Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1898-04-11

lannon's flash changed the situation
Yesterday. With excitement at the
very highest, word was passed that
there would be no message yesterday.
Ultimately it became known that not
only would there be no message yes
terday, but no message this week. 1t
is possible that the message written
and approved might never go to con-
gress at ALL The first reason for de-
lay was that the administration re-
ceived advices from Lee intimating
that all Americans who could not be
gotten off the island yesterday would
be in grave peril if the message pre-
ceded their departure. The second
reason, perhaps equally potent, was
that the Spanish government is ex-
per1enc1ng most interesting times Ill
inner Spanish circles. That govern
ment has decided to reopen the case
closed, so far as this government IS
concerned, by the refusal of Spain to
make a satisfactory response to the
representations made by the United
States last week and, to avert lmpend-
sIons heretofore refused. What will
be the final outcome it is too early to
say. The aspect of affairs certainly is
considerably more pacific and suf-
hcient to renew the hope of the presi-
dent in a solution of the Cuban Ques-
pie without bloodshed.
1t is expected that between now and
Monday a clearer light may be thrown
on the future by action at Madrid, of
winch one important feature is the
declaration of an armistice by the
queen regent. This armistice, 1t is eX
pected, will lead to the ultimate indie
pendence of Cuba from Spanish rule.
but by what steps perhaps even the
governing powers do not know. Much,
1t is supposed, will depend upon the
Cuban insurgents and the peoples of
the two countries.
The powers of Europe, it is known,
nave brought to bear all influence on
Spain and are still actively at work
seeking to bring peace out Of the gath
erlng war clouds. All the capitals of
Europe have been in communication
to this end and this was evidenced by
the assemblage at the British embassy
in this city of representatives of the
SIX great powers of Europe who were
made mutually acquainted with what
had been done abroad and the desire
OF their governments that they should
work in accord here.
The improved condition of affairs
was reflected throughout all public
quarters late in the day 1t was mani
rested at the white house, among the
cabinet officers and at the embassies.
AT the Spanish establishment Senior
Polo said that while he could not dis
close any information reaching him IN
an official character, yet he felt that
the strain was materially relieved and
that the prospects for peace looked
better. He in no way con-
-nrmed nor would he discuss
views entertained in other
high official quarters that Spain is
slowly yielding.
Accompanying the actual develop
ments of the day came a food of re-
ports and rumors of a sensational
character, little of it, however, having
an authentic basis. Rumors of dis
turbance at Havana were not borne
out by official advices. Uncertainty
following great disappointment was
the condition existing at the capitol
at the close of the day when the ex-
pected did not happen. The senators
and members were at sea as to what
was coming next. While the message
was awaited there came hurried sum-
mons of leaders Of the senate and
house to the white house. They were
informed that the message was to be
withheld upon information received
from Lee. The reason that he gave
was deemed entirely satisfactory by
all. They thought that danger to
American life was sufficient reason for
non-action and approved of the post
ponement of the submission of the
message.
The proposed armistice Ivy Spain in
-iected another feature into the discus
sion of the situation. While some
were very hopeful that a satisfactory
solution Of the problem would event
uate from it, the general feeling was
that conditions in Cuba and the deter
mination of the insurgents to continue
lighting until their independence is
recognized and the sentiment of this
country in favor Of Cuba's independ-
.ence of Spain possibly made overtures
in this line too late.
Generally a quieter feeling was ev-
ident at the war and navy depart
ments. Things have settled down al
most to their normal condition. No
more contracts for new vessels were
closed by the navy department and
no changes in the stations of ships
were announced. Assistant Secretary