The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-22
SPAIN IS IO BLAME
State Department Insists She
is the AGGRESSION
DISMISSAL OF WOODFORD
Before the UItimatum, COnSti-
tuted an Act of War,
DISMISSAL OF WOODFORD

Washington, April 2L-In the opinion Of
the state department, a state of war now
exists between the United States and
Spain. Moreover, this condition, in its
view, has been brought about by the
Spanish government. which, in notifying
Minister Woodford that it had broken off
diplomatic relations, thereby took the
initiative. 1t is presumed that by this
time the various consuls In Spain, who
have so far without exception stuck 10y
ally at their posts. are now making their
way as rapidly as possible across the
frontier into France.
There were an unusual number Of diplo-
matte callers a. the state department this
morning, the list including the three am
bassadors from France, Belgium and ia
pan. 1t was believed that the object of
the French ambassadors call was to mott
fy Judge Day formally that al the request
of the retiring Spanish minister the
French embassy, with the permission of
the United States government, would look
after the interests, of Spain in the United
States. The other diplomatic callers were
all interested in learning the latest devel-
Opments.
NEUTRAL AND PRIVATEERS.
They were informed also as to the decis-
ION Of this government upon the questions
of neutrality and privateering. While
Spain is not a party to the Paris agree
ment prohibiting privateering, it is not
doubted that in view of the announced de-
cision of our government to refrain from
the issue of letters Of marque. that the
Spanish government will adopt a similar
course. At any rate it can be safely as
serted that the powers of Europe, almost
as deeply interested as ourselves in con-
tinuing their commerce free from the an
noyances of prIvateering, will insist that
the practice shall not be adopted by Spain |
in this case.
NEVER REACHED MADRID.
Diplomatically ii is probably true that |
the United States ultimatum has never |
officially reached the Spanish government |
for the copy of the ultimatum delivered |
yesterday to the Spanish minister at |
Washington can scarcely be regarded in a
technical sense as a formal communica-
ton but rather as merely a piece of infor-
nation communicated through courtesy.
1t is not perceived, however, that any
substantial advantage has been reached
by the Spanish government in preventing
the formal delivery of the uItimatum
through Mr.. Woodford, although it may
be that they have technically escaped
what they regarded as an attempted insult
to the Spanish nation.
AMOUNTS TO A REFUSAL
Assistant Secretary Day was closeted
FOR some time in the forenoon with Sec
ono Assistant Secretary Adee and il was
believed that there was in preparation
to United States minis
tiers and ambassadors abroad notifying
them OF the attitude of this government
In the pending issue.
It seemed to be the common under
standing that in view Of the action Of the
Spanish government there was now no
occasion for delay on the part of our gov
eminent in acting upon the joint resolu-
ton directing Intervention, for the re-
'usal OF the Spanish government to re-
,eive the communication. knowing its
character. was to be construed only as a
refusal Of it's conditions. Movements Of
'ur army and navy therefore, would fol-
ow as soon as we were ready and it
would not be necessary to wait until Sat
friday noon.
PLANS KEPT Secret.
Id was still absolutely unknown to any,
'ne outside the administration proper, and
wen in that case only to a few, how the
was to be directed and any at
empt to outline publicly its details was
bitterly resented by the army and navy
'fficers charged with the preparation of
he strategic plans of the two depart
nents. The fleet at Key West was I'M
ierstood 10 be ready TO move at mo- 4
nent's notice, but it was the impression
lere that no useful purpose could be
'erved by sending it TO Cuba in advance
# the arrival at Key West OF a suffi-
lent number of United States troops to
cooperate with the navy in offensive op- c
'ratons and to occupy any ground that
night be won from the Spanish forces.
The flying squadron at Hampton Roads
vas also in state of readiness for fn-