The Portland daily press., 1898-03-08

here do not believe war will come, al
though they admit that reckless infiu-
ences in this country are pressing towards
war with great persistence and adriot-
ness, and that an accident or untowaId
event may precipitate conflict at airy
moment. 1t is probable that the admin
istrative statesmen o. both the United
States and Spain want peace, and mean
to have it if they can maintain it with
out sacrifice or national honor, bnt many
people in both countries are highly in.
famed, and this inf1amed sentiment in
one country reacts upon the infamed
sentiment in the other. Our government
can probably resist if it no controlling rea-
son for war arises. But it is doubtful
whether the Spanish government viii be
SO successful. There seems to lie the danger,
and for this reason the American states
men believe that this--country should be
considering means of defense. The re-
port of the board inquiring into the
Maine disaster may become a frebrand
at any moment. No further trouble is
eral Lee, as Spain did not demand his re-
call, but simply intimated that she
@I.,- f-..
refusal. It may be stated that the ad-
ministration regards this incident closed
so far as the two governments are con-
cerned.
STATEMENT FROM Mr.. BoUTELLE.
Which Completely vindicates House
Leaders From Shameful Criticisms of
Yellow Journals.
Washington, March 7.-Congressman
Boutelle, chairman of the House naval
committe, made the following statement
tonight to the Associated Press:
SAT an interview with Secretary Long
on Saturday during which the subject
of authorizing the President to provide
for emergencies was discussed, I suggested
the desirability of a conference of the ex
ecutive officers with representative MEM
bers Of the House and Senate. AS re.
suit, conferences were held at the White
House in which the President, Secretaries
Long and Alger, Senators Allison and
Hale, chairman of the Senate committees
on appropriations and naval affairs, and
Messrs. Cannon and Boutelle, chairmen
Of those committees in the House. Chair
man Dingley of the ways and means
committee Congressman Grosvenor and
others participated. Some days ago I
received from the navy department re-
quest for certain Legislation in connec-
tion with naval affairs, but before action
could be taken the Secretary and Presi-
dent desired that the measures be tempo
rariIy withheld as possibly liable at that
time to inf1ame the public excitement and
because the objects Immediately sought
could be otherwise obtained. For main
tanning silence in this regard have been
subjected to very serious criticism in
the public prints, but that is what every
faithful public servant must expect to
endure from time to time. At the con-
ference today 1t was deemed advisable to
give the public the assurance that Con-
gress would invest tho President with a
discretionary power to prepare for all
emergencies which should be as broad as
the possibilities of events and, therefore,
instead of passing various bills authoriz-
ing specific action the several depart
ments, a general credit of $50,000,00
should be reported by the appropriations
committee of the two Houses and placed
at the disposal of the President to meet
any exigency that may arise. Speaker
Reed was in personal conference with the
President during the day and will prob
ably prepare prompt action upon the bill
in the House 4
p. ssThis legislation should not be inter
preted as an Indication that war is ex-
pected, but as precautionary. provision
and assurance that the government at
Washington in all branches and with
out distinction of parties or persons, is,
and will be, solidly united in everything
that pertains to supporting our President
in the maintenance Of just relations with
our fellow men and the upholdlng of the
national dignity and honor"
HOW MONEY WILL BE SPENT.
Part of Fifty Millions To Be Expended
for Ammunition.
e Washington, March 7-As there has
been no explanation of the purpose which
prompted the introduction of Mr.. Can
mons resolution, it may be said that the
money is wanted primarily as an emer-