The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-02-26
Navy Yards Working Night and Day,
and Admiral Bunce's Fleet Or
dered to Remain south.
JULIO SANGUILLY PARD0NED
RELEASED FROM LEE IMPRIsON-
MENT BY DECREE OF THE QUEEN.
Resolution Introduced in the House
by Mr.. SuIzer Declaring War with
Spain and Her Colonies.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON, Feb. 25.-Washington is
in an explosive mood and ready to go to
pieces any minute on Cuba. The opinion
prevails in all quarters that we are ap-
preaching crisis and that II is no longer
wise to pretend TO be blind to the danger
of trouble between the United States and
Spain. 1t would not be correct to say that
sympathy for the Cuban case Is growing
stronger. but it is unquestionably a fact
that popular sentiment has taken a sharp
turn within the last few days in violent
opposition TO diplomatic delays in matters
involving American interests in Cuba and
that this feeling is volcanic in it's nature.
1t has become so habitual for the press and
for writers i'm general to treat movements
in encouragement of Cuban sympathy as
lingo demonstrations" because 1t was sup
posed TO be what the business interests
demanded as necessary to a return of con-
fdence that observers got out of touch with
actual conditions. The awakening to the
later developments is sudden and somewhat
startling. The Fitzhugh Lee incident has
| moved the political center of the Nation
profoundly. The story of his resignation
started the conhagration. To-day the
citement was famed by the report that the
Spanish government had given General
Lee his passports and sent him home be-
+;x-;t, Fo,. .tt,a
lection of the lives and property of Ameri-
cans in Cuba This report was contra
dicted, but there is enough in the known
facts as to General Lees indignation be-
cause of the supineness of the Washington
executive and such possibilities in the story
of his compulsory departure that the
American spirit has been aroused to fever
heat. That is undeniable. 1t was illus
trated this afternoon when the crowds in
the Senate galleries broke into a roar of
approval that could not be restrained over
Senator Frye's impassioned declaration
that if he had his way he would send war
ships to Havana to back up American de-
mands for justice to American citizens who
are victims of Spanish inhumanity. 1t was
a remarkable demonstration. Frye touched
the patriotic spirit in his audience, not the
cheap tingo sentiment, and the applause
| that greeted him was felt like an electric
shock through the Capitol.
Conservatives in Congress and at the
other end of Pennsylvania avenue have
been exerting their repressive powers to the
uttermost all this afternoon and evening.
but it can be said with truth that states
| men and politicians are going to bed to-
night in an exceedingly nervous state Of
mind. The excitement may blow over. as
| how the situation as it now stands is felt
| to be extremely critical, and there is deep
anxiety for the future. Many of the best
| students of affairs believe that Spain is
purposey bringing on trouble with the
United States. preferring to take a
trouncing at the hands of the big nation
than to be put isolatedy into the humilat-
ing position of being unable to subdue a
revolutionary colony. This view is held by
| not a few of the most conservative mem
| bers OF both branches of Congress Efforts
| however are being concentrated upon keep
| ing the peace until the old administration
| goes out. leaving the Mckinley administra-
| ton unembarrassed by inherited complica-
| tions and free to adopt a policy of its own
1 t. int ha or
| mind that the next administration will dis
| courage jingoism, but the hope is expressed
on all sides that 1t may show the true
| American spirit that characterized the Har-
rison administration. The press dispatches
tell the story of the sensational scenes in
| Congress to-day. but they do not interpret
the proceedings
The State Department is reIigiously sup
pressing all information bearing on Consul
General Lee or Cuba. and the same policy
is being pursued at the White House and
| other executive departments where news is
looked for. The impression is sought TO be
conveyed that Messrs. Cleveland and Olney
do not look on the situation as serious. but
this theory is not consistent with the or
ders sent Admiral Bunce to-day to keep
his fleet in southern waters instead of COM
ing north from Charleston. as intended
| and To- send the Terror and Amphitrite to
| Key West TO remain there ION orders"
This fact is known TO very few tonight
Neither is IT generally known that work at
the Washington navy yard is being rushed
as never before. three reliefs of men being