The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-03-16
EXPECT EARLY REPORT
CABINET HOPES TO HEAR FROM THE
NAVAL COURT THIS WEEK
Meeting of the Presidents Advisers
Devoted to General Discussion
OF Defense Measures--McKinI
Has His Eye on More Ships
AbrOad-Spain Cannot Get Them

WASHINGTON, March Is. 1.-THE
general expectation of the members of
the cabinet" said one Of them after
the meeting today, 'is that some re-
port will be received during the pres
ent week from the court of inquiry
examining into the cause of the Maine
explosion.
Yet" he added ut would not be
surprising to us if the report should be
delayed for longer time. We have
nothing on which to base this hope
that l know of, only the feeling seems
general that what I have said will be
the case. There is nothing at hand
as yet to indicate what will be the
nature Of the findings of the court
To-day our time was occupied in
general discussion of the measures un-
der way for the national defense, not
ably in regard to the acquisition Of
new vessels Of war. We are keeping
an eye on the two ships under con-
struction for Chile and the Argentine
Republic, but it is not probable that
we can get them. If we cannot OBJ
tain the ships, 1t Is a source of satis-
faction to know that Spain will not
be able to purchase them either
A large part Of the time of the meet
ing was consumed in the general dis
cussion Of the measures being taken
to place the navy on proper footing
for defense in case of trouble. The
question of the purchase of war YES
sells. where they can be had, and at
what price, was talked over, but with
out coming to any definite conclusion
on any new propositions.
Information in possession Of the gov
ernment is to the effect that up to this
time Spain has not consummated the
purchase of the Chilian warship O'Hig-
gins The indications, 1t is stated, seem
to be that this ship will be added ulti-
mately to the United States navy.
Cabinet Concerned.
The meeting Of the cabinet at an
earlier hour than usual today had the
effect to suspend most Of the active op-
erations in the war and navy depart
ments during the forenoon. 1t was
not long, however, after the meeting
began before some OF the bureau Of
ficers Of the navy department were
called upon by telephone and mes
senger to supply information on tech
nical points showing that the cabinet
was more or less concerned in the situ-
alton.
Not much concern is expressed by
officers Of the administration Of the re-
ported intention of European govern
ments, at the instigation of Austria, to
intervene between the United States
and Spain in the settlement Of the
questions pending between them. So
far it can be stated that this has taken
no official shape, or at least no indica-
tions Of such a design has reached the
state department. What the attitude
of our government would be If repre-
sentations in that line were addressed
to it by European powers, is a ques
ton that the officials actually do not
care, to answer in anticipation.
The suggestion that the Spanish gov
ernment has protested against the sale
by Brazil of the two cruisers. to- the
United States likewise fails to cause
any feeling of concern, the naval Off
GERS holding that there can be no ques-
ton of the right Of the United States
to increase It's navy at any time.
Senator Proctor called at the state
department about noon today, and
spent some time in conference with
Assistant Secretary Day. He appeared
to be deeply concerned over the sad
death of Mrs Thurston. The president
and secretary of state have united in
sending to Senator Thurston, through
Consul General Lee. condolences upon
the sad event