The San Francisco call., 1897-12-06
Congress Willing to Give
Spain a Chance to
Act in Cuba.
Interviews Show the Senti-
mont of Members of
Both Houses.
In the Mean Time a Fleet of War
ships VIII Be Within Eighty
Miles of Havana.
Special Dispatch to THE CALL.

NEW YORK, Dec. 5.-A Washington
special to the Herald says: Senators
against action, ~; Senator who favor, but
DO not expect action, a; Senators for i'm
mediate action. 8; Senators non-com nit.
ial, or not seen, IA; Representatives
against action, lis; representatives. for az
| tion, 159; Representatives non com INITIAL,
or not seen, 18
Congress will concur in the wishes of
the President and give a fair trial to
Spain S new scheme of autonomy for Cuba.
This conclusion is indicated by interviews
and by information obtained as to the po-
sitions Of men who have not yet arrived
in Washington. l have obtained inter
views with more than two-thirds OF the
Senators and more than half of the re pre-
sentatives. The opinions of absentees
have been learned by talking with their
colleagues. The interviews show there is
an overwhelming pro-Cuban sentiment in
both houses OF Congress.
They show, however, that it is within
the power of the President and supporters
of the administration to prevent any &C.
tion that would interfere with the desire
OF the administration to pursue a con-
servative course and give Spain ample op-
portunity TO end the war in Cuba.
In soTne respects the interviews are
more significant than the poll. They show
that everything depends upon the leaders
in the House oil representatives.. The
Senate has already passed a resolution rec
ogniZing the Cubans as belligerents. 1t
is pending in the House. The interviews
show that Notwithstanding their strong
sym pathy for Cuba most OF the Republi-
cans and not few of the Democrats think
that the whole matter can safely be left in
the hands of the President. Though the
pro-Cuban sentiment Is stronger and the
influence of the administration is weaker
in The Senate the result of the poll OF that
body shows there is little probability of
any action. Many even of the most radi-
cal Senators are against taking any fur
ther step at this time.
By its determination 10 send the North
Atlantic squadron to Florida Bay To en-
gage in the usual maneuvers, the admin
Istration believes it has reached q q C sion
which will prevent Jngolsic discus
slOnS in Congress with reference to
sending wars hips TO Havana. AS the Her
aid has stated, the entire squadron will be
within eighty miles of Cuba a. the latter
( part of the month. and TWO gun boats Will
be to the immediate southwark of the
! island.
! Cuba will thus be virtually surrounded
! br American men -of>war which can reac ch
! any portion of the island within SIX hours
to provide protection for Americans
! should they be in danger of violence.
Rear-Admiral Slcard, COMMANDER in
! chief Of the squadron, will be III Washing
/ ton tomorrow and will call upon Sec7e-
! tary Long and discuss the course which
/ his squadron shall pursue upon its ar
| rival III southern waters.
1t is the belief of Senator Hale end
! several other memb beTs of Congress that
! the action OF the ad min stration is signi-
! ticant in showing that an improved con-
| dition exists in Gu ba, ana consequently
| the ad minisjration feels that there can be
| no resumption of winter cruises without
| endangerlng the friendly relations OF the
! United States and pain.
There Is no ground TO believe that the
authorities will comply with the wish OF
! the Americans resident in Havana ex-
/ pressed to Consul-G .neral Lee that United
! States war vesses 5e stationed at Havana.
! Spain has promised thar Americans shall
! be protected.