The herald., 1898-04-11

in the committee and the house, as to the
nature of the resolutions upon which the
house will be called upon to act Indi-
vidual opinions vary greatly, from those
who desire a direct declaration of war,
based on the theory that the blowing up of
the Maine was a hostile act, to few who
are opposed to any action whatever. But
the real contest of course, will be between
those who desire to follow what is now
generally accepted as the presidents rec
ommendation, armed Intervention, and
those who desire the recognition of the
Cuban republic. The Democrats, both of
the committee and of the house, have ta-
ken an unequivocal position for the recog-
hilton of independence, although there is
difference of. opinion as to whether in
tervention should follow. A majority of
the Republicans of the committee have
within a few days declared themselves
for intervention and independence. Two
of them, Quigg of New York and Henry
of Indiana, while they do not favor recog-
milton of the existing republic, havefcar-
nestly advocated declaration to the effect
that Spanish dominion over the island
cease. leaving to the future the question of
the actual government of the island. But
in the desire of the Republicans of both
of the advocates of independence have
about come to the conclusion that the diff
ference between armed intervention and
recognition is more technical than sub
stantial, as, unless the island should be
annexed to which they are opposed, re-
publican form of government must follow.
1t seems probable that existing differ
ences may at least to some extent be ad-
justed, and whether all the Republicans
agree to q resolution declaring for inter-
vention only or not, such resolution will
be reported. 1t seems equally certain that
q resolution for the independence, possibly |
coupled with intervention, will be pre-
sented by the minority. No definite ar
rangements have been made as to the de-
bate, but there seems to be no demand for
prolonged time. Bailey of the minority
thinks two days ought to suffice and some
of the Republicans think our action would
be strengthened if there were no debate |
at all. Two days seems to be the general
opinion as to the length of the debate. |
There probably will be considerable pres |
sure for time for brief speeches. Many |
members desire to bury their hatchets in
the painted war post. But there is solid |
ground for difference as to the character |
of the resolutions and the question as to |
the possible liability of the United States
for the Spanish bonds based on the Cuban /
revenues in the event of Intervention with
out recognition, will be thoroughly dis
cussed. Whatever time is not occupied by
the Cuban question will be devoted to the
consideration of contested election cases
and the general deficiency bill.
ALL AT SEA
WASHINGTON, April 10.-The presi-
dents message on Cuba will go to con-
gress tomorrow at noon. Whether 1t will
make a recommendation on the situation
as presented by Spains last note and, If
so, what form that recommendation will
take, is matter upon which war or peace
may rest. If the president should take the
position that Spain's armistice comes too
late, or even that it does not meet the re-
quirements of the nation, congress prob
ably would act with belligerent resolu-
tion calling upon the president to use the n
army and navy of the United States to
bring to an end the condition of affairs in
Cuba, which he declared to the six am
bassadors of the powers, who called upon
him on Thursday. as being insufferable.'
Should the message take the ground that
Spains endeavorS seem tending in the
proper direction and that justice should
stated desire to end the insurrection, or
should the president simply refer the whole
subject to congress without recommenda
tion condition would arise of which no
one tonight could positively see the out
come.
So few congressman know the exact
status of affairs that no prediction could
be made as to what action congress would
take.
Easter Sunday brought little rest to thosej
who are dealing with the Spanish situation.
With the presidents message ready to go
to congress tomorrow, Spain's grant of
armistce had brought about a new condi-
tion which compelled the president and his
advisers to meet and consider how far the
situation was affected by Spain's conces-
sion AS result the unusual if not unpre
cedented condition arose for two cabinet
meetings on Sunday, one at noontime,
lasting an hour and half, and another at
o'clock tonight.
While the streets were thronged with
people going TO their Easter services early
in the day, the carriages of cabinet officers
were centering at the White House
to take up the latest phases in
the determination that the presi-
dents message would go to con-
gress tomorrow. 1t seemed evident, how
ever, from the new conditions presented
by the grant of an armistice that the mes
sage should deal with these conditions in
order that congress might be fully advised
on the latest phase of the situation. Cab
met officers were extremely reticent over
changes in the message, although it
seemed to be understood that the facts re-
lating to the armistice would at least be
incorporated, even though the general psi
icy of the message underwent no change.
BLANCO'S PROMPTITUDE
During Senor Polo's call at the state de-
partment he notified the authorities that
word had come from Havana that General
Blanco had been prompt in executing the
orders of the queen regent, and that the
proclamation of the armistce had been
promulgated today.
The first effect of this will be TO bring
about a complete cessation of all Spanish
hostilities throughout the island. The
Spanish troops will, for the first time, go
into garrison.
Their future disposition has not even
been considered, for much depends upon
the duration of the armistice and the
course of the insurgents. II the insurgents
continue their fighting and make attacks
on the Spanish troops the situation will be-
come complicated for it is hardly believed
that the Spanish forces will lay down their
arms for any length of time II they con-
Time he under fire from tho ipc,1roapt, !