The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-04-08
WAR CLOUDS NH|RL|NG
Clash Seems Certain Unless
Spain Backs Down,
POWERS PLEAD FOR PEACE.
President Replies That Cuban Sit
uatiOn Is IntOlerahlG.
LEE ORDERED TO LEAVE.
Consul General to Start for Home
Saturday,

Washington, April There is no longer
anv doubt as to the purposes of this gov
eminent with respect to the situation in
Cuba.
War, in the opinion of the administra-
ton. is inevitable, except in the unlocked
lor event of a surrender on the part OF
Spain.
The Presidents message, which he nad
intended to send to Congress yesterday
has not been changed in any particular
and embodies the unanimous views of the
cabinet without the slightest variance or
exception.
Any move to avert war must come from
Madrid and must concede American de-
mands including an end to Spain's domin-
ion in Cuba.
Three features stand out plainly in the
developments of the day. At noon the
six great powers of Europe, through their
representatives here, called at the White
House and presented to President McKin-
ley joint note expressing urgent hope
for a peaceful adjustment between the
United States and Spain, to which the
President replied with unmistakable plain,
ness as to the duty and unself1sh endeay-
OTIS of This government to terminate the
insuflerable conditions in Cuba.
Another, and probably the most sgnin-
cant actual step, showing the finalitY
reached by the United States government,
was the authoritative statement that Con-
sui General Lee would leave Havana on
Saturday. This step, it is known, will be
regarded by Spain as akin to an overt
act preceding war, as it will terminate the
medium Of official intercourse between the
United States and the island
Thirdly, and most equally important, was
The omnons tone Of the press advices from
Madrid, where the war fever seemed to
have dominated, instead of concessions,
the opening of prison doors and other man
lestations of peace and good will which
Holy Thursday was expected 10 bring
forth and the more definite announce
ment of action that would bring peace TO
Cuba.
The heavy guard about Minister Wood
iords house, the imperative character of
ms late note, the war utterance of Minis
Ter Correo, and the turbulence at The
Spanish capital left little hope that pacific
councils would prevails.
Negotiations are proceeding at Madrid on
lne part of this government, but the pow
ers CT Europe, it is understood, are doing
''ef utmost TO persuade the Spanish gov
eInment TO yield and avert war
On The highest authority it can be stated
'h't no instructions have been given ia
Minister Woodford contemplating his with
travail the only step in that direction be.
ms the determination that Gen. Lee leave
havana on Saturday.
II was stated in a high diplomatic quar-
|eI to-day that the action of the represen-
.oufSs OF the great powers of Europe
-'aiHed at the British embassy Tuesday
i'SAt and exclusively announced, through
sle Associated Press yesterday, was com
InoHlcated to the United States govern
HltHt last evening.
Iae representatives of the powers called
Ttt Crt resident Mckinley at noon to-day.
iHe governments of Great Britain,
'ance' Germany, Austria, Russia and
-'3F We're represented. The President re-
Sg'Fed his distinguished visitors in The
"oe room. Sir Julian Pauncefote acted
DIS spokesman. He said:
"r. PRESIDENT: We have been cCmmis-
stoned by the great powers of Europe,
N"om we represent here to-day, to APP
llloaeh your excellency with a message of
i.'Shdship and peace at the present critical
yU"eture in the relations between the
uHed States and Spain, and convey to
;"u the sentiments expressed by the col
y'uVe note which / have the honor to
pace IN your hands"
ne note is as follows:
bhe Undersigned representatives. of Ger
ITahy' Austria Hungary, France, Great
N'{ain Italy and Russia, duly authorized
mat behalf. address, in the name OF
uIyF respective governments. a pressing
~pbeal TO the feelings of humanity and
!"o1eration of the President and The Amer
'.a people in their existing differences
""A spain. They earnestly hope that fur
"eF negotiations win lead to an agree
n'eHt' which, while securing the mainte-
ul"ee of peace, will afford all necessary
e'1rantee for the re-establishment of or
u.r IN Cuba. The powers do not doubt
't the humanitarian and purely disin-
Iested character Of this representation
"' pe fully recognized and appreciated
y. lne American nation"
ne reply of President Mckinley was Gs
ne government of the United states
-'oosnizes the good will which has prompt
~ irlendyl communication Of The repre-