The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-07
RESTS WHOLLY WITH SPAIN
If GEN. LEE is GIVEN Has EXEQUA-
TUR THERE MAY BE A STORM
That Will Fan the Flames of Amer
Freedom of Suffering Cuba.
sneolal to the 1ndiananolis journal.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, March 6.--We are on the
brink Of war with Spain. The current,
which has been gathering force for weeks
and months, is running like mill race to-
night. The actual clash of arms can be
deferred. but it would be folly to deny that
the situation at this writing is extremely
critical and hostilities may break out any
moment. That they can be averted entire
~ nobody pretends longer to believe.
The Administrations reply to Spain's de-
mand for the recall of Consul General Fitz-
hugh Lee and for the transportation Of re-
lief supplies in merchantmen instead of
val vessels is a challenge the significance of
which cannot be for moment misunder-
stood. The issue was squarely Joined by
the State Department. utterance to-day,
and Spain will either have to back down or
summarily revoke General Lees exequatur.
That would be an act so extreme in the
present hair-trigger state of popular ex-
citement on both sides of the Atlantic moth
ing could keep the two countries apart.
They are all ready to go at each others
throats, and it only needs a little fresh
provocation to start the bloody battle
The tone of the Madrid papers tonight
leaves no doubt as to the state of feeling in
the Spanish capital. Knowing that the re-
call of General Lee would be almost tata-
mount RI a. declaration of war fha CDaDiSh
clamor is nevertheless overwhelming for
that action. Assistant Secretary Day to-
night processes to believe that the incident
will not be followed by serious results, and
that Spain will not insist on Lees recall.
Earlier dispatches from Minister Woodford
may have given the impression, but later ad
vices from. our Madrid representative to-
night cannot confirm the impression, If they
reflect the true condition. Neither does the
scene at the White House support the the
ory that the President is lulled into feel
ing Of repose by the news which he is re-
ceiving from Madrid and Havana. The ex-
ecutive mansion was Illuminated until late
hour, and the Presidents advisers and close
friends were coming and going all evening.
Besides Mr.. Day and Secretaries Long,
Alger and Gage, members OF his official
family, several senators and representatives
called to discuss the situation with the
President. Among those whose counsel was
asked at this critical crisis was Senator
Fairbanks, who was not only with him this
evening, but last night until a late hour.
President Mckinley leans heavily on the
Indiana senator these days. having great
confidence in his cool judgment in emer-
gencies. In whatever debates may take
place in the Senate in the near future, Sem
ator Fairbanks will rightfully be regarded
as Mr.. McKinleys personal representative
To those with whom he talked President
Mckinley did not attempt to conceal the
fact that he takes a most serious view of
of the occasion, and although he hopes for
peace, he does not deceive himself into the
belief that his hopes are likely to be
realized. He has seen war; is familiar with
Nation is looking into the open mouths of
hungry Spanish cannon.
General Fitzhugh Lee returned to Cuba
in November last deeply and solemnly i'm
pressed with the conviction that he was go
ing to be the instrument for provoking war
between the United States and Spain On
fba eve oP his CenartIIre ha +aIlxnd freelv
with personal friend in Washington along
that line He did not know exactly how
he was going to figure in the crisis, but
he had prophetic premonition that he
cause the explosion. The language he used
in that confidential conversation struck his
friend as most remarkable and significant
The substance of the conversation came to
the knowledge of your correspondent and
was embodied in dispatch to the Journal,
which was published day or two before
General Lee sailed for Havana. The gall
liant Virginian was impressed by his nu-
merous talks with the President that he
was wanted in Havana because he more
nearly represented the executives ideas Of
able for the position, and the private in
structions given him were to maintain an
unyielding front on all questions involving
national honor and the rights of American
citizens in Cuba; to let his attitude be
clearly understood. but to be extremely
careful not to provoke or stimulate irrlta-