The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1898-04-07

late in the day. It was manifested at
the White House, among Cabinet Off
GERS, and at the Embassies and Lega-
tons, including the Spanish Legation.
At the latter this morning Senior Polo
said that while he could not disclose
any of the Information reaching him in
an official character, yet he felt that
the strain of few hours ago was ma
terially relieved, and that the prospects
OF peace looked much better. He in
no way confirmed. nor would he even
discuss, views entertained in other high
official quarters that Spain was slowly
out surely yielding, and confined his
utterances to the general statement
that the conditions We're improving.
Accompanying the actual develop
ments of the day came q flood of reports
and rumors of a sensational character
little of it, however, having any au
thentic basis The rumors of disturb
ance at Havana were not borne out by
any official advices.
The uncertainty following a great
disappointment was the condition ex-
listing at the Capitol at the close of the
day, when the expected did not hap
pen. Senators and members were at
sea as to what was coming next. While
the message was awaited, there came
a hurried summons of leaders of the
Senate and House to the White House,
and they We're informed that the mes
sage was to be withheld upon the in
formation received from Consul-Gen-
eral Lee. The reasons he gave were
deemed entirely satisfactory by all, and
Senator Davis informed the Senate,
while the House leaders carried the
news to that body. That the dangers
to American life was considered suffi-
cient reason for non-action appeared in
the postponement of proposed meetings
to consider the situation.
The proposed armistice by Spain in
jected another feature into the discus
sion of the situation, and while some
We're very hopeful that a satisfactory
ate from it, the general feeling was
that the conditions in Cuba, the deter
mifation of the insurgents to continue
fighting until independence was recog-
nized, and the sentiment of this coun-
try in favor of Cuba's independence of
Spain, possibly made overtures on this
line too late.
A generally quieter feeling was.evi-
dent at the War and Navy Depart
ments, where, in contrast to the fever
ish excitement of the past week, the
tone was almost apathetic. While there
was the usual amount o. routine at
tendant upon the recent work of prep
aration, things to-day settled down al
most to the normal. No more contracts
FOR new vessels We're closed by the
Navy Department, and no changes in
the stations of ships announced.
Assistant Secretary Meiklejohn of the
War Department made public a state
ment showing that up to this time there
had been allotted to the department
S9,2I9, 161 from the emergency fund of
$ou,Wo,'DO appropriated by Congress.
The different bureaus receiving this
money are: Ordnance, 81 2333 767: En-
sineers, 4,425, 900; Quartermasters'
SoWtoO0; Signal Office, $3.50. 400. Of
the entire amount allotted &921. 800 has
been expended, but as much of the
work begun and the munitions of war
bought is by contract system. the Gov
eminent is liable for considerable of
the remainder.
Inc State Department officials are
anticipating with much interest and
considerable apprehension the probable
ity of the coming Easter holidays in
Spain and Cuba. 1t is at such times
that the people, especially when great
national questions are uppermost in the
public mind, are apt to give way to
their feelings and indulge in riotous
demonstrations. These holidays begin
tomorrow, which is Holy THURSDAY,
and continue for several days. Most
of the business houses and the places
OF amusement are closed from Thurs
day to Sunday, and, consequently.
many IDLE people assemble at public
places and on the thoroughfares. On
Sunday many of the shops are opened
for half a day, being closed at noon to
permit the employees to indulge in va
rious pastimes and sports and to at
tend the bull fights. which are so popu-
lar in Spain and Cuba.
In view of the very strained rela-
lions existing at this time between
Spain and the United States. the as
semblinS of large crowds in public
places may. it is feared lead to up
TIsinSs and TO demonstrations against
American citizens who may reside in
Spain or Cuba.
PEACE ALMOST SSURED,