The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-04-02

Washington. ID. c., April 1.-There is
little doubt that the President and the
members of his Cabinet now rcgarl Il
conflict with Spain as almost inevitable,
In his message TO Congress, which in
all probability will be sent in next Men
day, and certainly early next week, il
is understood that the President will re-
viesg at some length the record as 4
stands between this government and
Spain but will not insist upon further
time in which to continue negotiations
looking to a peaceful solution OF the
Cuban problem The Cabinet meeting
this morning was unquestionaibly the
most important held in many years. 1t
received SPANS answer to the ultima
tum of this government and finding 1t
unsatisfactory, practically decided upon
q policy which af this hour seems GER
tainly to involve hOstilities. The whole
record will be laid before Congress and
the question is now under earnest con-
sideration what shall be the particular
form our policy shall take in bringing
TO an end the horrcs in Cuba and secur-
ing the independence of the island. Pre-
narations ranging from a simple recog-
niiion of Cuban independence to a
straightout declaration of war have
been urged at the capitol but there is
hardly a doubt that the majority of Com
gress will await the Executive lead be-
fore taking action and it is disposed ia
adopt Mr.. McKinley's suggestion on
this point. 1t is thought that any of the
resolutions except possibly simple recog-
milton of independence, would lead to
war. There We're of course all SORTS OF
rumors in circulation. including reports
of mediation by European powers but
no such suggestion has come to this gov
ernment for at ) o'clock this afternoon
in response to a direct question. Assis-
tant Secretary Day said there had been
no offer OF mediation by any foreign
government
One member of the Cabinet in speak
ing of the meetings to-day spoke sub
etantially as follows:
In the morning it was apparent 20 ali
Of us that having exhausted all d;plo-
matte efforts to bring about a better
condition of affairs in Cuba and they
having failed. the whole question must
be submitted TO Congress. At our after
noon meeting the President requested
each member of the Cabinet TO express
freely his individual opinion as to wha:
should be done. The discussion was en-.
firely on the lines indicated by the mem
hers Nothing definite was decided upoI
and no conclusion reached. The Persi
dent will now take the views submitted
TO him under consideration preparatory
10 his message to Congress which vii
be sent in early next week. president
McAmley has done great deal CT
work recently and appears pretty wei
1atlgued Consequently he will take :,
niue rest before beginning active work
on the message. He has not yet deter.
hlhed wnat recommendation will he
communicated to Congress. My own in.
dlvidual opinion is that but little faith
can De put in promises made by Spain
ana TINS makes me hesitate about nc.
cepiihg with any confidence her latest
proposals.
In the first place she promised =
long time ago that the reconcenfrad,u
would be released. The result ehows
that this promise has not heen knnt
Now she proposes to release tbem h,t
keep them under military supervision
Who can tell whether she will adhere =,
this expressed intention? Broadly thor
appears to he three courses open to tbe
President in dealing further with this
matter The first of these is to accrni
the proposals submitted by Spain in 70
ply to the American representations. the
second to relegate the whole matter II
Congress and let that body do as it see,
proper-Thlch | think would mean in
teryention-and thirdly to take middl,