The morning times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1897, 1896-02-29
SECRETARIES FEEL SERIOUS.

talileu ana strengthened by Ine impression
that disa strous embarrass ments would
follow the taking of what they regard as
an ill-advised step.
The sympathes of the higher officials
are said to be with the struggling patriots,
but their intimate acquaintance with the
general international situation causes them
to feel that the resulting complca tions
would be more serious than the public
anticipate.
high officer of the government, in
speaking on this subject with The Times
reporter, said
"Forcible Intervention between Spain and
Cuba on the part OF the United States
might bring us into war with practically
the whole of Europe The proposition
to make Cuba independent is not a new
one, and the question of securing her
freedom by armed force has at various
periods been considered by other nations
than ours.
SPANS SECRET TREATIES.
I'm each instance when the opportune
time for action has arrived the aggressive
nation has suddenly discovered that Spain
had a secret treaty with the European
powers guarapteeing her in the possession
of Cuba.
''During President Grants incumbency,
when a long ana bitterly contested revOlu-
ton had reached a more crucial stage than
the present one, 1T was determined by
the administration 5that the United states
should take armed possession OF Cuba. With
this end in view President Grant, through
his Secretary,of State, sent strong note
to each OF the European powers setting
forth in minute detail the rayages ard
atrocities of the revolution, urging that
the insurgents were entitled to autonomy,
and asking what would be the attitude OF
the several powers in cease this govern
ment should intervene.
But, determined as Gen. Grant is known
to have been, he was deferred from carry
ing iuto operation his original intention.
The replies were all opposed to such ac-
ton, and several declared that the nation
responding was bound by treaty stipulationS
to assist Spain IN retaining possession of
Cuba.
PLEDGED TO ASSIST SPAIN.
There can be no doubt that to certain
extent Il similar condition of affairs exists
now. The President and his advisors know
TO q certainty that some of the European
powers are pledged to assist Spain in
retaining Cuba, and any action on the part
of the United states looking to interven-
tion would Immediately cause the most
serious International complications.
AT the same time il is my belief that
the President is determined to prevent any
untoward step on the part of this govern
ment Knowing the firuness of his char
acter, I feel convinced that he would not
hesitate to veto any action taken by
Congress which required his approval, and
he viii find a means TO defer action until
he can recognize the Cuban belligerents in
his own way and at a time that he considers
more opportune than the present.
1t is chiefly because of the reasons above
stated that those yesterday in attendance
upon the Cabinet meeting, in some de-
gree, at least, felt measurably relieved.
1t had been feared that Congressional
action would be of such a chara cter as TO
demand from the President either approval
or condemnation. This, both Mr.. Cleveland
and his advisors realized, would cause the
utmost embarrassment.
RESOLUTIONS NOT MANDATORY
To carry out the request of Congress
would mean serious International compi
cations. A refusal would be followed by
an unparalleled wave OF popular indigna'
ton, Congressional legislation recognizing
Cuba, if vetoed by the President, would nc
passed over his veto and the chances arc
that impeachment proceedings would be
instituted.
Hence it is matter of relief and
congratulation to the President and eabi
net that all the propositions now pendin
before Congress for the betterment Of Cuba
are in the form Of concurrent resolutions
ard do not require the Presidents approval
They are, furthermore, not mandatory and
only convey expressions of opinion and Sug
geStions upon which the Executive may
act or not as he deems best for the public
interest.
The Armenian resolutions passed some
| time ago were concurrent and have since
| lain buried in White House pigeonhoie
without the slightest executive action hav
| ing been taken upon them.
| If Congress should put the recognition
OF Cuba in the form OF a joint resolution
| il would then become mandatory upon The
President to take the action outlined oil
| return the resolution with his disapproval
CABINET ANXIOuSLY WAITING.
Should the joint resolution be passed
| over the veto the President would be com
pelied TO carry out its requirements, NJ
matter how distasteful they might be ol
| however contrary to his own persona
| preference or judgnlent.
1t is this latter phase of the situation
| which has caused the President and Cabine
| to feel apprehensiye. As long as Congress
confines itself to passing concurrent reso
| iutionS containing expressions of Opinion
the administration will be but little per
turbed, but when there are indications tina
| action will take the form of a joint reso
| luton, thus Incoming mandatory, aut
| having all the force q nd effect of Ia W, ther
| is every eyidencelof disquietude.
With no actual legislation in sight, bu
merely recommendations of an advisor
character, the Cabinet meeting yesterda
did not seriously regard the situation. |
was the seeming determi nation not L
cross the bridge until it was reached
On the other hand, it is said by clos
friends of Mr. Cleveland that he is desirou
of recognizing the rcvolutionists as be
lgerents, but feels that the exigencies O
the case demand that definite action Shoult
be deferred until more opportune time.