Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-30

cred Troops Ordered TO TOrtugns.
WASHINGTON, March 29.-Congress
and the Cabinet divided attention to-day
on the Spanish situation. In the Con-
gress the feeling which began to take
form after the Presidents conservative
and pacific message on the Maine report
was submitted yesterday found open ex-
preston to-day in resolutions pro-
posing a declaration of war, recognition
Of the independence of Cuba, armed in
tervention. and other warlike steps
against Spain, and in conferences Of Re
pubhcans having for their object the
overruling of the Speaker, If necessary
to get prompt action. Both on the floor
in the cloak-rooms In the lobbes, and in
the corridors there was little else dis
cussed than the Cuban situation and the
Maine disaster. Every senator and men,
Der was furnished with a copy of the
testimony sent TO Congress yesterday.
and every person who could procure d
copy read the printed pages Every
group of senators in the cloak-roOms
talked Of Cuba. Constant and continual
conferences were held, and all recog-
nized the seriousness Of the situation.
on the House side il was apparent that
the Republican majority could no longer
be controlled by what is known as tina
conservative element. led by the Speat-
er. Groups of members in a state OF ex-
element were TO be seen on every hand.
In each clOak-room there were members
listening eagerly, while portions of the
Maine testimony were read. Members of
the Committee on Foreign Relations
grouped together and discussed plans and
possible future proceedings. 1t was gene
rally Acknowledged that serious condi-
ton had arisen. that a crisis was near.
Ii was the opinion of some Of the con-
seryative members that in day or two
the feeling would subside very much.
Much depends upon the next few days.
That Congress will not long remain mac
tive. II decided action is not taken by the
administration, is certain. 1t is also true
that the talk Of an armistice caused a
great deal OF il-feehng.
The House to-day proceeded 10 do busi-
ness without outbreak or dramatic incl
dent, but no such quiet can be promised
tomorrow, when the naval bill is being
considered.
The day closed with a prospect that the
committees 10 whom were referred the
Maine correspondence will act soon, pos
s.bly before the end of the week
PRESIDENT UNAlOVED.
The Cabinet meeting to-day developed
nothing new. The President remains
steadfast in his convictions as TO what
is his duty. and adverse criticism, which
30 is asserted is mainly due to misinfor-
nation as TO the situation or Ignorance
Of the Presidents purpose. will not be
permitted 10 swerve him from the course
Doe has planned. As already stated in
the Associated Press, the President some
days ago made a peremptory demand
upon Spain to put an end Immediately TO
h0stilities in Cuba, 10 release the re-
concentrates, and to permit them to re-
turn 10 their homes and resume their
several occupations unmolested. This
statement is made by unquestioned au- |
thorty. and since that demand was com
muniCated to Spain the President has |
not taken step backward or allowed |
himself TO be persuaded into modifying |
10 IN the least particular.
spains final reply to this demand, it is
known is now receiving the earnest con- |
s.deration of the Spanish authorities at |
Madrid. and may be reasonably expected |
within the next few days. Should these |
demands be rejected, there is the highest |
authority for stating that the President |
would not hesitate moment as 10 his |
future course, but would lay the whole |
record before Congress and be guided by |
its instructions.
PEACE PROPOSITION.
As q preliminary step toward peace. II |
his been proposed 10 Spain-though this |
last proposition has not taken the shape |
Of "a demand, as yet, at least-that the /
cI.f flYa W
It's troops from the island and the Gu
bans be given their independence on |
basis Of indemnity that would be re-
earded as Just I'm amount by the United |
States and other nations OF the world
and fair TO both contending parties.
The question of an armistice has not
been agreed to by either this country or
Spain, though there is no doubt that
Spain suggested an armistice. What
terms OF peace would be acceptable to
the President cannot be stated, but IL is
asserted that no proposition would be
considered that does not involve the
Practical II not the actual, independence
W the Cubans.
There Is little doubt that the French
Government is ready 10 tender It's good
Offices as mediator between the United
states and Spain. If any intimation should
be conveyed by this country that such
oiices would be acceptable. Without
such intimation IL IS doubtful whether
France would take the initiative.
The Army and Navy departments con-
unuo 20 show many evidences Of activity.
but there Is not that extreme energy OF
Preparations apparent last week.
sIGsBEE SEES M'KINLEY.
Captain sigsbee had several talks with
secretary Long during the day, and at
the close OF Office hours the Secretary
accompanied Captain Sissbee TO the
White House and presented him to the
President Secretary Long says no de-
csion has been reached as 10 Captain
slgsbees next appointment.
A board is considering what Is 10 De
done with the wreck Of the Maine Al