The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-03-10
WHAT uILL NE DOVE ABOUT oUBh,
Interest Now CertripE II the roiiey OF the AZ
tninistratisn on This onestiou.

wAsHIyGToS. March D.-Now that Congress
hns given the President tho means for making
preparations for putting the army and navy on
a war footing, interest is again being centred
in the policy OF the Administration In regard 10
the Cuban question. While the President can.
not tako any steps toward intervention. in
whatever form he may have had in mind.
until after the question as To how tho
Maine was DESTROYED Is settled. still he has
given tho subject much attention, md Is daily
discussing IL with Senators and Representatives
from every possible viewpoint. That II is his
determination to bring the Cuban war to an end
at an early day there Is no doubt. But IL is
equally certain that the President himself has
not yet mapped out n plan for ACCOMPLISHING
that result. lie listens TO the representa-
tons OF those who think that n belliger.
cncv resolution should be passed by
tho two houses Of Congress. as we'll as those
who are in favor OF direct Intervention by act
Of the Executive. lie listens also to those who
favor the plan OF allowing Cuba to purchase her
freedom. with the United States MS the guaran.
teer OF her bonds. but nothing Is definitely
known as to how tho President regards
these various propositions. lie keeps his
own counsel, but 1t is the opinion
OF those who stand close to him and are
in almost daily consultation with him that his
plan for c~fecting Cuban independence has not
yet been perfected. and that IL will not be until
1t is officially known whether the Maine was
destroyed by accident or design.
As tho time draws near for the conclusion OF
the work OF the Naval Board Of Inquiry, investi.
eating tho cause OF the explosion which
wrecked tho Maine. rumors as to the finding OF
the court will fy thick and fast through the cor.
ridors OF the Capitol and the State. War. and
Navy Departments. 1t was said to-day
that the board would conclude its la
bors tomorrow. and that tho department
would before night be in possession OF It's find.
ings. Another rumor was to the effect that q
partial report had been made, and that the
President had ordered the rest to be withhold
for the present. The truth is that the Secre-
tary OF the Navy does not expect the board to
finish its work at Havana until the close OF
this week or possibly the beginning OF
next. and that he is uniformed as to whether
further sessions will DO held at Key West or
elsewhere. The Secretary does not know when
no will DO put in possession of tho findings OF
the court or what the nature OF the findings
will be. He is not holding back information.
because he is not in possession OF any that has
not been given to the public.
The Navy Department has received rough
drawings of the wreck of the Maine as It lies in
Havana harbor, showing tho position OF keel
and other plates. 1t Is said by persons who
have Namined these drawings. which were
made by naval officers in Havana, that they
indicate that the explosion was external.
This and other evidence pointing 10 the en-
ployment OF outside means in the destruction OF
the battleship have been received here in private
letters from naval officers. and, according to
trustworthy information, from Consul-General
Lee. but none OF these communications is con-
sidered as official. The President, whatever
may be his private opinion, will base
whatever action may be taken by the
Government on the report OF tho Court OF
Inquiry. but it is undoubtedly the growing
opinion in some official quarters that the court
will not support tho accident theory. II is UNI
derstood that the President is cndeavoring to
reach a conclusion as to the course that will be
pursued II the courts findings have been cor
rcctly forecast by those who have sent unof-
fetal evidence of foul play. but has not fully de-
termined his policy in that regard.