Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-04-09
When He Leaves Cuba Most Of Other
Americans Will Also Have Left.
CONSUL AT PORTO RICO PACKING Up
No Instructions TO WOodford About
His Leaving Madrid-POlo Not Pre-
kressmen working for Unanimity.

PASSED in Washington with not a ripple
on the surface, either at the White House
or at the Capitol TO show that the United
states are on the brink of war. Both
houses Of Congress had adjourned until
Monday and at the Executive Mansion
there was no rush of eager and excited
public men. At only the War and Navy
departments were there signs of an i'm
pending conflict. in the rush Of immediate
orders 10 a host of naval officers. to re-
port at once for duty on vessels to which
they were assigned. and in conferences
among bureau chiefs on the details of
war preparation.
And yet, the resolve was firmer than
ever that unless Spain yielded to Amer
ica's Cuban demands. the United States,
by force of arms, would move on Ha-
bana.
There was still some discussion Of Gu
ban Affairs. which revolved around two
ropositions-namely, Intervention with
out recognition OF national independence
of the Cuban insurgents. and Intervention
with concurrent recognition Of the inde-
pendence Of the present insurgent gov
eminent Of Cuba. Some public men how
cred between these two propositions. and
favored a compromise. There was no
definite lead which could be stated
with anything like authoritativeness
indicated which course would be adopted.
but the unsettled state OF public opin-
ion In the matter showed that events of
the next few days. the strength of the
of ha hgp
Dental message. or a distinct uttcrance
from our Consul General TO Cuba, might
be strong enough to influence the balance
TO either course.
NO CHANGE IN SITUATION.
The Cabinet held its usual Friday ses-
sion. but its meeting brought no change
in the Spanish situation indeed, II was
chiefly significant in establishing that
no change had occurred, and none was
expected. and that the programme of ac-
ton on the part of the United States Gov
eminent was already made up. The Pres
dents message remains unaltered. and
this being the last Cabinet day before the
message will go to Congress, alterations
are unlikely between now and Monday.
barring altogether unexpected develop
ments from Madrid. After the meeting,
Cabinet officers stated that the message
would be sent to Congress on Monday,
10 change in that respect having been
considered, and all causes for delay
having been removed. The feeling that
an end had come to diplomatic talk, and
that action alone remained. was shared
!u an quarters including the foreign en-
lassles and legations. where the ambas-
sadors and ministers expressed the feel
ing that all had been done in sWashing-
ton that can or will be done in the cause
Of peace.
What is going on at Madrid gives
slight hope Of such Spanish concessions
as will alter the present situation. There
are no negotiations being exchanged; only
preparations going on. Certainly this is
true as to the United States, and there
were no evidences to-day that the Span
ish Government would recede. 1t is even
doubtful whether a concession OF an ar
mistice by Spain would be sufficient at
This late moment 10 turn the situation
into peaceful channels.
LEE COMING TO-DAY.
Preparations for all eventualities are
being hurried to completion. General Lee
will leave Habana tomorrow, probably
on the small naval vessel Fern now In
Habana 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 re-
siding in Cuba. will be out OF the island |
Official reports received here to-day |
stated that large numbers OF Americans |
were leaving on the seYeral s'ea'heiS
from Habana and other ports Entire |
quiet has prevailed there up 10 this tile'
The United States Consul at Porto hico
is also preparing 10 leave. NO instruc-
tions II Is stated definitely nave peeh
sent 20 Minister WOodford, concerning |
hs withdrawal from Madrid. that being
isft 20 his discretion. The prospects OF
h. withdrawal have been fully consider
90 however and there Is reason 10 De-
Heye that In the event OF his retirement
The British Ambassador at Madrid VIII
look after, American interests and anord
Protection 10 such Americans as remain
IN Spain. This. Il is stated In an au
thoritative quarter. Is part or comfy
between the United States and Great 'ri-
tain, and reciprocal in return for protec-
non Afforded British subjects on ior-
ner occasion.
POLO NOT PACKING UP.
The Spanish Minister at Washington
lAs received no instructions as 10 ms ae-