The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-04-09
WAITING TO GOTO VAR.
Day Passes Without Changing
the Situation.
DIPLOMATIC TALK DONE.
Spain Must Take the Step if War
Is to Be AVerted.
CONGRESS- PLAN NOT CLEAR
Problem Of Intervention and Inde-
pendenCe Perplexing.

Washington, April S.-Good Friday pass
Cd in Washington with not a ripple on
the surface either at the White House or
The capitol to show that the United States
is on the brink of war. Both houses of
Congress had adjourned until Monday, and
at the executive mansion there was no
rush of eager and excited public men.
At only the war and navy departments
were there signs of an impending conflict
in the rush of immediate orders to a host
duty on vessels to which they were as
signed, and in conference among bureau
chiefs on details of war preparations.
And yet the resolve was frmer than
ever that unless Spain yielded TO Ameri-
cas- Cuban demands the United States by
force of arms, would move on Havana.
There was still some discussion of Gu
han affairs, which revolved around two
propositions, namely, intervention without
recognition of national independence of the
Cuban insurgents, and intervention with
concurrent recognition of the indepeno-
of Cuba. Some public men hovefed be-
tween these two propositions and favored
a compromise. There was no definite lead
by which it could be stated with any,
thing like authoritativeness as to which
course would be adopted, but the unset
tied state of public opinion on the matter
indicated that events of the next few days,
the strength of the arguments of the
forthcoming presidential message or a dis
tinct utterance from our consul general to
Cuba, might be strong enough TO incline
the balance to either course.
The cabinet held its usual Friday session,
but its meeting brought no change in the
Spanish situation. Indeed, it was chiefly
significant in establishing that no change
had occurred, that none was expected and
that the programme of action on the part
OF the United States government was al
ready made up The Presidents message
remains unaltered, and this being the last
cabinet day before the message will go to
Congress, alterations are unlikely between
low and Monday, barring altogether un-
expected developments from Madrid. At
ter the meeting cabinet officers stated that
the message would be sent to Congress
On Monday, no change in that respect hav-
ing been considered, and all causes for
delay having been removed.
The feeling that an end had come to
diplomatic talk and that action alone re-
malned was shared in all quarters, includ-
ing the foreign embassies and legations,
Where the ambassadors and ministers ex-
pressed the feeling that all has been done
done
IN the cause of peace.
What is going on at Madrid gives slight
nope of such concessions there as will
6Itar the present situation. There are no
hegotiations in the sense of exchanges on
pending propositions Both parties ap-
pdIently have said their last word con-
VeIhng the respective propositions.
certainly this Is true as to the United
states and there were no evidences to-day
taat the Spanish government would re-
ceoe 1t is even doubtful whether a
concession of an armistice by Spain would
ne sufficient at this late moment to turn
ule situation into peaceful channels.
Preparations for all eventualitles, are
~ihg hurried to completion. Gen. Lee
VIII leave Havana tomorrow, probably
on the small naval vessel Fern, now m
havana harbor. although it was said at
lhe state department that he might take
Vne OF the Plant line steamers. At that
uhe also the other United States consuls
am most of the American citizens resid-
"s IN Cuba win be out of the island.
CInclal reports received here to-day sta
yea that large numbers of Americans were
edVing on the several steamers from Ha-
,"Hd and other ports. Entire quiet has
P.glahed there up to this time.
me United States consul at Porto Rico
a. preparing to leave. No Instructions, it
stated definitely, have been sent TO
Hlinister Woodford concerning his with
laval from Madrid that being left to
MS discretion. The prospect of his with
'"al has been fully considered, how
W.T. and there is reason to believe that
:" me event of his retirement the British
S'Hoassador at Madrid will look after
'heflcan interests and afford protection
No No such Americans as remain in Spain.
"'s II Is stated IN an authoritative QUAR-
,g,' is part of a comfy between the Uni
'5' states and Great Britain, and recipro-
N'les the action of the United States gov
lHIhent in affording protection to British
'-oJects on a former occasion.
ne Spanish minister at Washington has
,1eiVed no instructions as to his depar-
l's' nor has he made any preparations to
so' out his establishment is in such con-
Gluon that he could leave within few
HDors after receiving orders from his gov
'rnment to depart
AS an evidence Of the complete cessa-