30. —While the situa
tion here is outwardly of the calmest
description, the actual position of af
fairs is regarded as critical by both
the United States legation and the
Spanish government. The United States
minister, Gen. Stewart L. Woodford, Is
working energetically, and will continue
to work for peace until the first gun Is
fired. It is known the Spanish govern
ment admits the desirability, or necessi-
I ty, of complying with the demands of
the United States, and it ic only in the
disinclination of the ministers to put this
willingness into concrete form that the
danger Ilea
! If a conference was to be held with
i British, German or French diplomats,
the matter would be settled without
question. The point which Gen. Wood
ford is now pressing is that, in the In
terests of humanity, hostilities in Cuba
must cease immediately. No date was
fixed either in the fii-st or in the present
I note, but the United States Is now
dwelling upon the meaning of the word
“immediately,” and insisting that Spain
accept its general interpretation.
The public generally is taking little
apparent Interest in the situation, but
there is a general disinclination to be
lieve that war is likely.
A dispatch from Barcelona says that
the armed steam yacht Giralda, pur
chased by the Spanish government from
Harry McCalmont. the well-known Eng
lish race horse owner, after the vessel
had been rejected by the United States,
lis now being fitted up as a dispatch
i boat.
El Pais says that four warships have
been obtained by Spain in France, that
negotiations are pending for the pur
chase of several torpedo boats in Great
Britain; that orders have been Issued
to mobilize all the Spanish warships;
that the torpedo boat Halcon is to sail
Immediately from Carthagena for Cadiz
where a second torpedo squadron is be
ing prepared; that military engineers
are starting for the Canary Islands, and
that the Balearic Islands are being forti
fied.
Italy, it Is said* by the Pais, ias decid
ed to sell the armored cruiser, Guiseppe
Garibaldi, of 8840 tons, and her well-ar
mored sister ship of the Varese, to
Spain.
Two regiments. according to the Pals,
are g.ung to the Canary Islands to
strengthen the Spanish garrison there.
The Armstrong Spanish agent, a
Spaniard, who Is in touch with the goy
erriment and commercial people In
Spain, has expressed the belief that un
less the powers intercede there will be
war. He added: “If the United States
offered money for our clearing out of
Cuba, we could not accept; but if the
proposition emanated from another
power. It Is not unlikely that It would
be accepted."
This view of the case Is echoed by a
portion of the Spanish press, which ad
vises Spain to wash her hands of Cuba.
Senor Ortiz de Zarate, a prominent
former Carlist deputy, who has jus:
been defeated at Vittoria, expressed
the opinion that there would be no
war, saying: “We have neither ships,
sailors, soldiers, plans nor money, and
the government knows it. It will
struggle to the last and then cave in.”
Senor Zarate, who was recently at Ca
diz, says the Spanish warships Pelayo
‘and Carlos V, which the. government
announced to be ready for sea, cannot
possibly be made ready sooner than In
two months.
IS THIS THE DEMANDP
Message Very Mild According to a Ma
drid Version.
Madrid, March 30.—A cabinet council
was held this afternoon to consider the
American proposals. Another will be
held tomorrow at noon, presided over by
the queen regent, and at 4 o’clock tomor
row’ there will be a final conference be
tween United States Minister Woodford,
Senor Sagasta and Premier Senor Gul
lon, the foreign minister, and Senor
Moret, the minister for the colonies.
The proposition to which Spain will
answer covers two points only; and Its
publication will be a revelation to some
of those abroad who have been denounc
ing America’s aggressive attitude: It is
as follows: Spain to proclaim immediate
armistice in Cuba to last until October,
during which Interval the United States
will use Its good offices with the insur
gents to make this temporary peace ner
manent, and second. Spain to do her best
toward relieving suffering and starva
tion on the Island, with America to be
allotved to assist in this work.
SPAIN’S TREASURY LOW.
War Must Be Averted Spanish Financiers
Declare.
Madrid, March 30.—Spanish 4 per cent
bonds have fallen to 4-9 c on the dollar;
gold is at premium of 42 per cent. The
note circulation of Spain is within $50.-
000,000 of the maximum limit fixed by
the Bank of Spain charter.
