The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-04-07

Pauncef0t6' may nave Wlsneu W ohol
mediation, but if so were warned against
it by others in the conference who under
stood more clearly that such procedure
would be resented and work to nostlle
and not to peaceful ends
The improved condition of affairs was
reflected throughout all public quarters
today. 1t was manifested at the White
House, among the Cabinet officers and at
the embassies and legations, including
TIE Spanish legation. At the latter
establishment, Senor Polo said that while
he could not disclose any of the informa-
tion reaching him in an official character,
yet he felt that the strain of a few hours
ago was materially relieved and that the
prospects for peace looked much brighter
He in no way confirmed nor, would he
even discuss, views entertained In other
high official quarters, that Spain was
slowly but surely yielding and confined
his utterances to the general statement
that conditions were improving. Accom-
panying the actual developments or the
day came flood of reports and rumors of
a startling character, little OF 1T, however,
having any authentic basis. The rumoTs
of disturbance at Havana were not borne
OuU w lilly VI ti1C 0FlSSp hSIOs
The uu certainty following great dis
appointment was the condition existing
ut the capitol at the close of the day when
the expected did not happen. Senators
and members we're at sea as to what was
coming next.
While the message was awaited, there
oalne hurried summons'of leaders of the
Senate and House to the White House and
they were there informed that the mes
sage was to be withheld on the informa
ton received from Consul Lee. The
reasons he gave were deemed entlre'y
satisfactory by oil. and Senator Davis
informed the Senate while the House Lead
ers carried the news to that body. That
the danger to American life was con-
sidered sufficient reason for non-action
appeared in the postponement of all pro-
posed meetings to consider the situation.
!. The proposed armistioe by Spain in
jected another feature into the discussion
Of the situation, and while some were very
hopeful that satisfactory solution of the
problem might eventuate from it, the
general feeling was that the conditions in
Cuba the determination of the insurgents
to continue fighting until independence
wes recognized and the sentiment OF this
country in favor of Cuba's Independence
of Spain, possibly made overtures on this
line too late.
A generally quieter feeling was ev ident
at the war and navy departments, where
in contrast to the feverish excitement of
the past week. the tone was almost
apathetic While there was the usual
amount of routine attendant upon the re-
cent work OF preparation, things today
settled down almost to the normal. No
more contracts for new vessels were closed
by the navy departmentsand no change in
the station of ships announced. Today
was also noticeable for the absence Of the
conferences Of high officials and the great
tide of visitors, congressman, public men
and contractors almost entirely disap-
peared.
Assistant Secretary Meikeljohn Of the
showing that up to this time there has
been allotted to the department 50, 219, l97
from the emergency fund of $50 00o, ooo
appropriated by Congress. The different
bureaus receiving this money are: Ora
nance, s4.233, 767; engineers, 81, 425 .Ooo;
quartermasters, $500,0O0; signal ONCE
$12O, ,0O0
OF the entire amount allotted 1927, ,so5
has been expended hut as much OF the
work began and the munitions OF war
brought is by tha contract system the
government Is liable for considerable OF
the remainder.
Tho State Department officials are an
ticipatlng with much lnGsresG anu ooi.
siderable apprehension the probaplilties
of the coming Easter holidays in spain
and Cuba. It is at such times that a,,na1 1ne
people, especially when great nationa.
questions are uppermost in the pupl1o
mind, are apt to give way to their feel
ings and indulge in riotous demonstra-
tions. these holidays begin tomorrow,
which is Holy Thursday. and contlnme le
for several days Most of the business
houses and ali the places Of amusemends rent
are closed from Thursday to Sunday. ana
consequently many idle people assemble at
public places and on thoroughfares. IN s,a
Sunday many of the shops are opened a1,,, fGt 81
the employees to indulge in the various
sports and to attend the bull fights % Whlch
are so popular in both Spain and CUBA
In view of the very strained relations eH-
istingTat this time between Spain ana Ine
United States. the assemblage OF large
crowds in public places, may, it is feafeu,
lead to uprisings and to demonstratlo?11s
against American citizens who may reslae
in Spain or Cuba.