The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1898-04-09
PEACE A DEAD LETTER
Spanish Situation More Critical
Than Ever.
THE ISSUE is IRRECONCILABLE

Preparation for All EventuaIities Still
Progressing Steadily - Situation Dis
cussed at the Cabinet Meeting General
Lee to supply the Missing Link In the
Testimony Concerning the Destruction
of the Battieship Maine.
Washington, April 9.-The Spanish
American situation is regarded as even
more grave than at any time hereto
fore. The hopeful views of peace here
tofore entertained have given away to
the conviction that the issue between
the United States and Spain has be-
come irreconcilable. The preparation
for all eventualities is proceeding
steadily. One significant evidence in
this direction developed when it was
learned that the United States consul
at Porto Rico was about to leave his
post. The determination to have the
United States consul at Porto Rico
leave indicates that the government is
not alone turning its attention to Cuba.
but to SPANS other colonies of the
West Indies. There is no insurrection
in Porto Rico known here, nor has the
nently of late but its future naturally
TO large extent would follow that of
Cuba.
No New Developments.
The cabinet meeting occupied an
hour and a half. 1t was mainly de-
voted to an informal discussion Of the
situation. The presidents demeanor
was grave throughout and the proceed
H. 4
pectation on the part of the administra-
ton that war would be averted. 1t can
be positively stated that there was no
fresh development in the situation
brought to the attention of the cabinet
nor any dispatches or communications
of any sort placed before it. The joint
note of the powers was considered, but
that it will have practically no effect
on the situation as 1t now exists. was
plainly evident. Consul General Lee,
1t was reiterated, would surely leave
Havana Saturday according to the ca
bled instructions. Just when General
Woodford is expected to vacate his post
Is not ascertainable and may not have
been decided.
To supply the Missing Link.
Owing to the complete formulation OF
policy and the absence of an overnight
development the entire meeting was de-
voted to discussion, including the safe
ty of Americans and the fruitless last
session OF the Spanish cabinet. Repre-
sentative Lorimer of Illinois is author
ity for the statement that General Lee
will make some startling disclosures be-
fore the senate committee on foreign
relations when he arrives here regard
ing the conspiracy to blow up the
Maine. 1t was announced that General
Lee would be called before the commit
tee, but the nature of the testimony
expected from him was not disclosed.
II understand that General Lee is to
supply the missing link in the testi-
mony," said he. MY information Is
that Captain Sigsbee is in possession Of
the facts but does not feel at liberty to
give them until the person who gave
them to him releases him from the
secrecy imposed. That person, under
stand, is General Lee"
Drafting of War Measure.
The members of the ways and means
committee of the house are busily en-
gagged with the treasury officials In the
work preliminary to the drafting OF a
war revenue measure to be introduced
in congress Immediately upon the open
ing Of hostilities with Spain. An in
crease in the internal revenue tax on
beer from 81 to 81 barrel, and large
increase in the tax on manufactured to-
bacco, including cigars and cigarettes
has been practically agreed upon. Bank
checks, bills of exchange. drafts deeds,
mortgages and other paper Of this class,
patent medicines ana nostrums in all
probability also will be added to the
list.