The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-04-20
T'h0 Resolutions 10
Be Signed To-Day
The UItimatum to Spain Will be Signed at the Same
Time Demanding Compliance With the Reso-
Iutions of Congress-
to be Forwarded.

Spain should be signed simultaneously
and time was needed to draft the ultima
tum in diplomatic form. The fact that
the resolution was not Immediately sign
ed gave rise to a few disquieting re-
ports, but it soon appeared from state
ments OF Cabinet officers that the Persi-
dent had not the slightest intention of
Withholding his signature and that the
delay in attaching it was accounted for
solely by his desire to have Il full and
complete. plan of operation for the gov
ernment of the Executive in the imme-
diatc future before taking the final and
important step of turning the joint res0-
luton into Il statute. Just what this
plan shall be was the occasion for the
two Cabinet meetings to-day. The first
session. i'm anticipation of the reception
Of the resolution, was devoted largely TO
questions of finance and military policy,
rs well as to the framing Of the ultima
tum itself. So far as can ibe gathered
the important point at issue in regard to
the ultimatum was the question of time
TO he allowed for a response on the part
of Spain.
The steady progress OF military and
naval preparations indicated the convic-
tion on the part of the administration
that II peaceful solution of existing diff
culties is not probable.
AS to the course of events in the imme-
diate future the only prediction that can
be made is one based on precedents. Ac-
cording to these Minister Woodford will
notify the Spanish government of the
action of the government of the United
States, and should the Spanish answer
ln fufs fsff.1sNY Scs afsaI t.o
next step in order viii be for him to ask
for his passports and leave Madrid
That would be followed instantly by the
withdrawal from Washington of Senor
olo. the Spanish Minister. At this
point, it can be said that the State De
partment officials are confident that the
Spanish government will so shape every
phase of the negotiations as to oblige MS
to take the initiative at every point. At
ter the withdrawal of the ministers and
assuming Spain does not back down.
viii follow actual war, but whether or
not the first overt act will be preceded
by a formal declaration of war. which
would insure the immediate neutraliza-
tion of the powers, or whether the North
Atlantic Squadron will make it's appear
ance off Havana as Il beginning cannot
yet be predicted. In this connection. II
may be stated that the army and navy
experts are beginning to take less
hopeful view of an easy and quick cam
paign than they entertained q short time
ago. Months are now mentioned instea
of weeks as the probable length Of hos
tilities and one eminent naval officer
who had experience in the late war
processes a belief that unless outside
pressure is brOught to hear q war NAV
easily drag along for a year under the
existing conditions.
Apparently the powers have abandon
ed open efforts in Washington to in
Huence the course of our government
Matters were very quiet at all the Iega-
tions to-day and no Instructions were re
celved by any of the ambassadors or
ministers in the line of mediation.