The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-04-05
Washington Bureau st. Paul Globe,
Corcoran Building.

Special to The St Paul Globe.
WASHINGTON, D. c., April A.
Spain and her specious diplomats are
taking advantage Of the straits in
which the administration finds itself.
The Republican row has assumed
such an alarming stage that it was
only with great difficulty exposures of
) scandalous transactions in connection
with the campaign of 1896 were held
back today.
There is also talk about the big con-
tracts for munitions and small arms,
the purchase of 100000 tons Of coal
for the navy. and other like deals that
will hardly stand the search light pro-
cess.
Representative Bailey, a shrewd poll
ticien, today scored the Republicans
severely, and many members on the ma
jority side of the house were so enrag-
ed with the turn matters have taken
that they left the capitol and sought
places of amusement, where, for the
llIlIlG DGlISp lllts llISnL 1OlSSO tIlS pO-
: sition in which they have been placed
before the country. 1t is possible that
tomorrow may bring developments and
a message from the White house.
There will be some surprises in store
when the message comes in. The So
called Cuban republic will not be recog-
nized. Should that course be followed,
what an advantage the Democrats
= would have to proclaim to the country
that the administration had at last
been forced to take the same position
assumed by the Democrats for the past
year. Hence Mckinley, it is said on
very good authority, will go no further
than to declare for free Cuba, but will
leave the choice and form of govern
ment to the people Of the island.
The question Of relieving the recon-
all congressional counsels, and the thing
is the Maine disaster.
Spain to Blame.
1t is impossible to convince the aver
age member of congress that Spain was
+ not directly responsible for the destruc-
ton of the ship, or that, if the Spanish
authorities were not themselves con-
cerned, they cannot put their hands
pretty promptly upon the criminal If
they really desire, to do so. The neg
lect of Spain to treat this subject IN
what congress deems a becoming man
ner has added fuel to the jingo flame.
The president. however, still sticks to
his purpose of treating the Maine disas-
ter wholly separately from the Cuban
question in its broader aspects. For
that reason 1T is expected his message
will deal wholly with the general situa-
tion. How far he will go with recon-
mendations is still a question, but the
best opinion favors the idea that he
will confine himself to intervention for
the purpose Of ending the war. He
recognizes the fact that congress will
consent to no form of intervention
which has not for its ultimate end the
independence of Cuba, but he still un-
doubtedly leans to the hope Of accom-
pliShing this end by indirection, the
first stage being more interference in
behalf of peace. He understands that
this interference may have to be with
force Of arms just as a police officer
may have to club or shoot somebody
in order to restore peace in a street
braWl.
The consideration which overshadows
every other in the presidents mind is
that within about 100 miles Of our own
border there exists a state of general
outlawry, under the name Of war. In
his view 1t is almost as If in one Of our
own Western territories. in one Of our
own coast Islands, there were riotous
disturbances, which for the sake Of the
general public welfare must be put
down, for in Cuba's case the United
States has the responsibility that grows
out Of propinquity.