The best financiers declare that war
must be averted and peace promptly
restored In Cuba by the most drastic
sacrifices, sooner than cripple the fin
ances and prosperity of the nation for
years to come. Spanish consolidated
bonds have already fallen from 64 to 56,
“exterior debt” from 78 to 80, Cuban
bonds from 94 to 80 and Bank of Spain
shares from 404 to 375, par 500.
Security holders are forcing their
holdings on the market and there are
no purchasers. Unless the situation im
proves within two days, an unparalleled
money panic In Spain may be expected.
CLOUDY WEATHER.
Boston, March 30.—Local forecast for
Boston and vicinity, Thursday: Cloudy,
probably light rains; easterly to north
erly winds.
Washington. March 30.—Forecist:
Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont,
increasing cloudiness probably followed
by rain Thursday night; winds becom
ing northeasterly. Massachusetts. Rhode
Island and Connecticut: Threatening
weather and probably rain; northwest
erly winds.
Eastern New York: Threatening
weather, rain in southern portion,
northeasterly winds.
ADMINISTRATION UPHELD.
Mr. Reed’s Sound Sense and Firm
ness Hold the House in Check.
H lIHWbw * /
UH
mW®
REPUBLICANS RALLIED NOBLY.
Their Better Judgment Prevailed Over Desire for
Radical Action,
Hr. Bailey With His Resolution Declaring the In
dependence of Cuba Ruled Out of Order—
Gallery Crowd Excited.
Washington, March 30. —A wild and
uproarious scene occurred in the house
of representatives today, when Mr. Bai
ley, the democratic leader, attempted to
force the hands of the republicans upon
a proposition to overrule the speaker,
and pass a resolution recognizing the
Independence of the Cuban republic. He
was cheered on by the crowded galler
ies, but the members of the majority
refused to support him. Many of them
sympathized with the purpose of the
resolution.
The resolution which was offered by
Mr. Bailey was as follows:
Resolved, by the senate and house of
representatives, that the heroic struggle
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 rec
ognizes the republic of Cuba as a free
and Independent state.
Mr. Hull, chairman of the military
committee, went- so far as to endorse the
resolution under the impression that it
provided for a declaration of war, but
most of the radicals who yesterday were
in favor of any revolutionary measure,
had been won over to the policy of stick
ing to the party organization and refus
ing to do anything unless the initiative
came from their side. They were rallied
by two of the leading advocates of
armed intervention, and the speaker
himself from the chair made an indirect
appeal to his party associates to stand
firm, at the same time intimating that
if their impatience was curbed a little
longer, they would have the opportunity
they coveted.
When the vote was taken, only two re
publicans, Messrs. Acheson and Robbins,
of Pennsylvania, broke from the party
lines. About a dozen more sat silent
in their seats and refused to vote.
The scene throughout was most dra
matic and the members and the specta
tors in the galleries were wrought up
to a high pitch of excitement. Several
times later in the day, during the con
sideration of the naval bill, whenever
the Cuban question was broached, the
members swarmed about the speakers
and the galleries cheered. This was es
pecially the case when Mr. Cummings of
New York spoke. Mr. Boutelle, who
objected to a request for extension of
his time, was hissed.
The only important action on the na
val bill today was the refusal of the
chair to sustain a point of order against'
the provision for a floating steel dock
at Algiers, La.
When Mr. Bailey presented as a mat
ter of privilege, a resolution recognizing
the Independence of Cuba, Mr. Boutelle
made a point of order against it, and
Mr. Bailey, in speaking to the point of
order, declared that he had no purpose
to raise disorder in the house. Mr. Bai
ley said the house had a right to decide
this question and accept the responsi
bility.
Mr. Bailey cited a precedent dn fifty
third congress, when, on a similar ques
tion, the speaker of the house and the
DAILY ISSUE 53D YEAR.
republicans all voted against a ruling
of Speaker Crisp, holding that a Hawa
iian resolution offered by Mr. Boutelle
while in order must go to a committee
and was not privileged for immediate
consideration. The democrats and the
galleries repeatedly applauded him.
The point of order made by Mr. Bout
elle made it at once evident from the
source of the applause on the floor, that
the republicans did not intend to be
stampeded bodily into the camp of their
adversaries. Mr. Hull of lowa, who
w r as one of the leaders at the house
caucus last night in revolt against the
seeming policy of the administration,
followed Mr. Boutelle in explanation of
the point of order. Mr. Hull declared
chat he sympathized with Mr. Bailey’s
resolution, but that he would not ap
prove of the method proposed. He
thought forceful Intervention could be
decreed any time a majority of the
house cared to do so, and he for one,
was dn favor of it, but In a decent and
orderly way. Mr. Terry of Arkansas
followed in a technical discussion of the
point of order.
