Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1898-04-02
PROGRESS OF THE QUARREL.
PROCEEDINGS OF WEDNESDAY
AND THURSDAY.
CONDENSED FROM MORNING DAlLIES.

UreateSC Anxiety
Upon the announcement that Presi-
dent Mckinley had decided to turn
the whole Cuban-Spanish question
over to congress, the situation at once
began to reach an acute stage. The
understanding had been all along that
the president was doing all he could
to secure a peaceful solution of the
problems presented but in order to do
so would require time.
But the pressure on the president at
last became too strong. Congressman
are on pins and needles for fear of their
constituents, who are clamoring for
war, and it became evident several
days ago that Car Reid, who had
previously held down the house with
an iron grip, was about to lose his holt,
and then the president made it known
on Wednesday that he would settle the
whole thing one way or the other
within 60 hours.
Wednesday was lively time in the
house. There was some patriotism no
doubt; but there was also good deal
of politics. 1t was known that
large majority of the Republicans were
in favor of war, and the Democrats
were solid the same way. But it was
also question as to whether the Re-
publicans were willing to break har-
ness and take the matter from the
hands of the president.
To test the situation and also to get
the Republicans in trap, Representa-.
tive Bailey, the Democratic leader,
presented as matter Of privilege, a
resolution recognizing the independ-
ence of Cuba. The speaker decided
the resolution out of order, on the
ground that it was not privileged, and
at length gave his reasons for the de-
cision. Mr.. Bailey appealed from the
decision of the speaker, and upon
vote the speaker was sustained l79 to
139. The result was a victory for the
president. Although, as a matter of
parliamentary usage, Bailey was real
ly right, the Republicans overrode
usage in order to give the president
the time he asked for in his efforts to
get the matter settled. There was no
test of the real feeling Of the house on
the merit of the question. That all
parties were for war was known on all
sides. Instead of being considered
Immediately, the Bailey resolution had
to 90 into the box and follow the usu-
al course of resolutions that are not
privileged.
After the incident mentioned, moth
ing else of special Importance happen
ed in the house during the day. Ar
chibald w. Butt, the special cores
pondent of the Atlanta Journal, gives
the developments in Washington up
to late hour Thursday afternoon as
follows
Senators and representatives whose
positions demand that they should
know the truth of this Cuban crisis,
state today that there is no longer an
honest hope entertained by any one
informed as to the situation that the
reply from Spain to the presidents ul-
timatum will be satisfactory.
1t is lntimated that the character of
the reply, which is expected late this
evening or tomorrow has already been
indicated. Unless Spain shall shift
position at the last minute, declara-
ton of war is expected by congress on
Monday or Tuesday.
President Mckinley not only antici-
pates an adverse reply from Madrid,
but has given notice to the members
of his cabinet to be prepared for any
emergency.
The president informed the Repub-'
lican leaders who called on him this
morning, that by Monday at the latest,
the whole matter would be turned over
for their final appeal and settlement.
Although Sagasta has asked for "a
additional hours to the go first stipu-
lated in which to reply, which request
was granted, his response is hourly
expected at the White House. There
is a solemnity about the old mansion
today that forebodes evil.
The correspondents have been asked
not to stand on the portico, and if it is
necessary to enter the building, to 60
straight to the room assigned to them.
The employees speak in whispers and
there is an awed and ominous silence
pervading the atmosphere.
One not knowing the great events OF
state which are transpiriug might easily
imagine that some member of the
presidents family lay at the point of
death.
Congress, respecting the armistice
declared, with the president, is waiting
with bated breath for the final act to
open.
There is no delay. All connected
with the administration are firm. The
last official note has been addressed to
the queens government.
Should Spain plead for more time
it will not be granted.
1t is stated on excellent authority
and confirmed and supported by other
authority, which should be accepted
as worthy of all confidence, that the
president intends to send in message
to congress contemplating war.
The statement made was that he
youl3 racommend q declaration of