Evening journal., 1898-04-02
SITUATION VERY GRAVE
President Holds Special Cabinet Meet
ing to Discuss Matters,
WOODFORD READY TO LEAVE SPAIN
Dons Want 10 Arbitrate About the Maine.
Their Torpedo Fleet Has Arrived
at Puerto Rico-Messago For
Congress Very Speedily.

Congress Very Speedily.
WASHINGTON, April 2.-There is lit
tie doubt that the president and the
members OF his cabinet now regard
conflict with Spain as almost inevitable.
In his message to congress, which in all
probability will be sent in next Mon
day and certainly early next week, It is
understood that the president will re-
view at some length the record as It
stands between this government and
Spain, but viii not insist upon further
time in which TO continue negotiations
looking 10 a peaceful solution Of the
Cuban problem.
The cabinet meetings yesterday were
unquestlonably the most important held
in many years. The first received
Spains answer to the ultmatum of this
government and, finding it an unsatis-
factory request for more time, prac-
tically decided upon policy which at
this hour seems certainly to involve
hostilitles The whole record viii be
laid before congress. and the question
now under earnest consideration is
what should be the particular form our
policy shall take in bringing to an end
the horrors in Cuba and securing the
independence Of the island.
Propositions ranging from simple
recognition Of Cuban independence to a
straightOut declaration Of war have
been urged at the capitol, but there is
hardly a doubt that the majority OF
congress await the executive lead be-
fore taking action and are disposed to
adopt Mr.. McKinley's suggestion on
this point IL Is thought that any OF
the resolutions except possibly simple
recognition Of independence would lead
to war.
There were of course all sorts OF ru-
mors in circulation, including reports
of mediation by some European pow
ers, but no such suggestion has come
to this government, for as late as
O'clock, in response tn direct question,
Assistant Secretary Day said that there
had been no offer of mediation by any
foreign government one member Of the
cabinet, In speaking Of the meetings.
spoke substantially as follows.
In the morning it was apparent TO
all Of us that having exhausted all dip
lomatic efforts to bring about better
condition of affairs in Cuba, and they
having failed, the whole question must
be submitted to congress. At our after
noon meeting the president requested
each member Of the cabinet to express
freely his individual opinion as to what
should be done. The discussion was
entirely on the lAes indicated by the
members. Nothing definite was decided
upon and no conclusions reached.
THE president will not take the views
submitted to him under consideration
preparatory to his message TO congress,
which win be sent early next week.
President Mckinley has done a great
deal of work recently and appears pref
ty we'll fatigued. Consequently he will
take some little rest before beginning
active work on the message. He has not
yet determined upon what recommenda-
tion will be communicated to congress.
My own individual opinion is that but
little faith can be put in promises made
by Spain. and this makes me hesitate
about accepting with any confidence heI
latest proposals.
Yes, reference was made by Spain tC
the Maine matter IN the reply she sent
through Minister Woodford. She mad,
no offer 20 pay for the loss. but suggest.
ed that the matter be settled by arbi,
tration. So far I can recall. she ex
pressed no regret for the sad occurrence
and the whole thing was regarded as
cold hlooded statement"
The subcommittee of. the senate com
mittee on foreign relations appointed
70 draft a report and prepare a form o
resolution outlining a course Of actioi
which this government shall pursue to
ward Spain with reference TO Cuba S,
far completed it's work that Il win b
able TO report to the full committee a
once. The subcommittee win recon
mend the adoption of a resolution de
claring In the first place for the recog
milton OF the independence OF the Cuba
republic and in the second for the in
tervention by the United States wit
her army and navy for the purpose O
assisting the Cubans to secure indie
pendence IN case Spain continues to re
fuse to concede it.
From the Spanish standpoint there
the same disposition as that shown b
the authorities here, TO regard the issu
as made up. The answer OF Spain
looked upon as the limit OF concessio
which Madrid will grant. II there is I
be another move, the Spanish govern
ment looks to the United States to max
Il. Shis at least is the situation as
presents itself TO those best informe
IN Wdshil6eoh' VI SoulHe IL NohuVt (
foretold what Madrid will do In n
stress OF circumstances within the ne,
two days But those best able to judl
do not expect any further move frol
Madrid, as they say that Spain hf
reached the limit Of her concessions.
The Spanish minister is fully col
scious of the gravity of the situate
and while still expressing hope Z,
peace speaks to his friends Of the even
ualities which may come. To one
them he said yesterday that he cou
not believe that two nations made l
Of calm and sensible people would ru.
into the untold horrors OF war.
added that IL would be a wicked al
cruel crime for this result TO be preciT
tated.
News has been received at the leg