Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-04-08
FROM WASHINGTON.
rcorrespondence Of the Alexandria Gazette.]
WASHINGTON. April 8.

fore Congress next Monday, unless some
event should happen to
change the reported fixed intention OF
the President, and meantime the de-
parture of such American citizens az
NAV desire to leave Cuba will continue.
at the White House, save for frequent
conferences, there is no sign of Crisis,
and on the day fixed for the transmits
sion to Congress of message that Is
expected to lead to war probably eight
or ten thousand American children will
be ENJOYING themselves on the twenty
acre plot of ground surrounding the
Executive Mansion. Despite the grave
situation at this time all arrangements
are going ahead for the Easter egg roll
ing on the White House grounds with
the Marine Band IS an adjunct to the
festivities.
At the State Department to-day Of
ficials were devoting their time to the
preparation of the Cuban correspond
ence which, it is now understood,
will accompany the Presidents mes
sage on Monday. Assistant Secretary
Day said in response to inquiries that
there was nothing to make public either
from Minister Woodford or from Con-
sui General Lee. The officials of the
department now appear sangulne that
Americans in the island OF Cuba will be
able to leave there before any hostili-
ties commence, if they so desire. Ample
preparations have been made by the
government with this object in view
and if, through negligence or inditier-
ence, any of the Americans neglect to
avail themselves of the opportunities
offered to get away, it will be at their
own risk. Apparently the only new
feature in the Navy Department to-day
was the extraordinarily large number
of assignments of naval officers, indicat-
ing great activity in that branch OF the
service.
This was regular Cabinet day. Prior
to the meeting members stated that
there had been no material develop
ment in the situation and that the work
of preparation is steadily going ahead.
No one at the Capitol to-day seems
to doubt that war is inevitable. Dis
cussion now is largely directed toward
the method Of procedure and there
are even now theories advanced
as to how Cuba shall be governed.
These discussions relate to the form OF
declaration by Congress end the pres
ent condition in Cuba, together with
what the condition will be after Spain
has been expelled, and are participated
in by Senators who are charged with
the responsibility Of action. From those
best informed it is learned that in the
oIiaion of leading Senators whatever
action is taken, forcible intervention
by the United States will make this
country responsible for the future gov
eminent of the island, and that we
must make it safe for life and property.
The meeting was mainly devoted to an
informal discussion Of the situation. Ii
was stated that there was no fresh de-
yelopment in the situation brought to
the attention of the Cabinet nor any
dispatches or communications of any
SORT placed before it. The joint note
of the powers was considered, but
that it will have practically no effect OF
the situation as it now exists was plain
ly evident. Consul General Lee. it was
reiterated, would surely leave Havana
Saturday, according to the cabled il.
structions. Just when General Wood.
ford is expected to vacate his post is not
ascestaipable and may not have been
decided. There is now no difference oil
opinion among members of the Cabinet
on the question of the final issue Of
the present complications. Ali agree
that war apparently is unavoidable. AT
to.day's meeting the question of what
course this government would pursue
in case of surrender Oh the part OF
Spain was not discussed, but present
indications, it wac stated, point only to
open hostilities within the next few
days.
The Spanish -Americau situation is
regarded to-day as even more grave
then at any time heretofore. The
hopeful views of peace heretofore en-.
tertained have given away to the con
viction that the issue between the
United States and Spain has become
we'll nigh irreconcilable.
The steering committee of the re-
publican House conference appointed
last Wednesday to canvass the situation
and ascertain how many republicans
will, il the Presidents message does not
60 to Congress next Monday, join with
the democrats to secure action upon a
resolution declaring for Cuban indie
pendence and armed intervention will
meet at the Capitol this afternoon. Mr..
Lorrimer, of Illinois, one of the active
spirits in the movement and q member
of the steering committee, says chat
over 100 of the House republicans have
already agreed to act with them.
The military affairs committee of the
House to-day unanimously reported the
Odell bill granting permission for the
building Of a Catholic chapel on the
government reservation at West Point.
The bill has been before the committee
in various forms for two years. A gen.
ersl bill covering all reservations and
religions was beaten. This special bill
growing out of the particular condi.
tons at West Point met with no oppos.
ton.
Assistant Secretary Day announced
this afternoon that all the citizens of
the United States now in Cuba who
desired to leave would positively be
out of that island by Saturday. Ee
added that it could also be reiterated
that Consul General Lee would leave
Havana on that date. This statement
was made yesterday, but its positive
reiteration on the day preceding the
day set shows there hos heen No dalau