Semi=weekly graphic., 1896-11-14
AN ATTACK FROM SPAIN.
No Fear at Washington From the Many
Eumors That Are out.

The Herald from Washington says that
important developments in the Cuban
affair may be expected at an early date,
but not from this end of the line. The
administration thoroughly understands
the situation iii Cuba as it exists today
and does not regard the time as ripe for
any action by this country.
Many sensational reports are afoat
about immediate intervention by the
United States and extensive military
preparations for prospective trouble
with Spain 1t can be stated authori-
tatively that the president regards the
military situation in Cuba as far too
critical to warrant any action by the
United States at this time. It is the firm
conviction of the administration Of
f1cials that a real crisis is approaching in
Cuban affairs and that the only safe
course for this country to pursue is to
await developments.
The presence in the city yesterday
of Admiral Bunce and his long confer
ence with Secretory Herbert has given
rise to many sensational reports about
prospective trouble with Spain. One of
the alarming reports, told with much
detail by pessimistic naval officers, is
that the administration has now become
thoroughly convinced that Spain's ex-
tensiye naval preparations at home and
the recent large augmentation of the
military forces in Cuba are in antieipa-
ton of conflict with the United
States, which is about to be provoked
by the former for the purpose of pre-
serving her dignity in the loss of Cuba.
The visit of Admiral Bunce here yes
terday only pertained to the report of
work on the vessels of his squadron and
his cruise after the fleet is got together
again. The secretary and Admiral
Bunce spent some time together going
over the ports of southern waters The
main object of the conference was as to
the winter cruise and a plan of maneu-
vers. The secretary is anxious to avoid
the necessity of keeping the squadron in
rendezvous at Hampton Roads as he did
last year, because of the fear that the
Venezuelan and Cuban controversy
might become further complicated by
the presence of the ships in the Carib-
bean sea. The Venezuelan question is
now out of the way, aud unlsss there
should be a crisis i'll Cuban affairs dur
ing the coming month, the squadron
will probably make a southern cruise,
touching at sore of the Venezuelan
ports. but carefully avoiding Cuban
waters. A definite programme, how
ever. will not be outlined until the
squadron is brought together in Decem-
Der and Admiral Bunce's future move
ments will then depend upon the situa-
ton IN Cuba.
One of the incidents which has given
rise to the many sensational rumors
which the alarmists are circulating is
story which comes from Spain to the eff
feet that Minister Taylor has discovered
that the Madrid authorities have been
consulting the representatives of the
European powers as to their attitude in
the event of war between the United
States and Spain. According to the re-
port Minister Taylor found that note
was addressed to each of the foreign
ministers at Madrid making the inqui-
ry, and upon learning of the matter he
went to the Spanish minister of foreign
affairs and demanded an explanation.
His interview, it is said, resulted in the
notes being recalled. All of this hap
pene6 several weeks ago, and was duly
reported to the state department. 1t is
further stated that Mr.. Taylor has re-
ported the existence of bad state of
feeling toward Americans in various
parts of Spain, and the danger of the
inability of the Spanish government to
prevent outbreaks.
There is no justification for this in
Fane war talk at this time Secretary
Herbert is not unmindful of the posi-
bilities of the Cuban war, but he has
not changed his naval policy by reason
Of any recent developments. Both the
military and naval establishments have
been unusually active during the last
year in the way of military prepare
lions and orders have been issued by the
secretary OF both republics to expedite
work on various branches, not because
of any certainty of immediate trouble
with Spain or any other country, but
solely for the purpose of being prepared
for any emergency.
DENIES SENDING THE NOTE.