Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1898-03-31


Later in the day the Spanish minis
ter, Senior Bernabe, called at the state
department and spent some time with
Mr.. Day. 1t was inferred that the APP
proach of the Spanish tlotilla was one
of the subjects referred to. Whether.
however. there was any suggestion
against the move was not disclosed
by either Mr.. Day or the Spanish min
lister. Following the tiotilia announce
ment important news followed rapidly.
The first was this announcement by
Secretary Long indicating the placing
of our squadron and fleet on war
footing:
admiral Sicard has been granted
leave on account of his health. Capt.
Sampson has been made commander OF
the feet at Key West. Capt. Evans
has been ordered to take command OF
the battleship Iowa. The orders to the
squadron in Hampton Roads have not
yet been issued"
1t soon became known that COmmo-
dore w. $. Schley was slated to com
mand the flying squadron now assem-
bling at Hampton Roads. This an
nouncement was of unusual Importance.
Admiral Sicard has been in command
of the fleet at Key West throughout
the critical period of the Maine dis
aster. Capt. Sampson has been in
command of the Iowa, but recently has
been conspicuous as president of the
Maine court of inquiry. Capt. Evans
is better known as ''Fighting Bob
At the close of the day came the an
nouncement that the navy depar tment
had purchased eight steam yachts and
four steam tugs, presumably at New
York, for use in the auxiliary naval
fleet. The boats are about 400 tons
each and would be suitable as torpedo
boats. The yachts purchased are
among the tleetest along the Atlantic
coast
The president said to several visitors
Yesterday that he would do everything
consistent with the honor of the coun-
try to avert war and he still believed
war could be averted. The president
acknowledged that he believes the re-
port of the board of inquiry will find
that the Maine was blown up from the
outside.
His programme has been definitely
decided. 1t is his purpose to treat the
blowing up of the Maine as an Incl
dent. The report of the board will be
sent to congress on Monday with a
brief message relating the events lead
ing up to that point and informing
congress that the facts contained in
the report have been cabled to Madrid
to be laid before the Spanish govern
ment by Minister Woodford. No de
mand will be made upon Spain, but
the laying of the facts before the
Spanish government will be equivalent
to calling upon Spain for an explana-
ton and such action as she may deem
proper.
1t is the purpose of the house leaders
to refer the report and message to the
committee on foreign affairs without
debate and to this purpose it is be-
leved the democrats of the house have
acquiesced, reserving the right to de,
mand action if a report from the com-
mittee is too long delayed. Much will
then depend upon Spain's response, but
there are those close to the president
who believe that from the time the re-
port is sent to congress it Will drop out
as "a factor in the situation.
The second part OF the presidents
programme reaches the main question,
and involves intervention on human
itarian grounds within week or ten
DAYS after the report of the board goes
to congress. 1t will be intervention to
relieve the starvation in Cuba and upon
Spain'S acquicsccnce in or objection to
this act will depend peace or war.