Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-01-21
The Administrators Attitude on the
Cuban Question.
LEADERS ARE KEPT APPREHENaVE
Unprepared for War Even With
Spain.
FEELING OF THE PRESIDENT

The fact is too apparent to be disputed
that the administration and the leaders in
Congress who are trying to hold to con-
sentative course are rendered apprehensive
by the persistent effort TO keep the Cuban
question in a glow In Congress. The dis
cussion in the House, while the republicans
were able to prevent action, has contrib
uted to the danger of the situation. Be
tween hot-bvaded Spanisrds in Cuba and
impatient patriots in Congress there Is un-
doubted dGl ger of such friction as might
cause a blaze. Every effort of the admin
istration is being directed toward pacifica-
ton. but the difficulties are great and the
danger ever present to a greater or less
degree.
Republicans who have obeyed the decree
of party policy and prevented bellgerency
recognition on the diplomatic bill are still
grum5ling and expressing their impatience
to get chance to vote their sentiments.
This and the resentment that may be eX-
pected from the Spanish on account of the
utterancss the floor of the House con-
tribute to the complication of the situa-
ton, and render it necessary that proper
military precautions should be taken.
a rumor was started today, and after
ward denied, that the President was going
to send special message to Congress ask
ing an appropriation of million dollars for
the transportation of troops in case of
necessity.
The Capital Defenseless.
The denial disposes of this story, but it
is true that General Miles has called the
attention of members of the House mill
itary committee to the defenseless condi-
ton Of Washington, on account of the
lack of powder and projectiles or the money
to buy them for Forts Monroe Foote and
Washington. which guard the approach TO
Washington by the Potomac.
He has told them that these forts can
afford no defense in the absence of ammu-
milton This warning may. however, ap-
ply to general condition, and not be on
account of the situation being quite as Sc
rious as the discussion of powder and pro-
jectiles would suggest. This defenseless
state of the capital would naturally be
matter of concern to the general of the
army, and the existence of possibility oil
trouble. however remote, might naturally.
be awaited of to give point to his argument
In favor of a suitable appropriation.
Not Prepared for War.
1t is said that one of the reasons why
the administration is opposed to changing
Its policy of non-intervention in the Cuban
troubles is due to feeling that the coun-
try is not prepared for war with even 50
weak power as Spain is currently repre-
scented to be.
1t is known that Assistant Secretary
Roosevelt and many of the older naval
navy is at present in no condition to engage
in prolonged hostilities with any first or
second-claSs power. and 1t Is certain that
the President has been fully Informed in
regard to the situation.
According to this view of the case there
are many essential things in which the
navy Is deficient at this time and which
carnot be wholly remedied for many
months to come The principal deficiency
Is the lack of dry docks in which to care
Tor the naval vessels required for active
service The government does not possess
one on the Atlantic coast which can re-
ceive any of the battle ships, and the
docks of Great Britain. which have recent
~ been resorted to. would necessarily be
closed to our ships in case Of war.
The lack of such docks practically Grip
pies the navy at the present time so far
as prolonged warfare is concerned.
other deficiencies pointed out are the
antiquated armament on some of our ships
the small supply of ammunition available
Tor use and the practical cessation of work
on the hye battle ships in process of con-
struction.
battle ships Not Ready.
The battle ships Kearsarge and Ken
lucky will not be completed for two years
yet, ard the Alabama, Wisconsin and I'LL
nois will rot be available for service for
year or two later. In the case Of the last
three named vessels Congress has as vet
failed to provide for their armor, and their
construction is delayed accordingly
Even with favorable action by Congress
In authorizing the purchase of the neces-
sary armor. 1t Will be impossible TO COM
plete the vessels before 1901 The vessels
now In commission are excellent in their
way. but there are not enough of them and
In many cases their armament is not I'D to
modern standards.
As another drawback, it is stated that
the navy yards are not in good condition
for the immediate repair of vessels which
might be damaged in action. Chief Con-
structor Hichborn has informed the House
naval committee that an expenditure of
SJpUD Is absolutely necessary to put the
different yards in good working order
These and other considerations are said
to influence the President in proceeding
with extreme caution in The conduct of our
foreign relations and especially in avoiding
any action which might provoke Spain
into war with us over the Cuban troubles
pending the trial of the scheme Of auton-
Cmy.