The sun., 1895-03-18
MR. CLEVELAND APPROVES.
The Papers In the Alliance Case Laid Be-
fore Him by MI. Gresham.

The Papers In the Alliance Case Laid Bo.
fore Him by MI. Gresham.
WARRINGTON. March 17.-President Cleve-
land and Secretary Gresham had long talk at
tho White House early this morning on the
subject of the demand made upon Spain to
apologize for tho action of the Spanish gunboat
In firing upon the Allianoa. The Secretary took
with him all the papers in the case. including
tho affidavit of Capt. Crossman, with accom-
panying map. and copy Of the despatch sent to
Minister Taylor at Madrid The President read
all tho papers carefully, and according to the
Abatement Of State Department official, who
sfterward talked with tho Secretary, the Presi-
dent cordially endorsed the terms and senti-
ment Of Mr.. Gresham's demand upon Spain
for an apology. According to the OIL
cial statements Of tho State Department
officials no dispatches have been received from
Minister Taylor and none sent to him since that
of Thursday last, which tho Spanish Govern
ment is now considering. There is reason to be-
Meve however. that these denials do not include
certain unimportant dispatches that it is thought
have passed between the State Department and
Minister Taylor during the past forty eight
hours. Secretary Herbert also said to-day that
he knew of no change in the situation, and inti-
mated that unless the State Department should
mako requisition for ships, owing to some
new complications growing out of the Allinnea
incident. mono would be sent at present to Cuban
waters.
A part Of the discussion between the President
and Secretary Gresham to-day related to the
possibility of the United States being compelled
to adopt heroic measures to enforce their demand
for an apology from the Spanish Government,
although it is understood that both the Presi-
dent and tho Secretary are Of the opinion that
after Spain has had time to investigate the
charges made by Capt. Crossman she will make
q full apology and give tho United States tho
assurance demanded by Secretary Gresham's
despatch thas she will not further moiest Amer.
fcan vessels passing through the Windward
Passage. whether within or outside the three
mile limit
The conciliatory tone of tho discussion in the
Spanish Co-tes yesterday leads the Administra-
t.on to anticipate that the controversy will be
settled without serious trouble. If Spain IL
stubborn, however. Secretary Herbert may be
called upon to send some of his many available
ships to Cuban waters to teach the Spaniards
that the despatch sent from the State Depart
ment last Thursday was not tainted with Jingo-
ism or buncombe, but was intended as a digni-
ned but determined assertion of the rights Of
American commerce on the high seas and as a
demand that those rights be acknowledged and
respected.
The endorsement Of the surprisingly vigorous
despatch of the State Department, which was
prepared by Acting Secretary Uhl and approved
and signed by Secretary Gresham. is almost
universal in Washington. Senator Hale of
Maine one Of the bitterest partisans on the Re-
publican side Of the Senate chamber. said to-day
that he was very glad to see the Administration
take such a determined stand. and that the
despatch was in touch with the best sentiment
of the American people. who have on more than
one occasion been subjected to indignites. moro
or less fragrant at the hands of the Spanish SUBJ
jects in Cuba.
~ think the Administration has acted wisely
and promptly in this matter" said he with con-
siderable earnestness. and believe that the
American people in all parts of the country will
sustain the Secretary Of States view of the ques-
tion, without regard to party"
Senator Hale says that he Is not entirely sur.
prised at the attitude Of the Spanish toward tho
Americans in Cuba. for he has followed closely
the Spanish question, a. far as it relates
to Cuba, ever since the Virginius affair.
He has had tho subject called to his atten-
tion moro recently by communications he has
received from some friends and relatives low
cruising in the West Indies for pleasure. He
received letter q day or two ago from rela-
tive. who recently stopped OFF at Havana en-
route to the islands of st. Thomas and Trinidad,
and there were several references In 1t to the
unfriendiy feeling tho Spanish residents of
Cuba displayed toward Americans. They do
not resort to open violence, the letter says. but
In many ways they harass and annoy Ameri.
can visitors. MS IL to show them how little
Americans are liked there.
Senator Hale added: 1T is but a question OF
time when the United States must takc poses-
sion Of the island Of Cuba. 1t not only Is very
desirable piece of property, but 1t naturally be-
longs TO this country. 1t would be worth fully
s'ooooo'ooo to the United States 1t would
never do for Spain to try to dispose of 1t to some
other nation, for the United States would not
permit such negotiations to be consummated.
The United States should take early steps TO
acquire possession Of Cuba, either by annexa-
tion or otherwise"
GRESHAMIa pnCIHInN