The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-03-29
IT LOOKS WARLIKE.
Unexampled Action in All Official
Quarters.

Quarters.
Washington, March 25. The last
day before the arrival of the report of
the Maine court of inquiry was one
Of uneXampled activity in all official
quarters. Advices came early that
the Spanish torpedo flotilla had sailed
from the CanarieS for Porto Rico and
Warlike measures followed one an
other in constant succession. The
movement Of this fleet has been
watched with the keenest interest, as
it was felt to involve serious posi-
bilities which might compel the Unit
ed States government to protest
against the movement as of a hostile
character. Immediately on the re-
ceipt of the official dispatch from one
of our naval attaches abroad briefly
announcing the sailing Of the feet. the
fact was made known to the president
and an earnest conference was held
between him and Secretary Long and
Assistant Secretary Roosevelt. The
seriousness of the movement was full
ly considered and the president was
advised that naval strategists regard
ed it as essential that this torpedo
fleet should not be allowed to reach
Western waters. What, il any, con-
clusiOn, was reached, is not known.
Later in the day the Spanish minister
called at the state department and
spent some time with Judge Day. 1t
was naturally inferred that the APP
proach Of the Spanish fiotilla was one
Of the subjects referred to. Whether,
against the move was not disclosed by
either Judge Day or the Spanish min
lister, both of whom maintained the
strictest reticence. An important
move is the determination to create
joint commission from the war and
navy departments so as to bring them
into
Harmonious Action
OH all measures. Capt Barker, the
naval aide of Secretary Long. was
designated to represent the navy de-
partment in this common plan of ac-
ton. The representative of the wal
department has not yet been named.
1t will not be necessary for these two
officers to leave Washington, as they
can best arrange joint plan of action
In conference with the two depart
ments here. At the close of the day
came an announcement that the navy
department. had succeeded in purchas-
ing eight steam yachts and four steam
tugs. The boats are about 400 tons
each, and in an emergency would be
suitable as torpedo boats. Throughout
the day the White House presented an
animated appearance, senators and
representatives from both political
parties calling to confer with the pres
ident. The president said to several
of his visitors in discussing the stu
alton, that he would do everything
consistent with the honor and dignity
of the country to avert war, and he
still believed war could be averted.
He also said that he believed that the
government of Spain was anxious for
peace as we were, but at the same
time he did not hesitate to admit the
gravity of the situation. The presi-
dent frankly admitted that he believed
the report of the board of Inquiry will
find that the Maine was blown up
from the outside. His programme
has been definitely decided. 1t is his
purpose to treat the blowing of the
Maine
As an Incident.
The report of the board will be sent
to congress on Monday with a very
brief message relating the events lead
ing up to that point and informing
congress that the facts contained in
the report have been cabled to Mad
rid to be laid before the Spanish gov
eFnmenf BIZ Minister W9odfoFd. No