The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-30

terms the purpose of the President to force
the responsibility of war upon Congress un-
less Congress gives him the time which he
deems necessary to the successful consum-
nation of pending negotiations. If there
is to be war at this stage, or in the imme-
date future, the record must be made to
show that the President was driven from
peace position against his judgment and
pending negotiations which, if not interrupt
ed might have resulted in a peaceful ad-
justment of the differences between the
United States, Cuba and Spain. Congress,
in its present mood, is entirely willing to
accept the responsibility of taking the in
itiative.
Later in the day number of correspond
ents Of administratic : newspapers were
summoned to the White House to meet the
they met, not the President, but Mr.. Por-
ter, his secretary, who explained to them
that it was the duty of the press to
urge Congress to allow Mr.. Mckinley more
time and not to crowd him. Mr.. Porter
was asked to explain what the Presidents
policy was and what he was hoping to ac-
compIish; ALSO what headway had been
made with negotiations. Mr.. Porter's re-
plies were not considered entirely satisfac-
tory, as they gave almost no light upon the
subject During the interview he admitted
haH icriT1
ated in washington and that the Madrid
government had not responded with any
definite propositions. although something
tangible was expected to result from con-
ference between Minister Woodford and
sagasta at Madrid this afternoon. A cable
gram from General Woodford was received
at the White House this evening, but no
information as to its contents can be OBJ
tanned If it is satisfactory to the Presi-
dent something about it will be disclosed to-
morrow If it is unsatisfactory the Presi
for aggressive action, though this is not
considered probable by those who are in
his confidence and who have the distinc-
ton of his intimate acquaintance.
The President decided to-day that on ac-
count of the high state of excitement in
Congress he would withhold his Cuban re-
lief intervention message for the present.
He was advised that there would be strong
and probably successful opposition to the
suggestion for as.relief proposition unless
with a war rider attached. The project
has not been abandoned, but has simply
been deferred. AS a last move, if he finds
Congress determined to act independently
of him, he may send in a message, accom-
panying it with the Cuban consular corre-
spondence and with transcript of the dip
lomatic correspondence between Madrid and
Washington. If this should be done it
would be with the objurgaton, Take the
question and take the responsibility; do
with it what you will.
The Washington srvaation Is critical. On
that point there can be no doubt. Con-
gress is ready to do something rash and
the President is painfully anxious for
Congress to give him more time.
The Indiana delegation is wrought up
over the prospect. The Republicans want
to stand by the President. They feel also,
that they owe quite as great obligation to
their constituencies and that they will not
be representing the people in their districts
if they consent to further delay unless some
thing tangible is presented that will satisfy
popular sentiment. They are confessedly
in distress None of them has openly Joined
the revolt. but several have made conf
Dental confessions that they may have to
if it comes to a test.
--N----