Evening star., 1898-04-23

mission related TO the proposed bond issue
to meet war emergencies. He urged that
it be made a popular loan, saying it was
only right that the people should be given
an opportunity to take part in the issue.
The President, 1t is understood, agreed in
this view, and Secretary Bliss. who has
also been talked WITH it is stated is heart
lily in favor of it. Mr.. Babcock thinks the
bonds should bear interest at 8 per cent.
member of the cabinet at IL o'clock to-
day, just before the cabinet assembled, said
it had not been settled by the administra-
formal declaration of war.
Would Not Favor War Declaration.
Representative Grout of Vermont, after
conference with Secretary Alger, said the
administration would not recommend dec
laration of war.
Special Cabinet Meeting.
The special meeting of the cabinet which
adjourned at l o'clock today did not agree
upon any changes from the plans formed
The session was devoted chiefly to discuss
ing details of these plans.
The President read to the cabinet a proc
lamation drawn up by Judge Day block
aiding the ports of Cuba. This kind Of
work is always preliminary to war, and Is
notification to the countries of the world
to keep their ships away from the block
AIDED ports. Under the proclamation no
more vessels will be permitted to clear for
or from the ports of Cuba. 1t will be only
n dow inf 10 kn
to ship owners throughout the world. The
President signed the proclamation.
The cabinet had received no official in
formation of the capture of lumber ship
by the gunboat Nashville.
Privatcering Discussed.
II is said that there was some talk In the
cabinet about change Of front on the
question of privateering. This talk was
based wholly on the possibility that Spain
may resort to privateering against the
opinion of the world. If Spain does resort
to this method this country will at once re-
taliate.
The cabinet discussed the subject of
whether a formal declaration of war is
necessary by Congress. OF course, it was
agreed that this question was wholly in the
hands of Congress. The President and
cabinet are of the opinion that war can
now be carried on without another declara-
ton from Congress. 1t is considered that
the recent resolution of Congress was a
virtual declaration of war and further that
Spain'S action in the case of Minister
Woodford is a declaration of war on her
part.
1t may be stated that many of the re-
publican leaders agree with the admins
tration
Senator Davis Opinion.
Senator Davis, chairman of the foreign
relations committee of the Senate. this
morning said: My own opinion is that
declaration of war is not necessary, having
already been made in the Cuban resolution
passed by Congress, but 1 do not know
what viii be decided on by Congress"
Senator Cannon Of Utah, who was at the
White House. but did not talk with the
President said: Il think declaration OF
war ought to be made tomorrow imme-
diately following the expiration of the time
allowed Spain in the Presidents ultimatum.
be reported to the Senate at one minute
passed by 1905. giving four minutes for
roll call of the Senate"
Spanish Citizens in This Country.
Thers was no talk of a proclamation
warning Spanish citizens in this country
that 4 state of hostil:ties exists and giving
them time 10 get out of this country. 1t
was said that Attorney General Griggs had
such resolution, but this Is not
correct In 11S5 this country and Spain
entered into a treaty providing that in
case of war between them Spanish mer-
chants and citizens residing in the United
States should be allowed one year in which
to take their departure. Citizens of this
country were to be also given the same
privilege. This old treaty Is not new nee
essary. Spanish citizens living here can
remain SO long as they do not become spies
for Spain.
Cabiaet members ridiculed a floating
story that Spain has ceded Cuba to Aus
tria. This would mean that Austria also
wants to fight.
No Immediate Bombardment.
An authoritative statement of great i'm
portance was made to representative of
The Star by a cabinet member this after
room.
1t was that those people who are expect
ing an immediate bombardment Of Havana
and bloody fights at once are likely to be
disappointed. The orders to the Key West
fleet are simply to blockade Havana and
such other Cuban ports as can be conven-
iently covered by the fleet. No hostile shots
are to be fired into Havana, for a short
while at least, unless the fleet is attacked
in any direction.
The official statement is made that the
administration Goes not fear an attack
from the Spanish fleet now at the Cane
Verde Islands. The President does not be-
lieve that this fleet will ever move toward
Cuban waters. Spain would not send this
fleet over to be swallowed are the. words
Of high official. When the same official
was asked if he thought this Spanish fleet
would come to American waters to make
an attack on any port he answered in the
negative. 1T would meet the same fate
as if IL went to Cuban waters" he said
He intimated sire ngly that the flying
squadron will be held in reserve to take
care of any Spanish fleet coming in this
direction.
These plans are be sed wholly on the be-
lief that the Key West fleet will not be
attacked by the Spaniards. The war is to
be bloodless one if such a thing is pos