Evening star., 1898-04-22

also with the President. Mr.. Babcocks s
mission related to the proposed bond issue
to meet war emergencies. He urged that
only right that the people should be given
an opportunity to take part in the issue.
The President. it is understood, agreed IN
this view and Secretary Bliss. who has
lily in favor of it. Mr.. Babcock thinks the
bonds should bear interest at per cent.
member of the cabinet at II O'Clock to-
day. just before the cabinet assembled, said
it had not been settled by the administra-
ton whether to ask Congress to make a
formal declaration of war.
Weuld Not Favor War Declaration.
Representative Grout of Vermont after
conference with Secretary Alger said the
administration would not recommend dec
laration of war.
Special Cabinet Meeting.
The special meeting of the cabinet which
adjourned at o'clock today did not agree
upon any changes from the plans formed
yesterday. and already given in The Star.
.
ing details of these plans.
The President read to the cabinet a proc
lamation drawn up by Judge Day block
aiding thpports of Cuba. This kind OF
work is always preliminary to war, and is
notification to the countries of the world
to keep their ships away from the block
AIDED ports. Under the proclamation no
more vessels will be permitted to clear for
pr ha of
few days until this information is known
TO ship owners throughout the world The
President signed the proclamation.
The cabinet had received no official in
formation of the capture of d lumber ship
by the gunboat Nashville
Privateering Discussed.
1t is said that there was some talk in the
CABINET about change of front on tire
question of priyatecring. This talk was
based wholly on the possibility that Spain
may resort to privateering against the
opinion of the world. If Spain does resort
to this method this country will at once re-
taliate.
The cabinet discussed the subject of
whether a formal declaration of war is
necessary by Congress. OF course it was
agreed that this question was wholly in the
hands Of Congress. The President and
cabinet are of the opinion that war can
now be carried on without another declara-
ton from Congress. 1t is considered that
the recent resolution of Congress was a
virtual declaration of war and further that
Spain'S action in the case of Minister
Woodfo-d IS declaration of war on her
part.
1t may be stated that many of the re-
publican leaders agree with the admins
tra;ion
Senator Davis Opinion.
Senator Davis, chairman of the foreign
relations committee of the Senate this
morning said: My own opinion is that
declaration of war IS not necessary, having
already been de in the Cuban resolution
passed by Congress, but l do not know
what will be decided on by Congress"
Senator Cannon of Utah. who was at the
White House, but did not talk with the
President. said: Il think a declaration OF
war ought to be made tomorrow, imme-
diatoly following the expiration OF the time
allowed Spain in the Presidents ultimatum.
L think resolution declaring war should
be reported TO the Senate at one minute
after II O'Clock tomorrow, and should be
passed by 1905, giving four minutes for a
roll call of the Senate"
Spanish Citizens in This Country
There was no talk of a proclamation
warning Spanish citizers in this country
that Il state of h3stil.ties exists and giving
them time 10 get out of this country It
was said that Attorney General Griggs had
such resolution but this is not
correct In 11eo this country and Spain
entered into treaty providing that in
case OF war between them Spanish mer-
Grants and citizens residing in the United
States should be allowed one year in which
10 take their departure. Citizens of this
country were to be also given the same
privilege This Old treaty is not now nee
essary. Spanish citizens living here can
remain 80 long as they do not become spies
for Spain.
Cabinet members ridiculed a floating
story that Spain has ceded Cuba to Aus
tria. This would mean that Austria ais,
wants to fight
No Immediate Bombardment.
An authoritative statement of great i'm
Portance was made to a representative of
The Star by a cabinet member this after
room.
1t was that those people who are expect
ing an immediate bombardment of Havana
and bloody fights at once are likely to be
The orders to the Key West
fleet are simply to blockade Havana and
such other Cuban ports as can be conven-
ient]y covered by the fleet. No hostile shots
are to be fired into Havana, for a short
while at least, unless the feet is attacked
in any direction.
The official statement is made that the
administration Goes not fear an attack
from the Spanish feet now at the Cane
Verde Islands. The President does not be-
lieve that this feet will ever move toward
Cuban waters. Spain would not send this
fleet over to be swallowed" are the words
of high official. When the same official
was asked II he thought this Spanish feet
would come to American waters to make
an attack on any port he answered in the
negative. 1T would meet the same fate
as II 1t went to Cuban waters" he said
He intimated stro ngly that the flying
squadron will be held in reserve to take
care of any Spanish feet coming in this
direction.
These plans are based wholly on the be-
lief that the Key West fleet will not be
attacked by the Spaniards. The war is to
be q blOOdleSs ono II Srch a THING &c ,,o.