Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-05-21
The Principal Topic at Today's Cab
met Meeting.
GUESSING At TEE PRESIDENTS PLAN
Delay in Signing the Relief Reso-
luton.
NO ASSURANCE TO SPAIN

hard to learn. 1t is pretty well understood
among cabinets members what the Presi-
dents position is, but they guard his plans
well and have little to say. All the bits of
information obtainable around the White
House. however, point to one thing-action
within a short time favorable to Cuba.
How soon this action will be taken will
depend on circumstances. 1t is predicted
by man close to the President that the
final card will be turned and played in two
weeks. And then he said: "The President
will do more for Cuba than Congress has
ever contemplated This means nothing
more nor less than the independence of
Cuba. All straws leading from the Presi-
dent point to this. but the plan he will pur-
sue is kept in the dark. His friends believe
this plan will be approved. and that it will
result in independence for the islands with
out war between the United States and
Spain.
May Hint to Spain.
The suggestion is being spread that with
in short time the President will have
hint conveyed to Spain that the Cubans be
allowed to buy their independence. Spain in
Inmates now that this will be rejected with
soorn. The insurgents also say they woul1
reject 1t. They would not, however, have
to speak. Upon Spain rejecting the sug-
gestiCn, the President would send a mes
sage to Congress recognizing the independ-
enoe of the islands. What would follow is
basis for long story. Whatever the
President does will be backed by Congress.
The Senate has already committed itself to
positive and pronounced action. The House
is held back only by promises of leaders
that the President means to do what is
right by Cuba.
1t Is felt by the President that no action
will be taken by the House until he is
ready to act. This was probably discussed
by the cabinet today.
No Assurance Given Spain.
There IS no question Of the falsity of
report that the Duke of Tetuan has been
officially informed that President McKin-
ley and his cabinet will not do anything
that will in the least affect Spanish SOW
ereignty in Cuba Spain has received no
informa ton Of what the President will do,
but 1t will get this information ard if
Minister De LONE is the diplomat he is
said to be he will give his country a tip of
what 1t may expect.
A republican representative from a west
ern state visited the President today and
told him Of the sympathy in the west for
the insurgents. The President, it is said,
assured the representative that he (the
PresldenD sympathizes as deeply with the
insurgents as any man.
Hitch In the NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.,
The resolution appropriating $4,000 for
the relief of suffering Americans in Cuba
was signed yesterday by Speaker Reed, but
OWING to the absence of the Vice President
and President Pro Tenn. Frye of the Senate
II could not receive the signature of either
of them on behalf of the Senate As the
Senate has adjourned until Monday. it cam
rot he signed before that date
PRESIDENT Mckinley expected to have the
pleasure OF signing the resolution today,
put Will sign it as soon as it reaches MIN
Monday. --''
Uen. Lee Authorized to Draw
The Secretary Of State has directed Con-
sui General Lee at Havana to draw for
Immediate purchase Of supplies and med
lcines for the relief of American citizens
and transportation of such as are withour
means and desire to return to the United
States. not to exceed $4,000. He is also
instructed to furnish United States consuIs
In Cuba at his discretion funds FOR this
purpose. United States Consul Brice at
Matanzas has been instructed by the Sec
retary of State to apply to Consul General
Lee for funds with which to relieve Amer
lean citizens there.
Cuba's Friends in the House,
There is talk this afternoon among some
republican members of the House of Rep
resentatives Of the advisability of calling
a caucus of republicans in the House to
determine upcn a course of action which
might produce legislation favorable to
Cuba. The discussion of the subject is
confined to friends Of Cuba OH the repub-
ncan side, who would like to do something
Ior cuba, but who would not ventura to
assert their position without the consent of
the party adopted in caucus The move
ment mas not taken definite shape. but
those who are recommending the caucus
Ior th1s purpose are said to be meeting
with encouragement