The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-04-20
SAVANNAH GA, WEDNESDAY. APRIL 20 1885,

a peaceful solution of existing difficulties
is not probable
AS 10 the course of events in the imme.
dlate future the only prediction that can
pe made is one based on precedents. Ac.
cordlng TO these Minister Woodford will
notify the Spanish government of the ac-
ton of tho government of the United
States, and should the Spanish answer be
unsatisfactory as Is expected. The next
step in order will be for him to ask for
his passports and leave Madrid. That
would be followed instantly by
the withdrawal from Washington of Senor
Polo, the Spanish minister
At this point, it cam be said that the
state department officials are confident
that the Spanish government Will so shape
every phase of the negotiations as to oblige
us TO take the initiative at every point
Alter the withdrawal of the ministers, and
assuming Spain does not back down, viii
follow actual war, but whether or not the
first overt act will be preceded by formal
declaration of war, which would insure
the immediate naturalization of the pow
ers, or whether the North Atlantic squad
ron will make it appearance off Havana
as beginning, cannot yet be predicted
In this connection, it may be stated that
the army and navy experts are beginning
TO take less hopeful view of an easy and
quick campaign than they entertained a
short time ago.
Months are now mentioned instead of
weeks as the probable length of hostiities
and one eminent naval officer, who had
experience an the late war, processes a be-
lief that unless outside pressure is brought
to bear war may easily drag along for a
year under the existing conditions.
Apparently the Powers have abandoned
open efforts in Washington to influence the
course of the government. Matters were
very quiet at all the legations to-day, and
no instructions were received by any or
the ambassadors or ministers in the line
of mediation.
The special cabinet meeting held this
afternoon was war conference. The war
board of the army and navy was sum-
moned before the cabinet, and Mai Wag-
ner, on behalf of the army and Capt.
Parker, on behalf of the navy, advised
with the President and the cabinet as 10
the time and the place to begin operations,
the moment hostilities are declared.
Secretary Long withdrew from the cab
met meeting for few minutes to send a
secret message to the commander of the
Flying Squadron and the fleet at Key
West
AS soon as the cabinet meeting adjourned
Senator Mark Hanna appeared at the
White House, in company with Col. FranB
Thomson of the Pennsylvania Railroad
who had been designated to take charge
of the transportation of United States
troops
The presence of Col. Thomson had specia
significance, considering the important ma
ture of the cabinet meeting.
AS soon as the cabinet meeting adjourn
ed and it was announced that the Presi
dent would not sign the resolution unit
tomorrow, Judge Day was instructed Il
officially notify Minister Woodford a.
Madrid of the text of the resolutions.
1t is supposed that the President still de-
sires to give Spain one more chance tC
realize that America is terribly in earnest
in demanding the withdrawal of the Span
ish forces from the island of Cuba.