Worcester morning daily spy., 1898-03-30
These Being Rejected Mckinley Will Wait on
Action Of Congress.
at the Navy Department Now Becoming Less
narked=-France as rediator.

Washington, March 29.-Congress and
the cabinet divided attention today in
the Spanish situation. In congress the
feeling which began to take form after
the presidents pacific message on the
Maine report was submitted yesterday,
found open expression today in resolu-
tions proposing declaration of war,
recognition of the independence of Cuba,
armed Intervention and other decisive
and warlike steps against Spain, and IN
conferences of republicans having for
their object the overruling Of the speak
er If necessary to get prompt actions
On the floor, in the cloak rooms, in the
lobbies and in the corridors there was
little else discussed than the Cuban stu
alton and the Maine disaster. Constant
and continual conferences were held,
and all recognized the seriousness of the
situation.
On the house side it was apparent that
the republican majority could no longer
be controlled by the conservative ele-
ment led by the speaker. Groups of
members in a state of excitement were
to be seen on every hand. Members Of
the committee on foreign affairs dis
cussed plans and possible future pro-
ceedfngs. It was generally acknowledged
that a crisis was at hand, although
some conservative members thought
| that in day or two the feeling would
subside. Much depends upon the next
few days. That congress will not long re-
main inactive If some decided action is
not taken by the administration, is GER
tain 1t is also true that the talk of an
armistice caused great deal of Ill feel
ing.
The house today transacted business
without dramatic incident, but no such
quiet can be promised tomorrow, when
the naval bill is being considered. The
day closed with prospect that the com
mittees to whom was referred the Maine
correspondence will act soon.
The cabinet meeting today developed
nothing new. The president remains
steadfast in his convictions as to what
is his duty, and adverse criticism, which
it is asserted is mainly due to misinfor-
nation as to the situation, or ignorance
of the presidents purposes, will not be
permitted to swerve him in the least
from the course he has planned.
The president some days ago made a
peremptory demand upon Spain to put
am end Immediately to hostilities inI
Cuba, to release the concentrates, and
to permit them to return to their homes.
Since that demand was communicated
to Spain, the president has not taken a
step backward or modified 1t in the
least particular. Spain's final reply to
this demand, it is known, is now receiv-
ing the earnest consideration of the
Spanish authorities at Madrid, and the
reply may be expected within the, next
few days. Should the demand be re-
jected, there is the highest authority !
for stating that the president would inn
mediately lay the whole record before
congress and be guided by Its instruc- |
lions.
AS a preliminary step toward peace it |
has been proposed to Spain, though the |
proposition has not taken the shape of
demand as yet at least, that the |
Spanish government withdraw its troops |
from the island, and that the Cubans be |
given their independence on a basis Of
Indemnity that would be regarded as
lust in amount by the United States and |
other nations, and fair to both contend
ing parties.
The question of an armistice has not
been agreed to by either this country or
Spain, though there is no doubt that
Spain suggested an armistice. What
term of peace will be acceptable to the
president cannot be stated, but it Is as
serted that no proposition will be con-
sidered that does not involve the prac-
tical, if not the actual, independence Of
the Cubans.
Under these circumstances the men,
bers OF the administration think it only
fair to the president that people should !
wait with patience the result of the
pending negotiations, since there is no
more loyal American than the president,
or one who will hesitate less than he
when the hour for action has arrived |
There Is little doubt that the French |
government is ready to tender its good |
offices as mediator between the United /
States and Spain, if any lntimation is I
conveyed by this country, that such !
offices would be acceptable.
Without such intimation it is doubtful |
whether France will take the initiative |
In diplomatic circles it is pointed out |
that the interests of France, both ma
terial and sentimental, favor an avoid I
ance of war. One material reason is |
that France is preparing for the inter- |
national exposition, when the worlds |
travel will be turned toward the French |
capital. 1t is said that war at such a |
time would be seriously prejudicial to |
this project. Moreover, citizens own
many Spanish securities, so that any
decline resulting from war would fall |
largely upon French capitalists. While |
these are important considerations for |
France, yet the tender of good offices |
would be based solely on sentimental |
grounds, namely, on the friendship of |
France for both parties in this contro- |
versy.
The army and navy departments con-