The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-03-25

Captain Sampson has been I'm command
OF the Iowa. but more recently has been
conspicuous before the public as presi-
dent OF the Maine court OF inquiry. Cap
tain Robley Evans is better known as
fighting Bob"
The next important move was de-
termination to create joint commis-
sion from the war and navy departments
so as to bring them into harmonious ac-
tion on all measures. Captain Barker,
naval aid OF Secretary Long, was desig-
mated to represent the navy department
I'm this plan OF action. The representa-
tive OF the war department has not yet
been named. II will not be necessary
for these two officers to leave Washing
ton. as they can best arrange joint plan
OF action In conference with the bureau
chiefs Of the two departments.
AT the close OF the day came the an
nouncement that the navy department
had succeeded In purchasing eight steam
yachts and four tugs for use in the aux
Hilary naval fleet. The boats are about
400 tons each and I'm an emergency would
be suitable as torpedo boats. The
yachts purchased are among the feet
est along the Atlantic coast and are said
TO be somewhat similar to the May
flower.
The presi6snt said to several OF his
visitors in discussing the situation that
he would do everything consistent with
the honor and dignity of the country to
avert war, and he still believed war
could be averted. He also said that he
believed the government of Spain was
10 l,,,t
at the same time he did not hesitate to
admit the gravity OF the situation. The
president frankly acknowledged that he
believed the report of the board of in
quiry would find that the Maine was
blown up from the outside.
He would like to see the Cubans obtain
their independence by purchase. and
ne intimated that he would be even will
ing that they should agree TO pay a
stated annuity to Spain. recognizing to
this slight degree the suzerainty of the
mother country. but he said at the same
time that he recognized the difficulties
In the way OF this procedure because OF
the disinclination OF the Spanish au-
thorities to consider It. Still the visitors
obtained the impression that he had con-
cluded at least to make an effort in that
direction. They are Of the opinion that
II this negotiation should fail the presi-
dent would resort to Intervention rather
than to a recognition of either bellig-
erent rights or the independence of the
island. They do not consider that the
president would hesitate at recognizing
either belligerency or independence ex-
cept for the reason that he believes
neither would accomplish the result of
relieving the suffering, which is the first
end he has I'm view. The Democratic
senators talked frankly with the presi-
dent in regard to the political aspect of
the situation. They told him of the
report that the Cuban situation was be-
ing manipulated with the view of i'm
proving the fortunes of the Republican
party. saying to him that II such was the
case and II war were provoked for
this reason the reaction would be against
the party. To this the president replied
that he fully realized this fact and he
did not intend to be swerved one hairs
breadth in his purpose by political con-
siderations.
His program had been definitely de-
cided upon. 1t is his purpose to treat
the blowing up OF the Maine as an in
cident. The report OF the board will be
sent to congress on Monday with a
brief message relating to the events
leading up to that point and informing
congress that the facts contained in
the report have been cabled to Madrid
to be laid before the Spanish government
by Minister Woodford. No demand will
be made upon Spain. but the laying OF
facts before that government will be
equivalent 10 calling upon Spain for ar
explanation and such action as she may
deem proper II is the purpose of the
house leaders to refer the report and
message to the committee on foreign
affairs without debate, and to this pro-
gram II Is believed the Democrats have
acquiesced, reserving the right to de-
mand action IL a report from the COM
mittee is too long delayed. Much will
then depend upon Spain's response. but
there are those close to the president
who believe that from the time the re-
port Is sent TO congress IL will drop out
as n factor in the situation.
The second part of the presidents pro-
gram reaches the Maine question and
involves Intervention on humanitarian
grounds within q week or ten days
after the report OF the board goes TO con-
gress. 1t will be Intervention to re-
lieve the starvation in Cuba. and upon
Spain's acquiescence in or objection tc
this act will depend peace or war.
Conservative senators say that the
president is to be given an opportunity
to carry out his plens. and IL is now
certain that hasty action without the
wish of the president will not be taken
by the senate. There has been con-
siderable work done among senator's.
aud the result OF general canvass leads
the conservatives to believe that the
sentiment in favor Of moving with care
and refraining from forcing the presl-
dent to act I'm advance Of his own judg
inent Is growing. Any attempt to bring
about congressional action contrary to
the wish OF the president. they say, Will
be most thoroughly debated. There
will be no party action" said one SEN
etor. and while the president will be
supported when he makes n request. Mt
tempts TO force anything through the
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