Evening star., 1896-03-07
Mr. CLEVEL LAND'S DISCLAIMER
Gossip in Congress as to the Extent Of His
Recent Disavowal
1t May Make Trouble With Secretary
Olney IL It Was
Sincere.

A very great difference of opinion is ex-
pressed at the Capitol as to the Inference
to be drawn from Mr.. Cleveland's declna-
tion to be held responsible for the semi
official statement of the admins ira tion
attitude as to the Cuban matter. 1t IS so
generally understood that the statement
to which he refers as "deliverance pub
lished few days ago. was furnished by
Mr.. Olney that it Is felt to be certain that
If Mr. Cleveland actually intends to re-
pudiate it conflict between himself and
his Secretary of State will follow.
Doubt is expressed, however. as to how
far his reputation of the statement goes.
At first glance It looks like an indignant
protest, but on closer examination the con-
clusion is reached by many that his de-
nunciation is limited to the assumption
that he was responsible in any way for the
views of the administration being made
public, and does not include repudia ton of
the views expressed.
His statement that he does not know
whether the 'deliverance' represents the
attitude of the administration or not, is
regarded as extraordinary. Some doubt Is
expressed as to whether this statement is
made to avoid a disc egreement with Mr..
Olney or whether it is intended to confuse
Congress.
a Limited DisavOwal.
An opinion expressed is that his disavow-
al Is simply intended to prevent Congress,
acting on the assumption that the de
liverance' is official, from adopting a more
definite course and sending to him meas
ure which will undoubtedly require his ac-
tion. 1t is held to be quite clear that he
reserves to himself the privilege of carry
inS out the policy announced in the de
hverance," while disavowins responsibility
for the publication.
II MFR. Cleveland really intends to rebuke
the official responsible for the deliverance it
pYnonfpd ha will hove
official household. If he did not know be-
fore from whom the "deliverance" ema-
mated, it is probable that he knows by this
time. and there will be an opportunity to
make the issue direct If he is disposed to
do So This is not thought to be his desire
however.
The fact that on the same day it oc-
Cured to the President as desirable to
make this statement and to issue an order
renewing his public receptions, which have
SO long beel suspended, is regarded as
significant and interesting, in view of the
intense feeling that has developed in Con-
eress, threatening a serious conflict be-
tween that branch of the government and
the executive.
Sounding Public Sentiment.
If the statement attributed to Mr.. Olney
was intended to sound public sentiment and
the sentiment of Congress. the administra-
tion has been rewarded with abundance of
evidence that the policy of ignoring the
practically unanimous wish of the two
houses OF Congress Is not popular and
would inevitably lead to resentment on the
part Of Congress.
Secretary Olney at the White House.
Secretary O1ney spent an hour at the
White House today in consultation with the
President over the state of our foreign re.
lations. There were no Indications at the
White House or at the State Department
that any change had occurred in the reia-
tfons between the President and the pre-.
mier of the cabinet as a result of the re-
pudiation by the former of a statement
popularity attributed to the latter, purport-
Ing to give the policy Of the administra tion
in the Cuban affair.