The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-03-29

t1On-InteryentiO ion in Behalf of DcS-
titute Cubans Given Most PrOmi-
nence-Spain Notified Ofthe FindiD &
of the COurt-Active War Prepara-
tions at all Pointc-Strict Watch on
E.Warships at Key West.
Washington, March 26.-Pres:dent t
Mckinley talked freely with his con-
gressiOnal visitors today, both in re-
gard to his plans for the future and
reference to Cuba. His programme as
thus outlined is as follows:
To send the report of the Maine court
Of inquiry to congress ON Monday with
out recommendation and without ex-
PLANTATION on his part further than to
say that he has acquainted Spain with
the finding of the court; to follow this
Tuesday or Wednesday with a mes
sage dealing with the condition of the
non -cOmtatrants in Cuba and asking
for an appropriation of 100000 for
their immediate relief; to present anew
this condition to Spain, ask that
country to make provision for the care
Of her own helpless people and To come
to some terms with the Cubans which
viii be satisfactory to them, and put
an end to the war. this failing, to for
cibly intervene on humanitarian
grounds.
THE PRESIDENT FOR PEACE.
The president indicated to his callers
an abiding faith that peace still may be
rrs1 Il ,7,Itic
part to accomplish hat end if it may
be done with honor to our own country
and without disregard of the demands
of humanity. He frankly and repeat
edly averred today his desire to prevent
a conflict while ait the same time indi-
eating a firm purpose to secure relief
for the starving recon centradOs. In
deed the latter purpose appeared to be
the topic uppermOsIt in the presidents
mind. He dwelled upon tine fact that
the recOgnf tiOn of be belligerent nights
on of independence would not he of amy
material service ito those unfOrtunateS.
He admitted that such action might
lie of assistance to tha men -at-a arms
the insurgent army, but they, he said
have shown capacity to take care of
themselves, and do not stand IN press
ing need of our kind offices. Tile pres
ident believes Spain will interpose no
INDECENT people, and he will ask con-
gress Ito act promptly that the aid to
be given may not ar1iVe too late to re
lieve the present pressing necessities.
This done, the president is hopeful
that congress will remain quiet while
the executive branch OF the government
continues it's efforts to secure a peace
full settlement of the difficulty. He
thinks it not too late to do this, and
he made the assertion today that Spain
was willing to meet the United States
half way in adjusting the entiangle-
ment WlthC ut coming to blows. He re
ferred only casually ito the sailing of
Spain's torpedo fleet, leaving the i'm
preston On the minds of his visitors
that he considered that, so far in this
matter, Spain is acting within the
bounds of her own rights and that no
just complaint can yet be made by this
country in regard to this course. He
did not enter into details regarding the
propositions he may make or may nave
made to Spain for undoubtedly some
are nCtW pending, bIlt he left the inn
preston that he would be satisfied With
no settlement that would not give the
Cubans a very liberal form of govern
ment. He admitted frankly that au-
tonOmy had proved a failure and eX-
pressed the opinion that it would be
as difficult to satisfy the Americans
with amy settlement that might be
made as If would be to satisfy the Gu
bans themselves. He reasserted the
possibility of securing an agreement
ON the part of Spain Ito allow Cuba to
conduct her own affairs with absolute
freedom, except that the island should
be required to pay the mother country
a specified sum in the way of tribute
every year out of h5r revenue, seeming
to think THAT this would form a basis
upon which both Spain and the Cuibans
could agree without the sacrifice of too
much pride on either side.
Mr. Mckinney reverted often in his
conversation to his desire to maintain
peace and dwelt upon the fact that war
means ncE only the loss of life and
poverty but that lit also would injure
our commerce. disturb BUSINESS cOndi-
tiOns generally. increase our public
debt, add to cur pension roll and result
in many ways to our disadvantage and
distress. He also made it clear that
whatever course he might pursue in the
future, he would not at present de-
mand any indemnity at the hands of
Spain for the loss of the Maine, pre-
ferring TO leave the matter to the ad-
juS!tment of a more quiet period. line
president also spoke of possible COM
plCatiOns with other nations, but did
not manifest any uneasiness on this
score.
Senators who have visited the presi-
dent have. without exception, so far as
can be learned, assured him that the
senate appreciates hisjefforts to preserve
peace under proper conditions and have
4tOld him that there rs no danger of
precipitate action in that body. They
get the impression that if the worst
comes, and lit is absolutely determined
that no other course will avail the
1pu1it
armed intervention.
On the score of politics he assures
them that he would rather see the re-
publican party fail of future success
than to wage an unjust war; but if
war must come it must he a war for
humanity and that this fact must be
made so evident that he will have the
entire nation behind him in a conflict
at arms.
SPAIN NOTIFIED OF THE COURTS
FINDING.