Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-08
MUST INTERVENE
Belief Expressed by Members Of
the Cabinet.
PREPARING FOR AN EMERGENCY
Looking to the Purchase of More
Warships.
CRUISE OF THE MONTGOMERY
Interest Felt in Her Trip to Havana
Harbor.
CRUISE OF THE MONTGOMERY
WHAT SENIOR DU Bose SAYS

1t is coming 20 the serious attention OF
the President and cabinet that it is only u
question of time now when this country
will have to intervene i'll the management
of the Cuban situation. 1t can be asserted
that there is almost perfect understand
ing on this subject. When the time for this;
intervention comes, is certain, the cour-
try will be better prepared to meet the re-
sistance of Spain if have more war
ships, greater coast defenses and more men
in the navy and army. This feeling tnat
Intervention is cnly q matter of time is
great. every cabinet official realizing that
all tendencies are in that direction.
To see the inevitable with President Nc
Kinley is to prepare for 1t.
TodayS session of the cabinet was un-
doubtedy the most momentous IN the his
tory of this administration. ard probably
for more than thirty years This was so
not from conclusions arrived at and poll
cies agreed upon. but from the feeling that
the country is entering Upon era which
will necessitate concIusions and policies
The great gravity of the situation was
fully realized by every member, but this
feeling was accompanied by buoyancy
such as is not often noticed in members
Of the Presidents official family.
The session lasted two and half hours.
Secretary Long was not present at first
having business of Importance at the Navy
Department.
The President quickly narrated to the
cabinet the events Of the past week which
eE6ed in furry of excitement through
cut the country; the conferences he had
held with the leaders OF the national legis-
latUre and the motives which actuated the
Cannon resolution, appropr:ating $5o0o0O 900
for national defense. Following this the
discussion became general. during which
the President was warmly assured that
every step that had been taken met with
the full approval OF his advisers.
Discussing Expenditure.
The question of how to expend the ap-
preparation of S5OO0O0OO when it is made
occupied the gres ter part of the time of
the cabinet. IL resulted in an understand
ing that the amount will De expended by
Secretary Long, for the navy, and Secre-
t&ry Alger, for the army, being divided be-
tween them in The proportion which the
President considers best.
1t vas not decided how much of the
money should be Immediately spent or how
far the expenditure would be affected by
future events. l. is believed, however. that
no matter what happens the President will
greater part Of the morey in preparation
for any emergency. He believes the coun-
try will uphold the administration in doing
this. 1t is probable that all of it will be
spent.
Secretary Long ard President Mckinley
discussed with the cabinet the matter OF
purchasing warships and torpedo boats
This mas been agreed upon if the Secre-
tGry finds anything which will suit him
and which he regards worthy of pur-
chase There was considerable talk about
the probability that attempt will be
made TO foist upon this country warships
which almost useless and which no
other country will have. but this will be
guarded against. Secretary Long did not
enter into detail about the ships he has
IN view. as all that will be fixed later by
the President and Secretary Long.
State of the Army.
Gen. Alger, by request, told the President
and cabinet officers tine condition of the
army, its needs. &c. While he does not see
anything in the immediate future that is
alarming. he was glad TO say that the coun-
try was ready. He exhibited a telegram
from Fred. Alger. at Harvard. 1t stated
that regiment of hopefuls was ready at
that institution and wanted news from
saying that there was nothing in the situa-
tion warranting the belief that services Of
the hOpefuls would be needed now.
\ telegram was read in the cabinet say
Ing that everything is quiet at Madrid.
The opinion was expressed by every cabi-
net member that this peaceful condition in
the capital of Spain had been brought
about through the Cannon resolution of
yesterday.
Secretary Long said on leaving the White
House that the outlook was more hopeful.
He declined to discuss the matter of the
expenditure of money for the navy. That
was all to be arranged, he said.
After reviewing the situation here and
abroad. the cabinet talked about the out
look in China, where war clouds are max
ing their appearance in the demands of
Russia No policy was decided upon as to
the part this country will play In the far
east In case of war there. but the feeling
was one of satisfaction that the American
heet IN the east is a good one. It will b,
able to look after American interests in
China In case of war there, and can keep
an eye on Spain In the Phiiippin, Islands
killing two birds with one stone
The Court of Inquiry.
The President and cabinet have no idea
when he board of inquiry will report The
President, 1t is said, would not accept any