The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-03-30


|thear ma reply may be reasonably expect
led within the next few days, should these
demands he rejected there is the highest
authority for stating that the president
would not hesitate a moment as to his
future course, but would Immediately lay
the whole record before congress and be
guided by its instruction. AS a parliament
ary step toward peace 1T has been pro-
posed to Spain though this last PROPOSE
ton has not taken the shape of n demand
as yet at least, that the Spanish govern
ment withdraw it's troops from the island
and that the Cubans be given their inde-
pendence on basis OF indemnity that
would be regarded as just in amount BY
the United States anc other nations OF the
world and fair to both contending parties.
The question OF an armistice has not
been agreed 10 by either this country or
Spain, though there is no doubt that spain
suggested an armistice. What terms Oh
pcacs viii be acceptable TO the president
can not b. stated, but it is asserted that
no proposition will be considered that does
not involve the practical II not the actuai
iindependeilce or tho Cubans. Under the
circumstances the members OF the caninet
cay it is only fair that the people should
wait for the ending OF the present heso-
tiations.
There is little doubt that the French
government is ready TO tender Its good
offices an mediator between the United
States and Spain II any intilnation is con
waved by this country that such olhces
would bo acceptable. Without such intima-
lion 1t is doubtful whether France wlii
take the Initiative. In diplomatic circles
IL is pointed out that the interests OF
France, both material and sentimental,
favor an avoidance of war. One material
reason is that France is preparing tor the
international exposition when the world
tide Of travel will be turned toward the
French capital.
It. is said that war at such u time would
seriously affect this project. While these
are important considerations. urging
France 70 avert hostilities yet they are not.
OF course, such as could be advanced as
the actual grounds for a tender OF good
Offices Such move would be promised
solely on sentimental grounds. namely. on
the friendship of France for both parties.
Tho army and navy department continue
u show many evidences Of activity. but
there IL not that extreme energy OF prep
arations apparent last week, Captain Sigs-
bee had several talks with Secretary Long
during the day and ut the close of office
hours the secretary accompanied Captain
Sigsbee to the White House and presented
him to the president. Mi. Long says no
dissemination has been reached thus far
~ TO Captain Sigsbees next assignment,
bat az one OF the high officials of the navy
department remarked, the commander OF
the wrecked batteship can have about any
thing he wants.
The navy department made no further
purchases of foreign ships today, although
the naval attaches abroad continue to make
inspection of ships mt the several large
yards.
A significant conference was held during
the day by representatives of the war ana
navy departments to determine whether
New Orleans. Mobile or Tampa was best
adapted as base Of operations. both mill
tary and naval. in the event Of war. Exam
ination Is particularly directed toward as
ccrtaining the railroad facilities from all
sections of the country leading to the points
on the gulf above named. No determine
ticn has yet been reached on the subject.
The ordnance bureau Is actively at work
preparing for the armament Of the tugs
and yachts which have just been acquired
by purchase by the navy and ny loan from
the treasury department On the tugs and
yachts the ordnance bureau viii install
six-Dounders as may be available for the
purpose. while On the cutters viii be put
some four-inch and several siX-pounders,
all Of the rapid-fre class.
1t was stuffed at the navy department
today that the steam yacht Giralda, just
purchased by Spain, cost that government
probably S3500o0. She is not regarded as a
very formidable acquisition TO the Spanish
navy. as She Is inferior TO the Mayilowor
the yacht purchased by Secretary Long
about two weeks ago The Giralda was
constructed on the Clyde.
AT the war department the most impor~
tant development of the day was the an
nouncemeht that the Twenty-fifth rcgi-
mont Of infantry now stationed in Montana
would be transferred to Dry Tortugas, in
the Gulf of Mexico This regiment Is COM
posed entirely Of coiored troops who have
been located In the Northwest n number
OF years. Their stay in the gulf climate
will prepare them for any service In Cuba,
should this be necessary.
Tho ordnance officials of the army re-
port that the firms which have been given
contracts for supplying ammunitions, guns,
proJectiles and gun carriages are Keeping
we'll to THAR promises in the matter of
supplying these munitions of war on time
and they are being hurried TO the fortifca-
tions General Wilson. chief Of engineers
OF tho army has asked for an additional
allotment from the emergency fund for
constructing works incidental to the plhc-
Ing OF big guns on their foundations, Work
In the engineers division IL also reported
TO be going on rapidly at all points.