The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-04-02

WASHINGTON. April There is lit
tie doubt that the president and the men~
bers OF his cabinet now regard conflict
with Spain as almost Inevitable. In his
bility VIII be sent in next Monday. and
certainly early next week, il is under
stood that the president will review at
some length the record As 1t stands be-
tween this government and Spain, but
win not insist upon further time in which
to continue negotiations looking to q
peaceful solution Of the Cuban problem.
The cabinet meeting this morning was
unQuestionably the most important held
in many years. It received Spair's an
swer to the ultimatum OF this govern
ment. and. finding II unsatisfactory, prac-
tically decided upon q policy which at
this hour seem certain to involve hos
tilities. The whole record viii be laid
before congress. and the question 10 now
under earnest consideration OF what shall
be the particular form our policy shall
take in bringing to an end the horrors in
Cuba and securing the independence OF
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the island.
Propositions ranging from simple
reepsnition OF Cuban Independence to q
atr1ishx-oas dAcaaratian of war have haen
urged at the capital but there IL hardly
q doubt that the majority OF congress
awaits the executive lead before taking
action. and Is disposed to adopt Mr..
McKinley's suggestions on this point 1t
Is thought that any OF the resolutions ex-
cept possibly simple recognition Of in
dependence. would lead to war
There were. Of course. all sorts OF ru-
mcrs in circulation, including reports of
mediation by some European power. but
no such suggestion has come to this gov
ernment, for as late as o'clock, in re-
sponse to direct question, Assistant
Secretary Day said that there had been
no offer OF mediation by any foreign gov
eFnment.
One member Of the cabinet, referring
to the meeting today. spoke substantially
as follows:
In the morning It was apparent To all
OF US that, having exhausted all diplomats
Efforts to bring about better condition
OF anaIrs. and they having failed, the
whole question must be submitted TO con- !
gress. At our afternoon meeting the presi-
dent requested each member Of the cabl-
net TO express his own opinion as TO what
should be done. The discussion was en-
tireiy on the lines indicated by the MEM
bers. Nothing definite was decided upon,
and no conclusions reached. The president
viii now take the views submitted % him
urder consideration preparatory 10 his
message 10 congress, which will be early
next week.
"Mr. Mckinley has done great deal OF
work lately. and appears pretty well
fatigued. Consequently, he will take some
little rest before beginning work on the
message. He has not yet determined what
recommendation Will be communicated to
congress.
My own individual opinion is that bu.
little faith can be put IN promises made By
Spain. and this makes me hesitate abou;
accepting with any confidence str latest
proposals. In the first place. she promised
long time ago that the reconcentrado.
would be released The result shows this
promise has not been kept. Now ~he pro.
poses to release them. but keep them under
military supervision. Who can tell whether
she will adhere 20 this expressed inten-
ticn?
Broadly there appear to be three
courses open TO tNc pfcSiGtO< III S<diHS
further with this matter. The first OF
those is TO accept the propositions sub
rnit.ed hy Spain in reply to the American
representations. the second. to reiegate
the whole matter 10 congress and let that
body do as IL seems proper. which. think
would mean intervention, and thirdly, 10
take a middle stand.
But al I said before, nothing has yet
been determined upon by the president. or
~ he has reached decision. he did not
communicate IL TO the members OF the
cabinet this afternoon.
yes. reference was made by Spain 10
the Maine matter In the reply she sen.
through Minister Woodford. She made
no offer 20 pay for the Joss bus suggested
that the matter be settled by arbitration
So far as ! can recall, she expressed 10
regre, for the sad occurrence. ard the
wno,e thing was regarded as a cold-biood-
ed statement"
The second session Of The cabinet lasted
from 5 O'Clock until s:so.
The Spanish minister called at the state
department AZ 80 o'clock and Vas In
conference wIth Judge Day for some time.
Although fhere was the stricresf reserve
as "a what had occurred. IL can be stated
positively that the United States submit
ted no further progos. tons. nor d.d the
Spanish minister ofssr anything to charge
the situation O. affairs. Both sides re-