Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-03-28
FROM WASHING TON.
Correspondence OF the Alexandria Gazette
WASHINGTON, March IS.

location of the Spanish torpedo boat
fotilla now on its way to Puerto Rico
from the Canaries, excepting that it
was advancing steadily.
The United States note to Spain indi.
Gated that the situation in Cuba could
not much longer be tolerated, and in
detail recited the distressed conditions
prevailing and the apparent inability
of the present Spanish policy in Cuba
to bring these conditions to close.
The Spanish answer is reassuring and
furnishes basis for lively hope that all
differences may be adjusted on basis
satisfactory to this government.
The special Cabinet meeting which
was called at 1920 o'clock to-day WAS
largely devoted to the reading of the
Presidents message sent to Congress at
noon. After the Maine report had
been dispatched to the Capitol some
time was spent in the consideration Of
late messages from Minister Wood
ford. Although the details of these
dispatches are not made public, it is
known that they are reassuring in char.
acter and give basis for the belief
that the present strained relations may
yet he satisfactorily relieved. It is re-
ported that Spain is willing to make
important concessions and to 90 so far
as to withdraw her troops from Cuba
on conditions which are more concili-
atory than any hitherto received, and
clearly indicate purpose to avoid war
even if 10 attain that end she is COM
PEELED to make sacrifices never before
considered. But Notwithstanding these
hopeful signs, the negotiations have
not passed the danger point.
Concerning the reports OF an armistice
it can be stated positively that there
Will be no agreement on the basis Of
an armistice for eight months or any
other period.
Commodore Horace Elmer was de.
tached from Cramps shipyard to day
and ordered to duty 'in re the Mos
quito fleet" This auxiliary oreaniza-
ton of the navy, to be called into active
service, is to be composed of small crafts
OF all kinds that may be obtainable by
the department upon which gun may
be mounted and other defensive devices
placed.
One of the main points brought out
by the testimony in the Maine case is
that the battleship's position was not
changed after she entered the harbor.
She was moored to a buoy and remain.
ed there until blown up. The state.
ment has been made repeatedly in the
press that her position was changed
the night before the explosion by the
direction of the harbor master Of Ha-
vana.
In the testimony in the Maine case s'nt to
Congress to-day appears the following: Consul
General Fiizhugh Lee appeared before the
court on March 9Th. Bis testimony related
to the official formaities preceding the Names
arrival. On January "a he received mes.
sage from the State Department. saying that
the Maine would be sent 10 Havana on
friendly visit to resume the regular status of
naval relations between the two counties, and
he was ordered to make arrangements at the
palace for the Interchange of official courtes.
los. After call at the palace he sent the
State Department cipher message saying:
Authorities profess to think the United
States has ulterior purpose in sending the
ship. Say il will obstruct autonomy
and produce excitement and most pro.
baby demonstration. Ask that il not be
done till they can get instructions from Mad
rid Say that if for friendly purpose as
claimed, delay is urimportant 1t was too
late. however the Maine had already sailed.
She arrived next day and Lee reported her
arrival to the State Department.
In the House to-day Mr.. Rixey of Virginia
introduced the following: Bill for the relief
of Anuie S. Froebel and Elizabeth D.
Froebel of Fairfax county, Va; poti.
ton of Nancy Norster of Fairfax coun-
ty, Va, for reference of claim to the
court of CLAIMS petition of Dudley Smith
fof the relief of Fanny ]. Grymes of King
George county, Va. Mr.. Otey of Virginia in.
troduced the following: A bill for the relief
of w. S. Hodges, for horse, bride and saddle
taken by the army in Halifax county in
1865 four petitions from Lynchburg against
the anti.scslplng bill also an exhaustive
brief in favor of Florida claimants under the
treaty of 1919 with Spain.
Congressman Otey of Virginia went to the
Navy Department o.day and asked that
schedules and proposals for plug tobacco be
sent TO each of the tobacco manufacturers in
his district.
To show that Mr.. Speaker Reed doesn't
want to hurry action or the Maine report is
proved by the fact Of his appointment of
no less than four members OF the foreign af
fairs committee, 10 which that repor. has been
referred, to attend the funeral of dead men,
Der of the House. Messrs. Cousins and Giilett.
republicans, and Newlands and Berry, demo-
Gratis.
Commander W. S Schley left Washington
last night for Fortress Monroe and to-day
took command of the squadron in Hampton
Roads, making the Brooklyn his flag ship.