Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-09-15
RELATIONS WITH SPAIN
It is Denied That Crisis is Regarded as
Imminent.
Internal Discerd in That Country
Looked Upon as Moro Probable
No Plan of War.

The assertion that crisis with Spain is
regarded by the administration as immi-
nent, and that naval preparations are be-
ing made, is pronounced by officials to be
absolutely untrue. The statement would
probably have to be denied in n semi off
cial way, even if true, but in this instance
there is nothing equivocal in the language
of the denial, and it comes from quarters
that can always be relied on. Moreover,
it is practically an impossibility in the or
dinary course OF things that the Cuban
question should be brought to an issue be-
tween the United States and Spain jus, at
this time. However vigorous 4 policy tne
administration may have decided on, and
however strong may be the language of
the communication to Spain through Min
lister Woodford, considerable time must
elapse before a crisis can arise out of any
proposition made by this country. Any i'm
mediate change in the situation would re-
suit, not from the action of President Nc
hinley, but from developments in Cuba.
Discord in Spain.
In fact, at this time it appears much
more probable that the failure Of Weyler
in Cuba will bring about internal dscord
in Spain than that there will be any form
of hostility between Spain and the United
States.
The Cuban successes and the utter inef-
fectiveness of General Weyler's efforts are
obviously having effect upon the public
mind in Spain and it looks more than ever
before as if the matter might work itself
out without the United States becoming in
VOWED in any except a peaceful manner
The belief within the administration is that
Cuban Independence will have to be recog-
nized by Spain. and that too, without anv
hostile Intervention the part of the
United States.
There is no doubt that Minister Wood
fords instructions are in accordance with
the firm policy on the part CT the United
States though couched in pacific language
But all information to be had on the sub
Ject tends to confirm the assertion that
these instructions are not of a character
TO warrant anger and resentment on the
part of Spain. While the policy of this
administration contenplates a settlement
OF the difficulty within reasonable time.
1t is believed that the eXigencies of the sit
uation in Spain are more pressing upon the
spanish government for conclusion of
hoStliitles than are any representations
made by the United States
Statement Without Truth.
With reference to the statement made In
the New York Journal this morning that
naval preparations for war are being made
by the department here, and that the
United States Naval War College has work
ed out plan of naval warfare with Spai.:.
Acting Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt
said this morning, in response to an in
quiry:
There is absolutely no truth in the state
ment Nothing of the sort is going on
The publication is merely a piece of yellow
journalism. The Naval War College has
rot worked out any problem of warfare
with any nation, except England. L be-
lieve about two years ago it did work
out such a problem with respect to Eng
land, the Venezuelan question then being
up
This working cut CT problems of naval
warfare at the Naval War College is mere
iy matter OF training like the working
out OF any problem in mathematics, or the
drawing up of brief for moot court.