Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-29
NO MESSAGE TODAY
The President Induced to Alter His
Determination.
THREATENED REVOLT IN CONGRESS
State of Affairs Explained to the
Chief Executive.
MANY CONFERENCES HELD

MANY CONFERENCES HELD
1t was officially announced at the White
House early this morning that the Presi-
dent would not send to Congress today a
message recommending an appropriation
for the starving people of Cuba. 1t was
the understanding at yesterdays cabinet
meeting that the message would be sent in
today, and it was generally understood that
the document was practically ready. The
change Of program was made last night,
after numerous conferences at the White
House. In all probability these conferences
have altered many things.
Five republican leaders of the House
Messrs. Dingley, Grosvenor, Cannon, Payne
and Dalzell-saw the President late in the
afternoon. There were also repeated con-
ferences. from afternoon until late at night,
with leading Senator's. those taking part
being Lodge, Proctor, Allison. German, Ell
kins and Hansbrough.
Threats Of Revolt.
There Is not the least doubt that nearly
all Of these visitors put before the Presi-
dent the volcanic condition of Congress.
and intimated that almost anything is
likely to occur in either body. The House
leaders particularly had heard the open
threats of rebellion unless there was a
change in policy.
They knew that these threats were not
the usual cloak room prattle. Representa-
tive Grosv.nor especially, with a long
head and far-seeing eye, was able to tell
the President the exact situation. The ven
cradle Ohio leader said that he saw
STERN brewing, and a bad one. The ex-
perienced senators also made the same
presentation of facts.
After these conferences. which ended
late at night, the decision was reached to
postpone the presentation of the message.
OF course other considerations probably
entered into the change, such as pending
negotiations with Spain. The general feel
ing. however, was that Congress is too
excited at this time and had better get into
calmer mood before being asked to ap-
propriate money for the Cubans.
Temper of Congress.
1t was represented to the President as al
most certain that Congress would not vote
the appropriation to be asked without ac-
companying it with either a recognition of
Independence for the Cubans or a declara-
ton of war; the money appropriated to be
used by United States troops in feeding the
starving.
The majority of the same visitors also
told the President that Congress would not
agree to any armistice in Cuba. The coun-
try. they said. wanted stop put to the sit
uatton in Cuba, and would not trust any
more Of the promises Of the Spanish min
istry.
The Sentiment of the Far West.
Arthur Sewall Of Maine, vice presidential
car didate on the democratic ticket two
years ago. was at the White House today
and made an appoin tment for a conference
with President Mckinley this afternoon.
Mr.. Sewall has jus. reached here from the
Pacific coast where he has been for a
month.
I'VE do not want war" said Mr. Sewall
to a Star reporter, unless it Is a matter
Of necessity. but the people OF the country
would like to see this matter settled SO
that there will be a free republic for Cuba
think the great majority of the people
are in accord with these views
THE conservative people of the United
States are opposed to war, but they will
be foremost in wanting it declared and
maintained If our honor is at stake
Il am in favor of giving time to the
President to settle the questions in dis
pute. The country might approve a short
SSs>>sASAA " AAoosiAaCo IL tHtb WOulQ result
in satisfactory settlement"
Mr.. Sewali did not care to talk on the
alleged armistice which Spain is seeking,
and now under consideration, because he
said he did not want to say anything
which might look like criticism of Presi-
dent Mckinley at this time.
Why the President Waits,
Senator Lindsay of Kentucky introduced
some constituents at the White House to-
day. Although he did not talk with the
President on the situation. he regarded the
outlook as threatening. II am as ardent
an interventionist as any one," he said
but 1 do not feel called upon to criticise
the President yet. He is urged on one sid,
by the extremists. who want immediate
war, and on the other hand by those who
are for peace at any price. / think h. Is
waiting to know what the people Of the
country generally. who have no especial
interests at stake. want him to do. When
he finds out, as have no doubt hs will
that nothing will satisfy them but inter-
vention for the purpose of securing Cuban
Independence and driving the Spaniards out
OF the island, 1 think he will act promptly
to carry out their wishes"
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