The herald., 1898-04-21

through Minister Woodford, copy of the
joint resolutions of Congress, together with
| the statement that they have received
| Executive approval. In compliance with
their terms, the President makes demand
upon Spain to withdraw her land and naval
forces from the island and its waters, and
| in the event that satisfactory response to
| this demand is not received by the Presi.
dent by Saturday next. he will proceed with
the armed forces of the United States to
carry these resolutions into effect The
President does not name any hour of the
day of Saturday prior to which Spain
must make answer, If at all, to our de-
mands. but a reasonable assumption is that
any time up to midnight Saturday will be
regarded as compliance with the terms
of the ultimatum.
One of the members of the cabinet. in
speaking Of this feature. said that the gov
ernment could net hold a stop watch on
Spain in this emergency and could well
afford on our own account to give her
three days to decide question which may
involve the destiny of the nation.
From this time forward war prepara-
tions will go forward with renewed activ-
ity, and both the army and the navy win
be put In position for active operations.
There seems to be little doubt that the
first move will be to blockade one or more
of the Cuban ports, and as soon as an army
of occupation can be transported to them
a demand will be made tor an unconditional
surrender, and in the event of refusal the
work of reducing them by bombardment
will be begun Immediately. 1t is not
thought that the assembling of the naval
forces will be delayed even for day, and
1t is not unlikely that important move
ments of both armies of the service will
be begun within the next few hours.
Minister Polo Notified
The French Ambassador, NJ. Cambon,
and the Austrian Minister, Mr.. Hengel-
were with Senor Polo when the
ultimatum was received. Arrangements
were at once made for the transfer of
the Spanish property to their legations.
This includes the archives and the Span
Ish flag. Both the French Ambassador
and the Austrian Minister will act jointly
IN attending to Spains interests here, the
effects being sent to the Austrian lega-
ton because Austria owns the property
of the legation, whereas the French es-
is temporarily leased. The
Spanish legation had been In comparative
calm throughout the early hours of the
day and it began to be apprehended that
another day might pass without the sign
ng of the resolutions.
Senior Polo maintained mis- imperturbable |
although he has abandoned all
hope Of an outcome other than war. Out
;ide the legation a lieutenant of police
and an officer were on duty as a result
Of the vandalism yesterday in the de- |
struction of the legation sign.
At 1880 am. the Belgian Minister |
,alled, followed soon afterwards by the |
French Ambassador and the Austrian |
Minister. At that time no word had been |
received of action on the resolution or the |
lltimatum.
Brought Message
At 11:20 a colored messenger from the
tate Department appeared at the front
Ioor of the Minister'S residence, and in an
unconventional way stated that he had
/ message from the Department for the
Minister. Minister Polo excused himself
rom the French and Austrian repre-
entatives with whom he was then en-
gagged He glanced at the enclosure, not
ng that it was the ultimatum, and bade
he messenger wait for a reply. This was
already prepared and had been ready
ince yesterday. 1t was not rejoinder to
he ultimatu but a terse request for
lis passports.
Following is the text of the Minister'S
equest:
"Legacon de Espano, Washington, DC,
april 20.-Mr. Secretary: The resolution
dopted by the Congress of America and
pproved today by the President is of
UGH a nature that my presence in
Washington becomes impossible and
bliges me to request of you the delivery
f my passports.
1.-THE protection of the Spanish interests
ill be entrusted to the French Ambas-
ador and to the Austro-Hungarian Min
'ter. On this occasion, very painful to
lie, have the honor to renew to you the
of my highest consideration.
LUIS POLO DE BERNABE."
At pm. the Spanish legation archives