The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-04-07
was materially relieved and that the

was materially renewed ana that the
prospects for peace looked much
brighter. He in no way confirmed, nor
would he even discuss views entertain
ed In other official quarters. that Spain
was slowly but surely yielding. and
confined his utterances to the general
statement that conditions were i'm
proving.
Accompanying the actual develop
ments of the day came flood of report
and rumor of a sensational character,
little of 1t, however, having any au-
thetic basis The rumors of disturb
ance at Havana were not borne out
by any of the advices here.
The uncertainty following a great
disappointment was the condition of
existing at the Capitol at the close of
the day, when the expected did not
happen. Senators and members were
at sea as to what was coming next.
While the message was awaited there
came hurried summons of leaders Of
the senate and house to the White
House, and they were informed that
the message was to be withheld upon
the information received from Consul
General Lee. The reasons he gave
were deemed entirely satisfactory to
all, and Senator Davis informed the
senate, while the house leaders car
ried the news to that body. That the
danger to American life was considered
sufficient reason for non-action ap-
peared In the postponement of all pro-
posed meetings to consider the situa-
tion.
spain's Proposed Armistice.
The proposed armistice by Spain in
jected another feature into the dis
cussion Of the situation, and while
some were very hopeful that satis-
factory solution of the problem might
eventuate from 1t the general feeling
was that the conditions in Cuba, the
determination Of the insurgents to con-
tinue fighting until independence was
recognized, and the sentiment Of this
country in favor of Cubas independ-
ence Of Spain, possibly made. over
lures or this line too late.
A generally quieter feeling was EVIL
dent at the war and navy departments
where, In contrast to the feverish ex-
.citement of the past week, the tone
was almost apathetic. While there was
eilC uSudl dluoull VI IOullIlC ALleuudHl
upon the recent work of preparation
things settled down at most to the
normal. No more contracts for new
vessels were closed by the navy de-
partment. and no changes in the sta
tions Of ships announced. The day was
also noticeable for the absence of the
conferences of high officials. and the
great tide of visitors, congressman,
public men and contractors almost en-
tirely disappeared.
Assistant Secretary Meiklejohn, of
the war department. made public
statement showing that up to this time
there has been allotted to the depart
ment $9,279,167 from the emergency
fund Of $4,000, 900 appropriated by con-
gress. The different bureaus receiv-
ing this money are: Ordnance, s4,233,-
767; engineers. $4,425, 900; quartermas-
ter's, 100000; signal Office $120 400 OF
the entire amount allotted $927,S0 has
been expended, but as much of the
work begun and the munitions of war
bought Is by the contract system the
government is liable for considerable
of the remainder.
The Easter Holidays in Spain.
The state department officials are an
ticipatlng with much interest and con-
siderable apprehension the probabili-
ties of the coming Easter holidays in
Spain and Cuba. 1t is at such tims,s
that the people, especially when great
national questions are uppermOst in
the public mind, are apt to give way
to their feelings and indulge in riotous
demonstrations. These holidays begin
today, which is Holy Thursday. and
continue for several days. Most Of the
business houses and all the places of
amusement are closed from Thursday
to Sunday, and consequently many
idle people assemble at public places
on the thoroughfares. On Sunday
many Of the shops are opened for half
a day. being closed at noon to permit
the employees to indulge in various
pastimes and sports and to attend the
bull fights, which are so popular in
both Spain and Cuba. In view of the
very strained relations existing at this
time between Spain and the United
States the assemblage of large crowds
in public places may, it is feared, lead
to uprlsings and to demonstrations
against American citizens who may re-
side In Spain or Cuba.
Last evening the president had long
conference by appointment with John
A. Mccall, of New York. Mr.. Mccall
Is understood to have assured the
president that the government would
be put to no embarrassment by lack
of money with which to prosecute a
war. 1t Is said on excellent authority
that Mr.. Mccall expressed to the presl-
dent his belief that within 4s hours he
could raise among the financial insti-
tutions of New York alone $500, 900 900,
which the government could have upon
its own terms, and that il popular
subscription were called for $500, 900 |
could be obtained in a few days.