The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-04-08

sent TO Portland, Ne; Boston, Cnaries-
ton, s c.; Hampton Roads. Fort Wads-
worth and Fort Hancock to lay cables
and electrical apparatus for the moor
ing and operation OF mines. Arrange
mea1ts were being made today to re-
ceive the thirty-four rapid-fire guns re-
Gently purchased abroad and due TO az
rive tomorrow on the cruiser New Or
leans from England. The shipment
weighs 900, 600 pounds and it is being
arranged to send two OF the guns to
each OF the seventeen principal fortifi-
cations along the coast to be mounted
as barbette guns.
The most complete preparations have
been made for the purchase and ship
ment OF provisions and supplies TO the
various points at which they will be
needed in case war is declared. No
large purchases have been made as
yet, but the department knows just
where and in what quantities supplies
are to be had. their cost, and now
quickly they can be delivered.
force Of 120 men from Willets Point
has been ordered to be ready to leave
the post at a half hours notice to assist
in the work of preparing for the laying
of mines and torpedoes between the
Virginia capes a the entrance to Ches-
apeake bay.
TIE STAND AGAINST THE PRESI-
DENT IN THE HOUSE.
Washington, April 6.-Notwithstand
ing the impatience and disappointment
caused among the republican members
of. the house by the Withholding of the
presidents message, the frank state
ment of the president to the leaders
and to several prominent democrats
that such a course was deemed abSO-
lutely necessary by Consul General
r e. "A aF .
Americans still in Cuba, has caused
them to accept the situation in good
faith. Some of She most radical after
hearing the statement of those who
saw the president appeared satisfied.
These with whom the president talked
came away with a very strong impress
sion that the message would mean war
unless Spain backed down squarely.
One of them who has been very active
in antagonizing delays says the mes
sage will be perfectly satisfactory and
Will fully meet the eXpecta tiOns of the
country. Pending the transmittal of
the message, in view of the situation
presented by the president, all plans
looking to action in the house will be
abandoned. But those who have been
taking part in the radical movement
and who always admit the possibility
that the time may come when they
"
president, are, according to the leaders
Of the movement, more determined than
ever to ultimately obtain what they de-
sire. They, however, are at present
satisfied with the assurances they have
received as to the character Of the mes
sage. But this has not prevented them
from organizing for possible contin-
gencieS. The conference which was to
to have been held tonight after the
message was in was abandoned, out
fifty of these who originally inaugural
ed the movement met imm ediateiy af
ter the house adjourned to discuss the
situation. All who were not heartily
in sympathy with them were invited to
leave. Those at the meeting unani-
mously agreed to wait upon the mes
sage, but the movement for a caucus,
started by the presidents supporters,
which was also abandoned during the
afternoon, exposed to them a danger
upon which they had not reckoned-
namely, that a caucus of republicans
might he called to bind them by the
party action and place them in the po-
sition of boilers if the occasion arose
for them to adopt an independent plan
Of action. A committee of eight was,
therefore, appointed to count noses, to
watch the situat ton and to devise ways
and means to meet any tactics OF the
opposition. The committee is as fol-
lows: Messrs. Hopkins, of Illinois; Lor-
rimer, of Illinois; Tawney, of Mime
sofa; Cooper, of Wisconsin; Hepburn,
of Iowa; Bronwell, of Ohio; Joy, Of
Missouri; Knox, of Massachusetts.
Several rather vigorous speeches i'm
denunciation of any policy OF delay
were made in the course of the meet
ing. In order to emphasize this posi-
ton a proposition was made to unite
with the democrats and block all legis-
lation, adjourming from day to day un-
til the message appeared and the house
had acted on the Cuban resolutions.
But Mr.. Hull, of Iowa, is pushing the
army reorganization bill and made
such an ardent plea to allow that bill
to come to a vote that the proposition
was temporarily abandoned. Whether
1T will be revived depends largely upon
the course of events. 1t can be stated,
however, that it is seriously contem-
plated.
One Of the other chief developments
of the day was the probability that, in
the event of split on the republican
| side, the democrats would unite with
| the radicals and allow the latter to
force the issue. If the democrats should
| seek to assume the aggressive the
chances are they would solidify the
republicans against them.
| AMERICANS LEAVING HAVANA.
Havana, April 6.-The Mascotte sail
| ed this afternoon with a full compile
ment of passengers, among them many
distinguished families
| During the last twenty-four hour:
| there have been issued 3S6 passports Il
| persons proceeding or about to proceed
| to the United States. The attitude o
| the public is one of quiet expectancy
| The order maintained in the city /.
| admirable
Consul General Lee assures the cor
| respondent of the Associated Press thai
he has received no instructions to leav,
| Havana. Tt is reported, however. tha.
| some of the consular records wer.
sent north by the Mascotte today. Sh
| is expected back from Key West OF
| Friday. With the Bache [Mangrove ans
Fern there viii be ample accommoda
| tions then to take away all who ar
entitled TO go.
The G. LawFton Childs Company has
| intended to close their business her,
today, but have reconsidered the de