The times., 1898-04-16

The Administration yesterday announc-
ed its intention to resent any European
interference with the America end of the
Spanish-American quarrel II is stated
that if the European nations protest
against the United States declaring war
and recognizing the independence of Gu
ba, the United States will not heed the
protest. and that if armed Intervention is
attempted this country will fight the en-
tire European continent if necessary.
The Times makes this statement on
the authority Of a member Of the Cabinet
and Of a personal friend Of the Presi-
dent. Two positive assertions were made
TO this effect last night in language that
could not be mistaken. They were
meant 10 be made public.
1t is now expected by the President
that the resolutions Of Congress practi-
cally declaring war viii be sent to him
for signature today. He will act prompt
ly. II is announced authoritatively that
he has no intention to veto the resolu-
tions, whether they recognize the indie
pendence of the Cuban republic or not.
Program of the President.
The program Of the Executive is as
follows:
An ultimatum will be sent to Spain on
Monday. She will be told TO evacuate the
island. A short stated time viii be given
her to answer If this answer comes and
IS satisfactory the matter will be con-
sidered settled
The President has ten days TO affiX his
signature 10 the resolutions. 1t is be-
Iieyed 10 De possible that he viii give
Spain little more than the twenty-four
hours At first decided upon by him for
this reason. If Spain signifies her will
ingness TO give up without spilling blood
the President may not be obliged 10 sign
the war document. II is understood that
he would prefer not TO do so If il could be
avoided.
Il is known to be the fact that several
OF the European nations have been con-
ferring over another note 10 Spain and
the United States similar 10 the one sent
last week, but very much stronger in
tone. France and Austria are supposed to
be the nations principally interested in
thus alylug themselves with Spain-for
the note is expected to be in the nature
Of a representation TO the United States
that the war would be resented by them.
England and Germany are said not TO ia
vor the plan, and the statement is made
positively that they will not be q party to
IL If any such note is sent.
Powers Must Deal With Spain.
II may not be announced positively that
the powers viii make the move It is said
that il may at the last take the form
simply OF a demand on Spain that she
give up Cuba. There is every reason TO
believe. however, that the powers will
take some step. Long conferences have
been held and semi official notices intend
Cd FFF. fe h.rF Sc
sued. The stock market is strong also,
which is most significant when America
IS so Wariike.
The expectation Of the Administration
IS that If any note is delivered to the
United States II will be after the resolu-
tions Of Congress have been passed and
the active preparations for war begun.
This may be at some time early next
week The President viii notify the
powers IN this event that they must deal
with Spain if they wish to prevent war.
lie win reiterate the statement made by
him TO them on the first occasion last
week that the United States insists that
the war in Cuba must cease. and he will
20 further this time and say that Cuba
must be free.
II Is believed by the Administration that
this incident will be closed at this point
The determination OF the President TO
act Immediately when Congress has spok-
en- Is illustrated IN every move that Is
made by the War and Navy Depart
Tnents. Yesterdays developments were
more important in this way than any
made before.
Orders 10 the Regular Army.
Secretary Alger ordered the entire Reg
Ular Army to the gulf 1t was announc-
ed officially that the troops were sent
10 the gulf cities to be in readiness for
transportation TO Cuba when that be-
comes necessary" This Is the first OF
the demonstrations" 1t is very nearly
like war. II is very far from the act OF
q friendly nation.
Secretary Long completed the agree
ment with the American Line for the
transfer Of the four great liners. the St
Louis. ST. Paul. Paris and New York
The contract viii be signed today. The
vessels viii he leased by the Govern
ment with the privilege Of purchase later
81 the United States desires 10 become the
owner Of them. This arrangement IS
thought TO mean that II the war Is pro-
fracted beyond the first demonstration
in front Of Havana. the ships will be pur-
chased.
The war board was in session yes