The herald., 1898-04-09
DAY AT THE CAPITAL
PASSES WITHOUT A RIPPLE OF
EXCITEMENT
THE CALM CABINET Meeting
Shows the Feeling of Members That
the Time for Diplomatic Talk
Has Passed
Associated Press Special Wire

Associated Press Special Wire
WASHINGTON. April S.-Good Friday
nassed in Washington with not ripple or
4he surface at the White House or at the
capitol to show that the United States is
on the brink of war. Both houses Of SON
sress had adjourned until Monday and al
the executive mansion there was no rush
Of eager or excited public men, but Sun
day quiet atmosphere. Only at the war de-
partment and navy department were there
signs of impending conflict in the rush OF
immediate orders to host Of naval officers
to report at once for duty on vessels to
which they were assigned, and in confer
ence among bureau chiefs on details of
war preparations. The resolve was firmer
than ever that unless Spain yielded TO
Americas Cuban demands the United
States by force of arms would move on
Havana. 1t was the very recognition of
the fixity Of It's purpose that caused the
day to be in marked contrast to the ex-
citement of all it's predecessors of late
1u6Te was sui coIIlc uiScdSs4OH VI W.
ban affairs, but 1t only served to emphasize
the fact that one forward step of immense
Importance had been taken, for the discus
sion was of an advanced stage and con-
cerned not Intervention and freedom OF
Cuba from Spanish dominion, but the obli-
cations and duties that might be i'm
posed upon the United States after we had
expelled Spain from the island This dis
cussion revolved around two propositions,
namely, Intervention without recognition
of national independence Of the Cuban in
surgents, and intervention with concur
rent recognition of independence of the
present insurgent government in Cuba.
Some public men hovered between the two
propositions and favored the compromise.
There was no definite lead by which 1t
could be stated with anything like author
ltativeness which course would be adopted,
but the unsettled state Of public opinion
on the matter indicated that events of the
next few days, the strength of the argu-
ments of the forthcoming presidential mes
sage or a distinct utterance from our con-
sui general of Cuba, might be strong
enought to incline the balance to either
course.
THE CABINET SESSION
The cabinet held it's usual Friday session.
but its meeting brought no change in the
Spanish situation. Indeed 1t was chiefly
significant in establishing that no change
had occurred, that none was expected and
that the program of action on the part of
tho United States government was already
made up. The presidents message re-
mains unaltered; indeed, this being the
last cabinet day before the message will
go to congress- alterations are unlikely be-
tween now and Monday, barring altogether
unexpected developments from Madrid.
After the meeting cabinet officers stated
that the message would be sent to congress
on Monday, no change in that respect hav-
dng been considered and all causes for de-
lay having been removed. The caImn ess
of the cabinet meeting, which was one of
the most eventful held in recent days, was
another evidence of the feeling enter
tanned by the administration that the case
Is made up aud nothing now remains to be
done but to present the subject to congress
and await the final outcome there.
TIME FOR ACTION
The feeling that an end had come to dip
lomatic talk and that action alone re-
manned, was shared in all quarters, in
CIuuluS Inc oieISu eulDdSSaeS ana leSa-
tiops, where the ambassadors and minis
ters expressed the feeling that all had been
done In Washington that could or would
be done in the cause of peace. What is go
Ing on at Madrid gives slight hopes of
such concessions there as will alter the
present situation. There are no negotia-
tions, in the sense of exchanges, on pend
Ing propositions.
Both parties apparently have said their
last word concerning their respective prop
ositiors. Certainly this is true as 10 the
United States and there were no evidences
today that the Spanish government would
recede. 1t is even doubtful whether a con-
cession of any armistice by Spain would
be sufficient at this late moment to turn
the situation into peaceful channels.
Preparations for all eventualities are be-
ing hurried to completion.
CONSULS RETIRING
General Lee will leave Havana tomorrow
probably on the Fern. and within Havana
harbor, although 1t was said at the state
department that he might take one of the
Plant line steamers. At that time also
the other United States consuls and most
of the American citizens residing in Cuba
will be out of the islands Official
reports received here today stated that
large numbers of Americans were leav-
Ing on the several steamers from Havana
and other ports. Entire quiet had pre-
vailed there up to this time. The United
States consul at Porto Rico is also pre-
pairing to leave. No instructions. it IS
stated definitely, have been sent to Min
lister Woodford concerning his withdrawal
from Madrid, that being left to his dis
cretion. The prospects of his withdrawal
have been fully considered, however, and
there is reason TO believe that In the event
of his retirement the British ambassador
at Madrid will look after American inter-
ests and afford protection to such Amer
icans as remain in Spain. This, it is stated
in authoritative quarters, is part of n
treaty between the United States and
Great Britain, and reciprocates the action
of the Cnited States in affording protection
to British subjects on another occasion
The Spanish minister at Washington has
received no instructions as to his depar
ture, nor has he made preparations to go
although his establishment is in such
condition that he could leave within a few
hours after receiving orders from his gov
ernment to depart AS an evidence of the
cessation Of negotiations, it can
be cited that today closed the seventh