Omaha daily bee., 1898-03-27
CALLS IN COUNSEL
President Advises with Members Of the
Political Parties.
TELLER AND ALLEN CLOSETED WITH HIN
Executive Desires United Support Of All
Factions.
PLEDGES OF HEARTY SUPPORT GIVEN
Prompt Recognition Of Cuban Independence
is Demanded.
PRESIDENT WILL ACT WITH DISPATCH
RESIDENT WILL ACT WITH DISPATCH
Proposes to settle the VexattOus
Question without Calling Upon
COngress-Publlc Opinion
is with Him.

WASHINGTON, Marcn ZO-tSpeclal lele-
gram.) m.)-Within the last twenty-four hours
conditions have been rapidly tending to war
with Spain, as only the complete withdrawal
Of Spanish sodlery from the island Of Cuba,
it is believed. will prevent a clash OF arms.
President Mckinley today called into con-
ference leaders of the political parties in the
senate and went over all phases Of the situa-
tion In his possession. Senator Teller,
representing the silver republicans, was
called into conference at o'clock and was
followed by Senator Allen, representing the
populists, at o'clock. 1t was Mr.. Aliens
first visit to the White House during the
present session of congress. For upward
OF an hour the conference between the pres
ident and Allen continued, the library being
given over to these plain talks that no posi-
Bile interruption might occur. Senator Allen,
when asked to state the nature of the con-
ference, refused absolutely to say what took
place. Sufficient Is known, however, to war;
| rant the belief that the Cuban situation was
generally gone over, the president laying be-
| fore the senator from Nebraska information
| which has been guarded most zealously from
| the press.
| With crisis almost at hand, 1t was stated
| at the White House that the president de-
sires the support of all political parties in
! the steps he may take to preserve the ma
| tional honor.
1t is believed that both Senator Teller and
Senator Allen assured the president that pub
| lie sentiment demanded the prompt recogni-
tion OF the political independence of the
| Cuban people, to be followed, IL necessary,
| by armed intervention to relieve them of
| concentration and starvation. The president
was assured that autonomy, however broad
and liberal on the part of the Spanish goy-
ernment. would not be tolerated.
| WILL ACT PROMPTLY.
From a most reliable source it was learned
that the president is manifesting a deep in.
terest in the matter, but while he hopes 70,
peace no realizes that delays are danger
Gus and consequently wants to settle the
question without calling on congress. 1t is
however, almost certain that Immediately or
the heels of the report Of the board Of in
quiry regarding the Maine explosion mex
week will come message from the presi
dent calling upon congress to cppropriat,
anywhere from quarter to half m!illior
dollars to be used for the purchase OF food
medicine and clothing for the starving Gu
bans. Assurances were given the president
Vt Is believed, by leacers of all political par
ties, that any reasonable and prompt step
taken by him for the liberation of the peo
plo OF Cuba will meet the approval Of al
shades OF political opinion in congress, bu
this support would not embrace the issuance
or guarantee OF bonds or a permanent in
crease Of the regular army.
Il Well informed statesmen tonight say tha
the movement of the Spanish torpedo flotill
toward our shores is step by the Sagast
government to war by the party represente
by Weyler in Spain and was done to influenc
the elections which will take place In Spail
: tomorrow. Should Sagasta be supported b.
a majority Of his followers 1t is predicts
: that suffering in Cuba will at once b
checked, but should Weyler prove successful
: then the worst is feared
: One thing Is certain; President McKinle
hopes for turn In affairs that will insur
r the freedom Of Cuba without the sheddin
of blood. but should pacific measures fal
he Is ready to meet the issue by interceptin
spains torpedo fleet and on the high sea
disable 1t SO that it's effectiveness will b
; gone.
Senator Allen said tonight, speaking of tn
Cuban situation: There can be no doub
that the Cuban problem is approaching
crisis. have never changed my mind a
to what should be done. think we shoul
acknowledge the full political independence
OF the republic OF Cuba and speedily inter
vene in the cause of humanity and releas
the reconcentrados from Imprisonment on
succor them until they can become self -sus
| tanning