The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-06
APPROVED BY THE CABINET.
The Message Ready for Transmission
to COnRress TO-naY


WASHINGTON. April 5-That the Presi-
dents message will go to Congress to-mor-
row is the best information obtainable in
Washington this evening" though the
Kaleidoscope of the international events APP
pears to be moving rapidly at Madrid
as to make possible some new and possibly
remarkable change i'll the aspect of affairs
that will prevent this statement holding
good. The message is ready, makes about
seven thousand words, and has been APP
proved by the Cabinet. 1t recommends
armed intervention but, so far as known,
without stating that this should be i'm
mediate, by the United States TO prevent
hostilities and succor for the starving peo-
pie. It makes an argument against recoEni-
tion of independence at this time and leaves
it clear that, in the opinion of the admins
tration, 1t is the duty of this government
to supervise the affairs of the island until
in the light of fuller and later knowledge
stable government can be established. The
attitude of Congress on this policy cannot
be foretold in advance of it's official pro-
mitigation in the Presidents message
The Cabinet meeting to-day was not of
unusual duration, but extreme difficulty was
encountered in obtaining details concerning
it. A Cabinet officer, however, authorized
this much: The situation on the Spanish
affair remains unchanged. The Presidents
message is practically completed and is now
being copied. The present purpose is to
send it to Congress tomorrow. The mes
sage and the general condition of affairs
will be discussed. of course, quite fully, but
no changes had appeared which required
any elaborate discussion of new measures
After the Cabinet meeting it was learned
that it is practically settled that in his
forthcoming message the President will not
make any recommendation looking to the
immediate recognition of Cuban indepen-
dence. The Withholding of this recommen-
dation is not because of indifference. to the
Cuban cause, but is based upon the fact, as
the President views it, that the insurgents
have not established any government of
their own, or such a government at least
would warrant the United States, under
the wel-defined principles of internati onal
law, in taking such a step. 1t is urged in
support of this view that by recognizing
Cuba as an Independent government the
United States might, under certain circum-
stances be placed at a great disadvantage
In case this government should take pos
session of the island and the insurgents
should see fit to infiict capital punishment
government or other persons against whom
they might have special enmity this goy-
eminent, having recognized their indepen-
dence, would then be powerless to prevent
any action that the Cuban government
might see fit to take, however repugnant to
cur sense of justice and right. The better
and safer way, it is argued, would be for
the United States to take control of the
island if necessary to prevent further blood
shed, and administer its affairs or at least
supervise it's administration in the interest
of justice and humanity until Spain and
Cuba themselves, if possible. have settled
the whole question. What further action
shall be taken will be dictated by the facts
and conditions as they present themselves.
The situation of our consular officers on
the island, it was thought, required that
care be exercised in their behalf. The Cabi-
net had this matter under consideration to-
day, but what conclusions were reached cam
not be stated, but it is known that arrange
ments have been perfected by which they
are to leave the island within very short
time.
was made to have Congress support the out
lined policy of the President. A general be-
lief was expressed when the House adj
io,,rned that a. majority of the House COM
mittee on foreign affairs was ready TO sup
port Mr. McKinleys plan, and the impress
the Recommendations of the President would
be reported from the committee.
There is a great deal of uncertainty re-
earding the Senate committee. An inn
5ortanI conference of conservative senator's
was held during the day, when 1t was de-
termined that in case the foreign relations
committee did not report in accordance with
the Presidents recommendations there
would be a long debate upon the resolution
reported and unanimous action py the 0en-
ate could not he expected
There was no Cabinet meeting at the
White House tonight, but several OF the.
members spent the evening with the Presi-
dent and Mrs. Mckinley. There were pres
ent Secretary and Mrs. Bliss, Judge Day
and Mrs Day Secretary and Miss Long.
Attorney General Griggs and Secretary
Gage Representative Cannon and Charles
FInerv Smith called in the course of the
evening There has been no further nego-
tiations with Madrid. but the President has
kent in close touch with Minister Woodford
and Consul General Lee. Assistant Secre-
tary of State Adee. the cipher expert of the
department, was present this evening and
messages passed, but of their source or
tenor nothing was given out.
II was definitely stated by three Cabinet
officers tonight that there was no thought
of delaying the Presidents message beyond
Wednesday.
AT THE WHITE HOUSE.