The age-herald., 1898-04-09
THE NATION ON
 THE BRINK OF WAR In Stoic Silence Officials Await
 the Inevitable. NO CHANCE IN SITUATION Mckinley Stands Firm and Spain Must
 Yield IF BLOODSHED IS TO BE INVERTED Question Now Is Whether It Will Be Recognition or Intervention. SENATE COMMITTEE IS IN LINE After an Important Conference It Was Given Out That in Making Its Report the
 Presidents Views Would
 Be Embodied.
Question Now Is Whether It Will Be
 
 Recognition or Intervention.


Washington, April S-Good Friday passed in Washington with not a ripple on the surface, either at the White House or any, thing to show that the United States is 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 impending conflict in the rush of immediate orders to a host of naval officers to report at once for duty on vessels to which they were assigned, and in conference among bureau chiefs on detail of war preparations. And yet, the resolve was irmer than ever that unless Spain yielded to Americas Cuban demands the United States by force of arms would
 .-. ivdAa. IL the very fiXity of purpose that caused the day to be in marked contrast to the excitement of all it's predecessors of late. There was still some discussion of Cuban affairs, but it only served to emphasize the fact that one more step of immense importance had been taken, for the discussion was of an ad- vancea stage and concerned not interven- ton and freedom for Cuba from Spanish dominion, but the obligations and duties that might be imposed upon the United otdtcS, dS we bdu CApSiiCu SoPaih AAoAh shS island.
 The Two Propositions
 This discussion revoved around two pro- positions, namely intervention without recognition of national independence of the Cuban insurgents and intervention with concurrent recognition of the independence of the present insurgent government of Cuba Some public men lowered between these two propositions and favored com nrODnSp There definite lead DV which it could be stated with anything like authority which course would be adopted, but the unsettled state of public opinion of the morning indicated that events of the next few days, the strength of the arguments of the forthcoming presi- dential message or a distinct utterance from our consul general to Cuba might be strong enough to incline the balance to either course
 The cabinet held it's usual Friday session but it's meeting brought no change in the situation. Indeed, it was chiefly signifi- cant in establishing that change had occurred that none was expected, and that the programme of action on the part of the United States was already made up. The presidents message remains unaltered and this being the last cabinet day before the message will go to congress, altera- tions are unlikely between now and Mon day, barring altogether unexpected devel- opments from Madrid
 VIII Go to Congress Monday.
 After the meeting cabinet officers stated that the message would be sent to con gross on Monday, change in that re- spect having been considered and all the causes for delay have been removed. The calmnesS of the cabint meeting. which was one of the most uneventfui aeld in recent day, was another evidencs of the cling entertained by the administration that the case is made up and that nothing new re- mains to be done but to present the sub feet to congress and await the final out come there. The feeling that an end had come to diplomatic talk and that action alone remained. was shared -: R2: quarters, including the foreign embassies and lega- tions, where the ambassadors and minis ters expressed the feeling that all has been done in Washington that can or will be done in the cause of peace. What is go- ing on at Madrid gfys slight hope of such concessions there Sfil alter 2he present situation. There are no negotiations in the sense of exchange of opinion on the pend- ing propositions. Both parties apparently have said their last word concerning the respective preparations. Certainly this Is true as to the United States and there were no evidncs today that the spanish govfn- ment would rede. It is doubtful whether concession of armistice by Spain would be sufficient at this late moment to turn the situation into peaceful channels.
 Preparations Hurried to Completion
 Preparations for all eventualities are be- ing hurried to completion. General Lee will leave Havana tomorrow. probably on the small naval vessel Fern, now in Ha- yana harbor although it was recommended 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 residing in Cuba wilrbe out of the island. Official reports received here today stated that large numbers of Americans were leaving m the several steamers from Havana and other ports. Entire quiet has prevailed there up to this time. The United States consul at Porto Rico is also preparing to leave. No instructions, 1t is stated defin- ~~--~>~~---~-~--~--~~---->-
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