The San Francisco call., 1898-03-19
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G G 6 C S S S S S S S S S = S S S ~ best means of doing this without bring ing on war.
 He has said he will not be respon- sible for an "unholy' war. If the United States is to be made responsible for precipitating war he desires that Congress shall share the responsibility with him. Instead of issuing a proclaim ation recognizing the independence ot Cuba, as it has been frequently assert ed he would, President Mckinley is now of the opinion that Congress should take the initiative.
 It Is for that reason the administra- ton has changed its programme Tn favor of an early adjournment. 1 am now assured that the President wants Congress to stay here until the Cuban question is on the way to settlement He has no intention at present of send ing a special message to Congress but he desires that both houses shall be III possession of all the facts surrounding the Maine disaster and the general con dition in Cuba It was for this reason he heartily approved of the speech made by Senator Proctor giving the results of his observations while in the island, and he is quite anxious that both houses should be thoroughly enlightened, not only as to the real condition ot affairs Ill Cuba,~ but as to all the consequences that may follow any action Tn the dl- rection of intervention to settle the troublesome problem.
 Pending any action in this direction, either by the legislative or the execu- tive branch of the Government, the President will do all in his power to avoid hostilities and to ameliorate con- ditions in Cuba.
 There is no further doubt that the holding of the Spanish torpedo Hotilla at the Canaries and the withdrawal Of the battleships named from the vicinity of Cuba was the result Of an agreement reached by the Washington and Madrid Governments. The fact that Rear Admiral Sicard has remaining with him at Key West a formidable squadron IS due to the desire of the authorities to have strong fleet there when the re- port of the court of inquiry has been received and the result of the policy to be inaugurated by the President has made itself apparent
 It is appreciated by the authorities that pending the receipt of the report 1t would have been a very unwlse move to withdraw the entire fleet. and there fore. in consideration of the holding of the flotilla at the Canaries. the Massa- chusetts and Texas were ordered north to form a new squadron, with the re- mainder of the fleet to follow in case the Cuban situation should take on peace ful aspect even after negotiations for the settlement of the Maine disaster and of the general Cuban question are in pro- gress.
 It. was said to-day by high official that the withdrawal of the battle-ships was in the nature of a sop to Spain. and if she were not satisfied then 1t might be possible that further ships would be withdrawn to Hampton Roads.
 '.It makes little difference" he said whether the vessels are at Key West or Hampton Roads. They are almost as available at Hampton Roads as at Key West and can easily reach Cuba in ample time ahead of any re-enforce- ments Spain might send"
 The report that the Vesuvius had been sighted early l. the day coming through the Virginia capes headed for Washington gave rise to the rumor that she was bringing the report of the Naval Board of Inquiry to Washington
 This could not be confirmed from any official source. At the Navy Depart ment 1t was admitted that the Vesuvius was bound for Washington. but it was explained that she was coming merely for repairs to her armament. and 1t was denied that she had on board any mem Der of the naval board or that she was carrying the report of that body.
 The Vesuvius did not reach Washing ton tonight, but 1t was reported at the Government proving grounds at Indian Head about 8 o'clock, where she was met by the big navy tug Triton, which returned to the yard about Q D. m. Ii was denied that the Triton brought an, one from the Vesuvius to Washington Secretary Long went to bed at ( o'clock with strict orders not to be dis turbed. and Assistant Secretary of State Day spent the evening at the theater stopping for few minutes only at the White House, where he had talk with