The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-03-21
SITUATION
IS CRITICAL. Cal!
Climatic Conditions Of
Cuba Considered.
THE UNHEALTHY SEASON.
Naval Authorities Favor Decisive
Action and No Delay.
CALL FOR ENLIsTMHNTs MADE.

Washington. March 21.-Brought face
20 face with the knowledge that the
court may furnish such information and
views that the question OF peace OF war
must be answered at once. the admins
tration Is considering, I'm the absence OF
positive advices as 20 the courts find
ings. what course should be followed IL
hostilities became dependent on the at
titude of the United States.
The most serious consideration has
been given TO the dangers of summer
campaign In the tropics Death from
sisease in the Cuban valleys and plateaus
Is more feared than the troops OF Spain.
1t has been represented TO the president,
and discussed by him with members of
the cabinet. that thousands OF unac-
climated Americans attached to an army
OF invasion would almost surely sue
cumb TO the ravages OF yellow fever and
the other plaques OF the tropical rainy
season. He has also been told that yell
low jack will also be likely to attack the
men OF the North Atlantic squadron II
they are kept In gulf waters much
longer. These matters have been
brought to Mr.. McKinleys attention by
those who think that the beginning OF
hostilities, IL a resort to arms cannot be
avoided. should be delayed until the end
Of the unhealthy season.
That some members OF the calklet
have been impressed with the humane
considerations involved there is no
doubt, but the president has not indi-
Gated what he Will do. To some Of those
with whom he has talked he has given
the impression that II action is necessary
on the basis OF the Maine report he will
act quickly and will not allow anything
TO stand in the way OF speedy vindi-
cation OF the national honor II a radical
course is adopted. Others. whose opin-
ions the president values, have asked
him TO move quickly In whatever policy
is decided on. They believe that the
country will not want delay and that
the soldiers and sailors OF the nation
will be most willing 90 take their chances
In the fever-laden island and the waters
OF the West Indies. That the president
Is giving consideration 70 such questions
as these shows how critical the situa-
tion appears to those who have the in
terests of the country in charge.
There is not much patience felt at the
persuade the president to postpone any
action on the Maine report or the gem
eral Cuban question until the fever
season Is over in the West Indies. 1t Is
felt among the officials that If a blow
Is to be struck II must be struck quickly.
even at the risk OF many thousand lives
from disease. Should war be inevitab bic.
Its postponement until October or No
har 4
the Spanish navy than to that of the
United States. This governments naval
force is practically ready now, and its
efficiency cannot be increased to a>y
great extent during the summer months.
Spain however, is not so well prepared
Tor sea warfare, but her eight armor-
clads Will be In frst-class fighting trim
before the end of the unhealthy period.
To do something the minute II lis known
that war cannot bs avoided is the policy
OF the naval authorities.