Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-04-21

had ordinary -gutta percha holder and
as il was handed 20 the president by his
secretary. Mr. Porter. those present gath
cred around the table 10 witness the act.
There was considerable feeling manifested
by those about but there was no demon
stration or congratulations. The small
crowd very soon dispersed and within ten
minutes the normal conditions of things at
the White House had been resumed.
Secretary Alger remained with the pres
ident. and as soon as the rush was over
The TWO took a walk in the White House
grounds. returning in less than half an
hour. Although the text of the ultmatum
was not made public il is known that with
il is transmitted TO the Spanish govern
ment through Minister Nyoodford a copy
of the joint resolutions of congress. to-
gether with the statement that they have
received executive approval. In compliance
with their terms the president makes a
demand upon Spain to withdraw her land
and naval forces from the island and fits
waters. and in the event that satisfactory
response TO this demand is not received
nv the president by Saturday next he will
proceed with the armed forces of the
United States to carry these resolutions
into effect.
The president does not name any hour
OF the day of Saturday pricr TO which
Spain must make answer If at all TO our
demands, but a reasonable assumption is
that any time up to midnight Saturday
will be regarded as compliance with the
terms of the ultimatum.
One of the members of the cabinet, in
speaking OF this feature, said that the
government would not hold a stop watch
on Spain in this emergency, and could well
afford on our own account to give her
three days 10 decide a question which may
involve the destiny of the nation.
From this time forward war preparations
will go forward with renewed activity. and
both the army and navy will be put in po-
sitior for active operations. There seems
TO be little doubt, that the first move will
he 10 blockade one or more of the Cuban
ports and as soon as an army of oocupa-
ton can be transported TO them a demand
will be made for an unconditional surren-
der, and in the event of a refusal the work
of reducing them by bombardment will he
begun Immediately. 1t is not thought that
The assembling of the naval forces will he
delayed even for day, and it is not un-
likely that important movements of both
arms of the service will be ordered within
the next few hours.
Ii was learned to-day from an admipis.
iti.t
desirous Of avoiding express recognition
of the Cuban republic. Aside from the
reasons that have been set forth in debates
in congress, mostly based on constitutional
questions, there were two very important
practical considerations that affected the
presidents mind. The first was a purely
military consideration. lie was satisfied
that the United States army and naval
forces would operate. in the event of the
recognition of the Cuban republic. at a
great disadvantage. Instead of moving
under free rein, the military forces would
be obliged 10 treat with the officials of
the Cuban republic at every step. as equals
and allies. and he believed they would be
very much himpered thereby in their ope-
rations.
As it is. in the event of war, the army
OF the United States will move under the
orders OF the president and commanding
generals without regard to the wishes of
Cuban insursent oficers. Another consid-
Grafton that affected him was the state
ment. based on precedents. that the con-
clusion of peace at the termination of hos
ulities would be very much complicated by
the previous recognition on the part OF the
United States of the Cuban republic and a
treaty of peace would. ii is said necessarily
be drawn between Spain on the one hand
and Cuba on the other. leaving the United
States. which had borne the brunt of the
lighting, without a voice in peace arrange
ments.