Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-24
PRESIDENTS PLAN
Program Of Action Has Been
Outlined.
TO RELIEVE THE CUBANS
Supplies to Be Sent to Those Who
Are Suffering.
MAINE REPORT COMING TONIGHT
Spanish Torpedo FlotilIa Leaves
the Canaries.
MAINE REPORT COMING T0NIGHP
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES

The President has decided upon a partial
plan of action on the Cuban question, which,
however, unexpected events may cause to
be changed.
The report of the Maine court of inquiry
will arrive In Washington tonight
The Spanish torpedo fiotilla has left the
Canary Islands for Porto Rico. The fact
was at once communicated to the President.
Capt. Robley D. Evans has been ordered
to command the battle ship Iowa.
An immense gathering struggled to gain
admission to the Senate to hear Senator
Thurston describe what he saw in Cuba.
The House galleries were crowded by
those who looked for exciting speeches dur
ing the consideration of the naval appro-
priation bill.
The Cincinnati, Castine and Wilmington
have left Port Antonio. Jamaica, 1t is sur
missed, for some United States port.
Ten rsvenue cutters will De used by the
Navy Department as naval pickets along
the Atlantic coast
Capt Sampson has been assigned to COM
mand of the North Atlantic squadron, sue
csedIng Admiral Sicard
Commodore Schley will be assigned to
command the vessels at Hampton Roads,
known as the flying squadron
Futting together what has come to light
OF the various important conferences of
the last three days at the White House.
1t begins to look as If a program has been
outlined by President Mckinley, one from
which there will probably be no material
departure unless Spain does something to
break the chain now about formed. The
substantial points of this program are:
First. Reception of the Maine court of
inquiry report and it's transmission to Con-
sress Monday or Tuesday.
Second. An appropriation next week by
Congress, either with or without request
from tine President, Of a sum yet to lie
agreed upon for the relief Of the Cuban
people. regardless of where they live or
to what faction they belong.
Third. A message to Congress, by the
10Th of April. setting forth the terrible con-
dition of affairs on the island, the duty of
this country to prevent continuation of
this condition. and a suggestion for inter-
ference, either in recognition of inde-
pendence or by force.
No Recommendation Monday.
There is nothing today to establish the
belief that the President will make any
suggestion to Congress on Monday as to u
settlement Of the question as to Cuba.
What he Will do Monday will be to trans-
nit to Congress the report Of the Maine
court of inquiry, together with the testi-
mony. He will say little himself
His own expressions may be confined to
the statement that Spain has been notified
of the findings of the court, and that a
copy of the findings has been presented to
that country through Minister Polo. OF
course, If there are important developments
of a great international character between
now and thsn the President will touch
lriefiy on them, but he will not say any
thing Of the Cuban situation in general
The Question of Indemnity.
1t is now seriously doubted, as exclusive
ly mentioned IN yesterdays Star, whether
the President will make any demand for
Indemnity rpor Spain for the loss of the
Maine. number of distinguished men
have suggested this to the President, TAX
tng the ground that this will not bind the
United States to policy of money repara-
ton: that it will prevent request from
Spain of international arbitration, which
would entail enormous expense OF time and
prevent a settlement of the graver ques-
tins.
1t is ayerred that this country would not
be in position to intervene to stop hostil-
tiles and starvation in Cuba II there was
pending a settlement of indemnity by an
International court To intervene pending
this settlement would be TO throw the
country open to the charge of seeking re.
yenge for its failure to collect dollars and
cents.
Intervention of Huma nifty,
After the Maine report goes to Congress
the President will follow with a message.
or a request. for an appropriation to re-
ieve distress In Cuba. This will be an in
tervention Of humanity.
The President will begin to take stems
to properly exrend this appropriation, an.
Lcuncing that succor will go to all tbs
psople Of Cuba and not to reconcentrados
alone While all this is going on it will
be interesting to see what Spain will do
She has announced that she will not per
nit this country to officially feed her peo
pie. She may consider the act of Congress
an insult, and direct Intervention and wal
may ensue from what takes place as G
result Of this policy of humanity on tn.
part Of the United States. II IT comes
nom this cause President Mckinley vii
have nothing to regret. He will have
acted as ne thought best. and in such q