The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-03-26
M'KINLEY PLAYING FOR TIME.
He Still Hopes, 1t Is Said, to End the Matter by
Diplomacy.
is PLEADING WITH SENATOR'S.
Wants Them to Promise Not to Act
Too Hastily.

Washington. March President Nc
Kinley has resumed his conferences with
the democratic leaders of the house and
senate. He has so far talked to German,
Gray Morgan, Crockrell Turpie, Faulkner.
Bacon, Walthali and Jones Of Arkansas.
He has also conferred with Congressman
Bailey, leader of the minority in the house.
were Mason, Cullom Fairbanks, Spooner
and Lodge. Nothing that has occurred to-
day would seem to Indicate any change In
the presidents policy, Or TO speak more
accurately, his want of policy. Those who
conferred with him were unable to arrive
at any satisfactory conclusion on this sub
ject, though most Of them seemed 10 think
that he was playing for time.
He specially pleaded that congress should
not act until the plans which he now has
in contemplation were duly formulated
and it is said sought to get Senator Morgan
Of Alabama TO use his influence with his
democratic colleagues to delay action I'M
til such time as he might indicate Sen
ator Morgan replied that he could not an
swer for the action Of his democratic col
leagues. Il ugh he would be willing to
give the president any reasonable time that
he might ask. He then inquired how much
time tn president wanted Mr.. Mckinney
replied that he would want about thirty
days, without, however, enlightening has
visitor as to reasons for this delay. Sen
ator Morgan answered that this was more
time than congress would be willing TO
concede II the report of the naval board
of inquiry showed that the blowing up
The doughty senator from Alabama and
the yacillating chief executive then parted
company.
While no one can surmise the particular
reasons which prompt the president 10 de-
lay an issue, which, in the opinion of the
best posted men at the capital, must be
me, sooner or later, 1t is the belief o!
| some that he wants IIne to negotiate with
| spiin and Is still hopeful OF securing pssce
nv Diplomatic means. II is also thougn'
| thar he desires TO eliminate the Maine dis
aster from the discussion OF the situation
| and that when he viii send the findings
| of the board TO congress next week " WIZ
probably be without any recommendation
or special comment. IL is also seriously
! doubted whether lie VIII make any ue
| nand for Indemnity from Spain for tilf
| loss Of the ship. He viii simply inform
congress that he has notified Spain OF th'
fnGings Of the board. II any important
dey,lcpments Of an international character
should arise between now and then, he WI
briefly touch upon Them. He will ther
| hold action In alb vance until month o.
six weeks, when his plan. or whatever n
may now have uader consideration, WI
be set forth in special message 10 con
| gregs. His friends claim that IN ms mes
| sage he will suggest discontlnuance o
| existing conditions on the island. either b,
| declaring Independence or by intervention
by force II ne ,essary. overlooking the prop
ability. however, that II the issue Is de
llavad much longer ;hsre may be no raus
| for intervention or succor. as most OF u
reconcentrados will then be dead. Briefly
he situation may be summed up as fol
laws. Mckinley Is still being influences
nv the trade winds.