The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-03-27

Mchlnley talked freely with his con-
gressional visitors to-day, both in re-
gard to his plans for the future and his
appreciation of the situation with ref
erence to Cuba. His programme, as
thus outlined, is as follows:
To send the report of the Maine court
of inquiry to congress on Monday with
out recommendation and without ex-
PLANTATION on his part further than to
say that he has acquainted Spain with
the findings of the court. To follow
this Tuesday or Wednesday with a
message dealing with the condition OF
the non-combatants in Cuba. and ask
ing for an appropriation of 100000 for
their immediate relief. To present
anew this condition to Spain, asking
that country to make provision for the
care of her own helpless people and to
come to some terms with the Cubans
which Will be satisfactory to them anc
to put an end to the war. This falling
to forcibly intervene on humanitarian
grounds.
The president indicated to his callers
an abiding faith that peace still may
be preserved and a determination or
his part to accomplish that end IL il
may be done with honor to our own
country and without disregarding the
demands of humanity. He frankly and
repeatedly avowed to-day his desire to
prevent a conflict. while at the same
time indicating a firm purpose to Sc
cure relief for the starving reconcen-
trados Indeed, the latter purpose ap-
peared to be the topic uppermost in
the presidents mind. He dwelt upon
the fact that the recognition of bellg-
erent rights, or of independence. would
not be of any material service to these
unfortunates. He admitted that such
~ iob ha Of gGic fan 10 he.
men at arms, the insurgent army, but
they, he said, have shown a capacity
to take care of themselves and do not
stand in pressing need of any kind
offices.
The president believes Spain will in
terpose no obstacles to our sending sue
cor to her INDECENT people, and he will
ask congress to act promptly, that the
aid given may not arrive too late to
relieve the present necessities. This
done. the president is hopeful that con-
gress will remain quiet while the ex-
ecutive branch of the government con-
tinues its efforts to secure a peaceful
settlement of the difficulty. He thinks
it not too late to do this. and he made
the assertion to-day that Spain was
willing to meet the United States half
way in adjusting the enlargement
without coming to blows.
He referred only casually to the sail
ing of the Spanish torpedo boats, leav-
ing the impression on the minds of his
visitors that he considered that, so far
in this matter. Spain is acting within
the bounds of her own rights, and that
no just complaint can yet be made by
this country i'm regard to this course.
He did not enter into details regard
ing the propositions he may make, or
may have made. to Spain. for undoubt-
edly some are pending. but he left the
that he would be satisfied
with no settlement that would not give
the Cubans a very liberal form of gov
ernment. He admitted frankly that au-
tonomy had proved a failure. and ex-
pressed the opinion that it would be
as difficult to satisfy the Americans
with any settlement that might be
made as il would be to satisfy the Gu |
bans themselves. He reasserted the |
possibility of securing an agreement or |
the part of Spain to allow Cuba to con- |
duct her own affairs with absolute free |
dom, except that the island should be |
required to pay the mother country ]
specified sum in the way of tribute
every year out of her revenues. SEEM /
ing to think that this would form /
basis upon which both Spain and the \
Cubans could agree without the sacri- 4
fee of too much pride on either side.
Mr.. Mckinley reverted often i'm his
TO MS desire To main p
tain peace and dwelt upon the fact
that war meant not only the loss of lie /
and property. but that IL also would in
jure our commerce. disturb business
generally increase our pub
tic debt. add to our pension roll and re-
suit in many ways to our disadvantage |
and distress. He made IL clear also
that whatever course he might pursue i
in the future. he would not at present
demand any indemnity at the hands of
Spain for the loss of the Maine, pre-
ferring to leave that matter to the ad-
justment of a more quiet period
The president also spoke of possible
with other nations. but
did not manifest any uneasiness on this
score. Senators who have visited the
president have. without exception. so
Tar as can be learned. assured him that
the senate appreciates his efforts TO
preserve peace under proper conditions
and have told him that there Is no dan
ger of precipitate action in that body.