Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 61, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 April 1898 — TO ACT WEDNESDAY. [ARTICLE]

TO ACT WEDNESDAY.

Opponents cf Delay Declare They Will Wait No Longer. STATESMEN SHOW THEIR IMPATIENCE 1 > Four Speeches Favoriaa Recognition and Intervention Made in the Senate—The House Paaaea a War Emergency Meaaure. Washington, April 5. —The leaders of the republicans of the house and senate who have been pressing for aggressive action on the Cuban question held several informal meetings during Monday afternoon looking to the arrangement of a programme for concerted action at both ends of the capitoi in case the president is not ready to transmit his message to congress on Wednesday. Senator Davis, Senator Foraker, Senator Cullom and others were seen by the house republicans, and as a result the committee appointed by the house republicans last Wednesday postponed the meeting of the conference, which was to have been held Monday night, until Wednesday at 11 a. m. At that time, if it is apparent that longer delay is to be asked, they are to proceed at both ends of the capitol. The senate committee on foreign relations has agreed informally on their resolutions and the republicans of the foreign affairs committee of the house are practically united. Both will be for armed intervention, and the blowing up of the Maine will be a feature of each. The house committee will call Capt. Sigsbee and other naval officers before it to-dai' and the committee expects to take strong ground on the Maine affa?r. Both committees being ready to act on Wednesday, the resolutions can be brought up in both houses on that day. Speaker Reed, it is positively stated, will not attempt to block any programme that has the indorsement of a majority of the republicans of the house, and when the conference meets on Wednesday, it is said, if the president is not ready to report, the committee will be able to convince the speaker beyond cavil that they are in not only the majority, but a large majority. Senate. Washington, April s.—lt was frankly and openly charged in the senate Monday by Senator Perkins (Cal.) in a set speech that Spaine was responsible for the Maine disaster, as it had been brought about by Spanish machinations and Spanish treachery. The speech of Senator Perkins was only one of four prepared addresses upon the Cuban question delivered in the senate Monday. Senator Clay (Ga.), while hoping for a peaceful solution of the problem the country is now facing, declared strongly in favor of independence of the Cubans and pledged to the administration the loyal support of the south, which in the event of war would have to bear the brunt of the conflict. Senator Perkins took substantially the same ground, and his vigorous treatment of the Maine disaster aroused the crowded galleries to enthusiastic applause. Senator Mantle (Mont.), while expressing confidence in the administration, maintained that the time for action had now arrived, and that action must be to the end that Cuba should be free. Senator Rawlins (Utah) entirely eliminated the president from consideration in his speech, holding that the case against Spain was already made up and that with congress rested the responsibility of declaring war. For congress to wait longer was only to invite criticism. He declared for the most vigorous action immediately. After the Cuban speeches had been delivered the senate resumed consideration of the sundry civil bill and finished 33 pages before adjournment. Hoaa*. Washington, April 5. —While there was no attempt to force consideration for a resolution regarding the Cuban situation in the house Monday, there was a brief outbreak, in the course of which the warlike temper of t lie crowded galleries was so manifest that Speaker Reed threatened to clear them if it was repeated. The outbreak occurred over a bill to authorize the president to erect temporary fortifications in case of emergency upon land when the written consent of the owners was obtained without awaiting the long process of legal condemnation. This led to a demand by Mr. Bailey, the democratic leader, for information us to the facts which warranted all these war measures. The particular statement which aroused the galleries was to the effect that while the democrats were willing to wait any reasonable time for the president to transmit a message that would meet the approval of the American people, they would not wait a minute for him to continue negotiations with the “butchers of Spain.” When the demonstrations in the galleries were rebuked by the speaker he declared that the galleries were the American people in mihiature. Mr. Cannon accused Mr. Bailey of “posturing” and playing to the galleries. The bill was passed, and it was arranged that the army reorganization bill should be taken up on Wednesday unless a report was made from the committee on foreign affairs. The remainder of the day passed without incident in the transaction of District of Columbia business. During the morning thousands swarmed through the corridors of the house end of the capital clamoring for admission to the galleries.