The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1896-11-21
GETTING READY FOR WAR.
Uncle Sam n Preparing for any Sort
Of Hostile Demonstration which
Spain can Make.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 4.-Sensation-
al rumors have been afioat all day
In regard TO the Cuban situa-
tion, III effect that the orders TO COM
manders of war vessels, officials at
navy yards and naval authorities in
general were such as to indicate a real
conviction on the part of the admin
istration. that the relations of the
United States and Spain may soon
take on belligerent complexion.
An official authority of the highest
character, one whose word must be
given unqualified credence, assured
the correspondents OF the Dispatch this
evening that the statements that have
been made heretofore In the press gen.
orally, although they might appear to
have foundation of probability, shot
very wide of the truth. His outline
of the exact situation, which throws a
new light upon affairs, is as follows
'sThere is absolutely no change in
the Cuban situation ON account Of the
visit of Consul General Lee. That
official merely made verbal state
ment of what he knew about the pres
ent conditions in Cuba, and gave no
information that the administration
did not possess before.
SEVERAL FLOATING RuMoRs DENIED.
mo intimidation has been given to
the Spanish government that the re-
beIiion must be crushed within 60 days
if United States interference is to be
avoided; ex-Consul General Williams
had not been commissioned 10 find out
upon what terms the Cubans will be
permitted TO purchase the island with
a United States guarantee: no orders
had been given TO naval commanders
arising from any real relief in a proba-
bility of trouble with the Spanish gov
ernment, and Minister de LONE had
the war will be ended within 60 days.
81 will say this to you, however,
that there are contingencies possible
which render it the part of wisdom to
be ready for action. 1t is the opinion
Of the administration that the Span
iards, even General Weyler at the
front in person, will be unable to sup
press the rebellion, and that that fact,
humiliating as ii may be will he de-
veloped by the vigorous campaign
which is about to open.
1.-THE information is that the Gov
eminent at Madrid has ordered the
Captain General to make decisive ef-
fort. If that effort fails, it is posi-
BILE the Spanish government, to avoid,
If possible, its own threatened down.
fall, may make some demonstration
inimical to the friendly relations of
the two countries. Such finale must
be and will be prepared for.
THE COMING PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
again, it is understood that the
President, in his last annual message
TO Congress, will canvass the Cuban
question to some extent. He will
treat IL cautiously and temporarily;
hut in the excited condition OF the
national mind in Spain, the calmest
discussion of the very delicate relations
of the United States and that country
may produce a tumult at Madrid,
which would force the authorities
there to take some step which would,
in turn, force this Government into
action. That is also prepared for.
"Whlle it can be said the orders in
regard to repairs OF vessels, and so
forth, might have been given In any
circumstance, care is exercised that
| nothing shall be undertaken in rela-
| tiOn To repairc and CONTINENT that
cannot be completed within 80 days
from this time. / could tell you of
certain changes that should be made
in certain vessels which are not now
undertaken, solely for this reason.
sit is entirely proper that ] should
make this statement. believe it is
well for the public and the United
States and elsewhere TO know the exact
facts"