The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-03
Will Review the Diplomatic NegOtia-
pOrtant Recommendation.
RECOGNITION OF CUBANS
AND ARMED INTERVENTION TO Sc
CURE THEIR INDEPENDENCE,
May Be Urged by the President
White House Conferences.

WASHINGTON, April 2.--rhe quietude of
the White House tonight was in striking
contrast with the intense activity and re-
pressed excitement of the past few days.
For several hours the President was alone
in his private library, busily engaged in
the preparation of his forthcoming message
to Congress. No callers were received ex-
cept by appointment, and with two three
whom the President did see he conversed
very briefly. About 9 clock Mr. Charles
Emory Smith, editor on the Philadelphia
Press and one Of the Presidents confden-
tial friends, joined Mr.. Mckinley in the IL
brary and remained in conference with him
for half an hour. AS he left the executive
mansion Mr.. Smith said that he was, of
course not at liberty to disclose the ma
ture of his visit to the President. He added,
however, in response to inquiries, that he
could see no chango in the situation. War
was, he believed, imminent, but it might
yet be averted. He was quite satisfied that
it would not be precipitated on Monday
and gave the impression by his remarks
that the forthcoming message would not
be sent to Congress before Tuesday. Now
that the country realized that we were on
the verge of serious trouble, he said, there
was meditative spirit abroad. The people
right action so soon as the time for ac-
ton should arrive. In the message, on
which so much now hinges, Mr.. Smith felt
assured that the President would deal fully
and frankly with Congress and with the
country. The entire question in hand would
be presented calmly and thCughtfully,/ and
with full sense of the responsibility of the
executive. The President would, however
indicate his own plans and wishes, thereby
accepting his share of whatever might be
the result, as was becoming in a brave and
patriotic President Mr. Smith said, in con-
clusion, that he knew nothing of the pros
pect of mediation to be offered by foreign
powers except what he had seen in the
newspapers, but intimated that the question
now would be settled on the one hand by
Spain and on the other by the Congress and
President of the United States.
GROSVENOR'S ANNOUNCEMENT
At H:SO tonight General Grosvenor an
nounced positively, after an extended con-
ference with the President, that the mes
sage would not be sent to Congress before
next Tuesday. The participants in the con-
ference were Senator Hanna, General
Grosvenor and Judge A. c. Thompson
president of the Criminal Law Codification
Commission. Attorney General Griggs was
present a short time. General Grosvenor
said there was nothing new in the Spanish
situate tonight. mot the slightest
change is perceptible" said he 1.-The Pres
ident is carefully considering his message.
and it will be memorable state document
No." he replied to an inquiry, lit will not
be sent to Congress on Monday 1t will not
go before Tuesday. 1t is no childs play to
prepare such q paper as the President will
give to Congress and to the country. 1t
will thoroughly review all of this govern
ments diplomatic negotiations with Spain
relative to Cuba and will contain such
recommendations as will appeal to the sense
of right and justice of the American people
just such recommendations as every friend
of President Mckinley has reason TO expect
from one so patriotic and devoted to his
country as he is.
do you expect any action by Congress on
Monday in advance of the Presidents mes
sage?" General Grosvenor was asked.
oh no. he replied. Congress will be
entirely willing to await the action of the
President. Everybody thoroughly realizes
that the chief executive of this country
cannot be taken by the throat in matter
of this kind. He must have time to formu-
late his message in his own way. President
Mckinley for many weeks has been under
a. terrific strain and is beginning to show
the effects of it. He will communicate to
Congress and to the country as soon as
possibIe and there is doubt that Con-
eress will respect his desires in the mat
ter"
During the conference the Associated
Press news that the Spanish torpedo boat
flotilla had not yet arrived at Porto Rico
and that the probabilities were that it was
now at the Cape de Verde islands was COM
municated to the President 1t was received
with much satisfaction, the President read
ing aloud to the others present the note
conveying the information. Commenting
unon the information General Grosvenor
said .sThat materially relieves the strain
on the situation and modifies 1t consider
ably
WAR. UNLESS SPAIN YIELDS.
Very few members Of Congress be-
leve there is much hore of avert
ing war, and those who do base
their belief solely on the theory that Spain
at the last minute will yield. Most of them
look on war as certainty and already are
discussing its probable duration, cost etc.
There was much speculation in regard to
the Presidents message. 1t was stated late
to-day that Mckinley would recommend
the recognition of Cuba's independence, and
that he would not ask further delay unless
IN the meantime Spain backs down from
her present position Mr. Mckinley has said
within a few days to prominent leaders Of
his party that when he sent the case TO
Congress he would share with that body the
responsibility for whatever course was de-
cided on on the other hand. there is an
sntiunation that the President may wish
Congress to assume the Initiative. II he
puts mIi the responsibility on Congress