The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-03-19
United States VS.. Spain.

believe this whole matter can be settled dlplo-
matieally.''
The Brazilian cruisers Amazenas and Admi-
raj Abreuall, now receiving their hnlshllg
touches in an English ship yard, have neeh
purchased by the United States. orders
were sent to Commodore Howell, command
ing the European Station, to send a 1orSe Oh
men from the San Francisco to take posses
sion of and hoist the United States flag on
the Brazilian ship ready to ointo commission
at Newcastle. This will prevent any difficulty
in case of hostilities 1t is thought the cruls-
ers cost about 81, 700, 900 each.
1t is learned that Spain has not secured the
O'Higgins, and that Chile will not sell the
vessel to Spain. 1t is also said that Spain
has not and cannot purchase ships from either
Chile or the Argentine Republic.
The crew of the wrecking tug Right Arm,
which has arrived at Norfolk, say it is an
open secret among all the divers and officers
at Havana that the big magazines were intact,
and that the Maine had been destroyed by
torpedo or mine.
The Spanish squadron sailed from Cadiz
Monday. 1t is understood the war ships will
90 to Porto Rico and there await orders of
General Blanco. The United States war yes
sells Helena and Bancroft left Lisbon the same
day, and rumors have it that they will follow
the Spanish ships across the Atlantic.
| 1t is declared by Il Vienna correspondent
that Austria and Germany ,ympathiZe with
Spain, the former being actuaed by family
ties between the two reigning houses, and the
latter by grudge against the United States.
1t is said Emperor William is warmly see
ending the efforts of Emperor Francis Joseph
to induce the European Powers to present 10
the United States the danger to Europe OF
their carving any further their interference
in Cuban affairs.
Al article in the ST. Petersburg Novoe
Nrcmya asserts that the European repre-
seniatives will notify the Washington Gov
crnment of their opinion that war is not de-
sirable. and it = 10 be hoped that President
Mckinley will realize the disadvantage of
such general cenSure, and will not allow HIM
self to he eg@ed into war by American specu-
| latOrS.
The Board on Auxiliary Cruisers appointed
by the Navy Department, began its work at
| New York Monday. Merchant vessels, tugs
and yachts were offered. The st. Louis and
the New York. of the American Line, were
inspected.
MARcm 1G.-The Maine Court of Inquiry
sailed from Havana last night on the Man.
grove for Key West. The greater part of the
investigation that remains will consist OF a
careful study OF the plans Of the submerged
wreck, in the preparation of which Ensign
Powesom had large share.
4 special despatch from Washington says
Within the past few days very earnest feel
ing has developed against resort to hostili-
ties based upon the belief thaC II way can be
10 md by diplomacy to reach an amicable and
satisfactory settlement Of the Maine disaster,
and ii disposition of the insurrectiOn in Cuba
that will be agreeable 10 Spain and the United
States. and acceptable to the leaders of the
instruction. 1t is contended that such
result would be more easily accomplished If
Tho ham
expressed that some action may be taken by
that body that would not only defeat efforts
Of the President to bring about a satisfactory
settlement. but that would be instrumental III
preciptating the condition which it is desired
to prevent.
A telegram from Madrid says the aspect of
| affairs has undergone Il complete change. and
there is strong feeling in favor Of peace
! between the United States and Spain.
The general expectation of the members
of the Cabinet is that report will he received
! during the present week from the Court OF
Inquiry examining into the cause of the Maine
disaster.
\ cabIcgram from London says All that
is known in we'll informed quarters here sug-
gestS that both the Austrian and the German
Emperors would go great lengths to prevent
an outbreak of war between America and
Spain.
The Spanish Ambassador to Italy is quoted
as saving Spain possesses Cuba and will
| keep it by love or by force. That hcncetorth
is an engagement of honor. Beside, the rev
oluton will be suppressed before the LIST of
| May. He thinks, i'll case of war with the
United States, Spain would have the upper
band at the beginning. but in the event of
prolonged hostilities she must not indulge
too many hopes.
March IA supposed inspired article
printed in Madrid says: If the Emitted
States really wishes peace, and Spain is
solved to maintain it. let each go half way,
and the paciiication of Cuba and the tran
guilty of Europe will be accomplished.
The presence of our warShips at Key West,
together with the war measures taken by the
United States, are regarded by Spain as seri-
ously preudicial to the policy Of autonomy
in Cuba, and an indirect encouragement to
the insurgents in defeating the desires of both
Governments for the success of that policy
In the same spirit of friendly representation,
rather than of protest, Spain has pointed out
that war by the United States against
Spain, under such circumstances, would be
unjustiGable before the world and Il crime
against humanity and civilization. The rep
reservations contained no reference to the
| Maine disaster
The Fern sailed from Key West for
as home for the officers engaged in super
vising the wrecking operations in Havana
! harbor. 1t is stated that the Montgomery is
| not withdrawn owing to any suggestions from
| Spanish sources that her presence is not de-
| sired.
The price paid Brazil for the warships
Amazonas and Almirante Abreulll was some
! thing over 81, 800, 000 The Abreuall cannot
! be completed for six weeks.
The Latest.
A semi official statement has been issued III
| Madrid to the effect that any demand for in
demnity based on the theory that the explosion
of the battle ship Maine was due TO external
causes, would be indignantly repealed by
| SPAIN Officers who have made close ex-
| animation of the scene of the wreck, the state
ment also says, have found that it was due to
an internal accident"
The United States naval court at Key West,
according to special dispatch from that
place has finished its inquiry and is formu-
lating report. A dispatch from Washington
states that the President has instructed Adj
mira Sicard TO send the report by naval
officer, and that he expects to receive it soon.
| Other statements as to the report are some
what contradictory.
Senator Proctor, of Vermont, made
statement to the Senate embOdying the results
of his observations in Cuba. He said that the
! misery on the island is lndeScrbable; that the
reconcentrados are dying from starvation and
disease; that autonomy is failure and will
never be accepted by the Cubans, and that the
insurgents hold a large part of the island.
A squadron of warships will be stationed at
Hampton Roads. 1t will consist of the battle
ships Massachusetts and Texas, withdrawn
| from the feet at Key West and the cruisers
Brooklyn, Minneapolis and Columbia The
squadron is designed for the protection Of At
| fantic coast ports.
The chairman of the military committee of
the House of Representatives will report bill
to place the United States army on war
footing, with a strength of 104 900 men.
The Spanish torpedo fotilla, now at the
Canary Islands, has been ordered not to pro-.
ceed TO Havana.
Austria, it is stated may advance funds to
Spain. in which event the latter country will |