Hopkins of Illinois, who was yester
day counted as one of two leaders in
republican revolt, followed in support of
the point of order. He declared that
there were two occasions of highest
privilege, something affecting tne honor
and dignity of the house Itself, or the
character of the individual, known as
personal privilege. “I am not wdling,”
said Hopkins, “to be carried off my feet
on account of my zeal for the people of
Cuba. As republicans, we cannot af
ford to override the precedents of the
past when we know that in a very short
time the matter will be so presented
to the house, in such a way tfca.c every
republican member can vote for It
without resorting to anything revolu
tionary, and in an orderly, regular man
ner.”
There were several attempts among
the democrats to gather enough
strength to cause a break among the
republicans, but they failed, and mem
bers shouted for the speaker to rule on
the question. Mr. Bailey, seeing that
he was defeated, retired.
Speaker Reed then, in his usual calm,
dignified and deliberate manner, ruled
against Mr. Bailey and his resolution,
declaring that it was not a question of
privilege.
Amid profound silence, the speaker
made his ruling. He spoke In deliberate,
distinct and emphatic tones, and decided
that the resolution was not privileged, in
tlhe following ruling:
“A question of privilege which con
cerns the house is one whidh concerns
the exercise of its functions, in accord
ance with the principles which govern
parliamentary bodies. Every parlia
mentary body has to have rules for its
government, otherwise it would have no
government at all; and upon adherence
to tihes’e rules depends its success as a
parliamentary body.
“The rights of tlhe house under the
constitution are in no way to be con
founded with the privileges of the house
and of every member in it, in the sense
in which this matter is presented here
today. Congress has certain powers con
ferred upon it, and in the exercise of
those povrers each house is governed by
its rules. It is authorized expressly by
the constitution to make rules; and
without the authorization of the con
stitution it would be at liberty to make
rules. .These rules are the protection of
the rights of the house. Now, it will
be noticed in the constitution, if the
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TWO CENTS
gentleman will turn to It, that tlhere ar®
certain power’s conferred upon congresa
—tlhe power to declare war. the power
to legislate for general welfare and a
series of other enumerated powers.
“No man up to this date has for an in
stant pretended or suggested that, be
cause the congress has the right to pas®
laws upon certain topics, proposals for
these laws become questions of privi
lege; never before except once and the
chair will present the decision to the
house. The same language is used with
reference to our relations with foreign
nations that is used with reference to
the creation of the courts of law and all
other power which is concerned. It is
a legislative power, and is exercised un
der the constitution by the rule adopted
by each body. This is the first prelim
inary idea that we ought to have In re
gard to the matter, but this proposition
in regard to war or about recognition
of any of those subjects which may or
may not be within our purview, do not
become questions of privilege at all, be
cause we have a right to pass upon
them, because that would make every
thing a question of privilege, and end
by making nothing a question of privi
lege.
“Now let us see what this Is founded
on. This Is a matter that we should
not have given any attention except in
times of interest, not to say excitement.
The gentleman from Maine (Mr. Bou
telle) some time ago presented to Speak
er Crisp a proposition which had In it
certain elements charging that the ex
ecutive was Interfering with some oC
the rights and privileges of the legisla
tive body. The speaker ruled that it
was a question of privilege, and you
will perceive that it is entirely differ
ent from the present proposition, has no
aspect like It at all, not the faintest re
semblance to it; but the speaker ruled
that it was a privileged question. He
also ruled that, being a privileged ques
tion, it should go to a committee. Well,
now against that doctrine the chair has
always been opposed, and the question*
as members will see by turning to the
record, that was put to the house was
on that part of the speaker’s decision as
to whether it should go to a committee
or not, and if it appears, as the gentle
man from Texas says, that I voted on
that subject, I voted according to my
lights and voted against it.
“But he has omitted to state to you
that this other question, the same
question almost, was put before Speak
er Crisp, and by him promptly decided
to be out of order at an earlier day, on
the 30th of July, 1894. The gentleman
from Maine (Mr. Bou telle) demanded It®
Immediate consideration, as a privileged
question, and a gentleman from Mis
souri, an old and experienced member,
(Mr. Dockery) made the point of order
that the resolution was not privileged.
