Evening star., 1896-11-14
THE WAR REPORTS
Official and Unofficial Denials Avoid
the Main Points.
SPAIN PREPARING FOR HOSTILITIES
Policy of This Government as to
Neutrality to Continue.
IN CASE OF NECES SITY

1t is said here that the denials, official
ard unofficial. of Spanish war reports
avoid the main point. This is that Spain
is preparing for the contingency Of war,
and that this government, viewing the
situation as containing some threatening
Clements, is also making preparations.
In the great quantity of matter published
on this subject much is merely speculation.
This speculation furnishes subjects for de-
nal. which may be made impressive by
being quoted from several sources and
dealing with a number of unimportant mat
ters of detail, with those things which
are known by those familiar with the Sit
uation not to be true.
Plain Statement of the Case.
A plain statement of the case is said to
be this: That the Cleveland administra-
tion has decided on no change of policy. 1t
is proposed to continue the attitude Of
neutrality and to decline recognition Of
the insurgents as long as Spain refrains
from provocation of hostility. In this re-
spect the situation remains as it was
1t is represented that the serious aspect
of the case is, as was stated in The Star
yesterday. that this government is inform
ed that Spain is making preparation for
hostilities with the United States. The
assembling in Cuba Of all the heavy arma-
n ent Of Spain and the construction of war
vessels, it is declared, is not for the pur-
pose OF putting down the rebellion. but is
in preparation for war with the United
States in the event of the rebellion not
icing terminated before the assembling
of the United States Congress. Such is
said to be the Information of this govern
ment, and the facts in possession do not
ADMIT OF any different Interpretation.
Spain Will Not Admit 1t.
That Spain will admit that she is prepar-
ing for war with the United States is not
to be expected. But the administration
sees the situation plainly, and 1t is doubt
ful whether any official familiar with the
facts and regardful of the truth will at
tempt to deny that the failure of the
spanish government to put down the Cuban
rebellion within six weeks will be expected
10 threaten war between Spain and the
United States.
Policy of the Administration
In order to be always in the right more
vigorous efforts than before will be made
to enforce the laws of neutrality, 80 as to
prevent any sort of aid from being supplied
the insurgents from this country The rec
cshltlon OF the insurgents by Bolivia will
probably counteract the additional precau-
tlens. and the Cubans will probably he able
to get the supplies needed
II is not believed. therefore that Gen
paign- ~
There is no doubt entertained nv this
government. II is said. that it Is the inten-
uoh uoh OF spain to provoke war with us If
this campaign fails.
What Secretary Lamont Says.
In answer to inquiries as to the founda-
ton for certain sensational stories that
rave been put in circulation recentIy as IA
the probability of trouble with Spain. grow
ing out of the Cabin situation, Secretary
Lamont said to a Star reporter TODAY:
Inc stories shout a movement of troops In
the south are untrue. and the assumption
that the work on the coast defenses has
any significance or that 1t is being exneIit
Cd In any particular section or for any un-
usual purpose has no foundation This
H; WORK mas made most excellent progress
curing the past year, and am making an
eHort to show some return In completed de-
iehseS Tor the large amount of money
which has been appropriated for this OBJ
Denied by Secretary Lamont.
In answer to inquiries as to the foundation
LOT certain sensational stories that have
been put In circulation recently as to the
PROBABILITY Of trouble with Spain growing
out OF the Cuban situation, Secretary La
mont today said: THE stories about :.
movement of troops In the south are un-
true, and the assumption that the work on
tne coast defenses has any Significance or
that 1t is being expedited in any particu-
lar sectlon or for any unusual purpose mas
no ioundatlon This work has made most
excellent progress during the past wear.
anu L am making an effort to show some
return In completed defenses for the large
amount OF money which has been appro-
priated for this object"
MINISTER TAYLOR'S STATEMENT
III n