The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1892-01-23
GETTING WARMER.

The War Cloud Gradually Envelopfng eno
War and Navy Departments, and the
Feeling that Hostiiities with Chilli are
imminent Takins Possession of All
"Patrsstism. Net Politics" wul b ths
Watchword with Congress.
WASHINGTON, Jan. l9.-The wsr
cloud, which n week ago was no larger
than a mans hand, now envelopes the
war and navy departments A decided
change has come over officials in those
two departments They are less reti-
cent. The events of the past few days
have stirred them up and the continued
and persistent display of hostility by
GERS has changed the feeling Of for
bearance to one Of contempt for
their petty insults On all hands
the feeling that war is approaching is
expressed. Commodore Ramsay, chief
of the bureau of navigation. very
positive but extremely conservative Of
icer, said: 1T looks warlike this morn
ings
Secretracy Tracy's Office is the scene
of bustling activity. bureau officers
coming and going all day. A number
of contractors who are building govern
ment vessels are in consultation with
the secretary.
Assistant Secretary Soley was in con-
sultation with Secretary Tracy for
some time yesterday. and at the close
of the interview sent for q number of
chiefs and gave them instructions.
Secretary Tracy sent word to the
press representatives that he yesterday
sent a reply to Commander Evans US 10
the disposition of the refugees on the
Yorktown. but his reply might not be
made public He had not yet decided
that point
TIE seeming puerile action of the
Chilian minister of foreign affairs in
connection with the refugees on board
the Yorktown and the spirited reply of
Commander Evans of that vessel, was
the subject of much comment among
members Of congress yesterday, and
many remarks made in the sanctity of
cloak room or a committee room
might be considered significant by the
Chilian government as falling from
the lips of American representatives in
congress. While it cannot be said
with absolute truth that there is n
radical war spirit prevailing among
congressman. it is certain that many of
them land this includes a number Of
members usually conservative in their
views and actions) will not hesitate to
vote for war il the situation does not
improve. There is an unanimous feel
ing in favor of doing what is best to
maintain the dignity of the United
States but members differ as to how
that result should be accomplished,
some being in favor of war at once
while others think patience and arbi-
tration is the better policy.
From interviews held by a represent
ative of the United Press to-day with
prominent congressman, it is obvious
that no partisanship will enter into the
controversy IL the matter is brought
forward in the house. Patriotism. not
politics." will be the motto of nearly
every man on the floor. whether he be
in favor Of war or against it. Interest
is gaining as Wednesday approaches,
for Wednesday is the day the corre-
spondence in the Chilian matter is ex-
pected at the capitol.
1--WE may make history on that day."
said a member of the house yesterday
| afternoon, and the significance of his
remark is understood and felt by a
number of other members who consider
the situation one of extreme gravity,
and are a little anxious as to the re.
suit, particularly when they consider
what the effect may be If they vote on
the wrong side on any radical question
that may be brought up.
II was brought up among Quakers," /"
said one member to the United Press
representative, land have been
strongly opposed to any war, but i do
not care to be quoted on the subject,
for the war feeling among my associ-
ates on the floor is SO pronounced that
/ may swing round to the side Of the
| fighters. not because / am anxious to
be on the winning side, but because
from what have heard there seems to
be no way Of upholding the honor and
dignity Of the STARS and Stripes" ex.
cept by declaring war. The sentiment
in favor warlike action is surprising"