(Laughter and applause on republican
side). Well, now, as a matter of course,
the speaker sustained the point, and
that is precisely this question.”
Mr. Bailey—“ May I inquire of the
chair If there was an appeal taken on
the decision of the chair?”
The speaker—“ There was no appeal.
It was too clear for an appeal even.”
(Laughter and applause on republican
side).
Mr. Bailey immedately appealed from
the decision of the chair. In putting the
question on the appeal. Speaker Reed
made the following significant and im
pressive statement:
“As far as any question arising out
of this matter is concerned, the chair
has not the slightest doubt that the
wisdom of the house, which has always
been able to arrive at important ques
tions in a suitable way, will get at them
now, and at a speedy time for the oc
casion.” (Applause on republican side).
Mr. Bailey—“ln reply to that suggest
tion, which was not a part of the de
cision, of course I understand that it
was made to hold our friends on the
other side, and I venture to say—’’
At this point Mr. Boutelle moved that
the- appeal to be laid upon the table.
The division was eagerly awaited. Th®
republicans rose en masse when the
speaker called for the ayes. The dem
ocrats. who anxiously surveyed the solid
phalanx for a sign of a break, were dis
appointed. A solid minority voted,
against the republicans. The division
resulted, 180 ayes to 139 noes. As soon
as the result was announced, the ayes
and noes were and the roll
was called, resulting—-ayes UO, noes 139.
On the roll call two republicans—Ach
eson and Robbins of Pennsylvandar—
voted with the democrats.
The republicans enthusiastically ap
proved their victory with a round of
applause. A parliamentary wrangle
followed over an attempt of Mr. Bailey
to appeal from what he contended was
a ruling of the chair relating to the dis
position of the resolution he had of
fered, but the chair stated that there
could be no appeal from the reply to a
parliamentary inquiry.
The house then entered Into commit-,
tee of the whole, and resumed consid
eration of the naval appropriation bdlL
Mr. Cannon, (republican, His.,) chair
man of the appropriations committee*
made a point of order against the par
agraph authorizing the construction of
a floating steel dry dock at Algiers, La.
In the course of the debate on the point
of order, Mr. Cannon Inveighed against
reckless extravagance under cover of
emergency excitement. He was opposed!
to the inauguration of new work not
absolutely necessary. “Ground has not
been broken for tins dry dock yet.”
said he.
Mr. Boutelle—“We don’t break ground
for a floating dock. It is built on th®
water.” (Laughter.) The chair over-*
ruled the point of order.
From time to time during the after
nooon, the Cuban question was brought
forward and aroused intense feeling.
Mr. Wheeler (dem., Ala.,) said that thia
“morning the country had been stirred
by the announcement that the republi
cans of the house had at last revolted,
and action was to be taken tomorrow.
The American people would be humilia
ted w’hen they found that the republi
cans of the house had joined the tem
porizing policy* which was betraying the
American government and the Ameri
can name.
Mr. Cummings (dem., N. Y.): "How
much time would it require, considering
the prospective alliance between the
governments of Spain and the United
States, to put down the patriots of
Cuba?” (Great applause in the gal
leries.)
“With my head bowed in humiliation,”
replied Mr. Wheeler, “I have watched
how matters have gone, but I do not
believe the administration will go so far
as to extend a friendly hand to the
murderers of the sailors of the Maine
and of the patriots of Cuba.”
An amendment was adopted on motion
of Mr. Elliott (dem., S. C.), to appropri
ate $50,000 for a steam engineering shop
at the Port Royal naval station.
Mr. Cummings, speaking to this
amendment, said: "The Port Royal
dock.” said he, “is the nearest dock to
Key West. It is the nearest dock where
you can have a man of war repaired In
case she is disabled. The gen
tleman from South Carolina (El
liott) tells us that this work can be
done within three months. You will
need it before two months axe ovef,
Mr. Chairman. That there will be war
between this country and Spain is indi
cated by every pulsation of the popular
heart today. I have received from my
own constituents this batch of letters In
one mail, asking me why my voice is si
lent at this time, asking me why, after
I have visited Cuba and know the fact®,
(Continued on Ninth