The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-03-27

Key West, Fla, March a6.-Intensc
excitement was caused here by the As
sociated Press bulletin to the effect
that the United States has notified
Spain that hostilities in Cuba must
cease,
The work of painting the warships
black was carried OH this afternoon
with redoubled energy
Rear Admiral Sicard was on the point
of leaving Key West. and knew moth
lug of the action taken by the United
States. rA torpedo boat was ut once
dispatched to Captain Sampson, on
board the Iowa, notifying him of the
latest development.
Captain Chadwick, of the New York,
is leaving to take command Of the
Brooklyn, and Captain Sampson's flag
will be transferred to the New York.
The Indiana, Iowa, New York. De-
troit, Nashville. Marblehead and Mont
gome1y are being painted black.
All the officers here regard war as
being imminent.
Rear Admiral Sic;rd with his wife
and daughter, left Key West this after
noon on the steamer for Miami. They
are going to Nassau, ad thence to Palm
Beach. The admiral expects to spend
several weeks resting at Florida witer
resorts.
Captain Sampson has taken formal
charge of the fleet. The usual cere-
nlony in the change of flags was omitted
Washington, ID. c.. March 26-Presi-
dent Mckinley talked freely with his
Congressional visitors today, both in r.
gard to his plans for the future and his
appreciation of the situation with ref
efence to Cuba. His programme as
thus outlined is as follows:
TO send the report of the Maine Court
of Inquiry to Congress on Monday
without recommendation and without ex-
PLANTATION on his part, further than to
say that he has acquainted Spain with
the findings of the court; W follow this
Tuesday or Wednesday with a message
dealing with the condition of the non
e'omSatants in Cuba. and asking for an
appropriation of $500,00O for their i'm
mediate relief; to present anew this
condition to Spain, ask that country To
make provision for the care of her own
helpless people, and to come 10 some
terms with the Cubans, which will be
satisfactory to them, ana put an end to
the war
This failing, to forcibly intervene on
humanitarian grounds.
The President indicated to his callers
an abiding faith that peace still may be
preserved. and a determination ON his
part to accomplish that end If it may
be done with honor to Cur own country.
and without disregard for the demands
of humanity. He frankly and repeatedly
ayerred today his desire to prevent con
hict, while at the same time indicating
nrm purpose to secure relief for the
starving reconcentrados. Indeed the
latter purpose appeared 10 ne the topic
uppermost in the Presidents mind. He
dwelt upon the fact t6aL the recognition
or Delhgerent rights, or of Independence
would not be of any material service to
these unfortunates. He admitted that
such action might be Of assistance 10
the men at arms, the inSuryanf army.
but they, he said, have shown = c.,,n
city to take care of themselves. and do
not stand Ill pressing reed Of our kind
offices. The President believes that
Spain viii lnterpose no obstacles to our
sending succor to her INDECENT peonle
and he will ask Congress to act promntIy
that the aid to be given may not arrive
too late TO relieve the present pressing
necessities.
This done, the President is boneful
that Congress will remain quiet. while
the executive branch of the government
continues dtS efforts to secure a peaceful
settlement Of the difficulty. He thinks