The herald., 1898-04-07
FOREIGN AMBASSADORS
MEET TO CONSIDER THE FOREIGN
SITUATION
NOT KNOWN WHAT WAS DONE
The Spanish Minister Calls Attention
to the Fact That He Hasn't Yet
Packed His Trunks
Associated Press Special Wire

WASHINGTON, April 6.-The course Of
the Ambassadors and Ministers, as we'll
as their movements within the last twen-
ty-four hours have been surrounded with
uncommon measures of caution and Sc
crecy. 1t is case in which diplomatists
know how to exercise caution with even
greater rigor than other officials
1t was known last night that meeting
was held at the British embassy late yes
terday afternoon, but all those partici-
pating were so secretive after 1t had oc-
Cured that no hint escaped as to it's pur-
pose beyond the inference that it con-
cerned the critical condition Of Spanish
and American affairs. 1t was not until
today, however, that it became known to
those having access to the inner diplomatic
circles that the discussion at the embassy
took definite line and that the course of
procedure was, as well as it's form, not
only discussed, but largely decided upon.
OF course any such action could be taken
only as result of instructions from the
several foreign offices of European gov
ernments, and apparently the mode and
time Of execution of any instructions is
now committed to the Amba ssadors and
Ministers at Washington, but, as stated,
these instructions are very limited and
merely designed to secure peace If pos
sible by use of European good offices.
There was the same complete reticence
in all diplomatic quarters this morning and
such action as may have been taken yes
terday was not followed by any further
conferences or concerted move during the
early part of today. For the time being
the ambassadors and ministers were turn
ing their attention to the Capitol, and were
awaiting. with deep interest, the Presi-
dents message and its effects upon Con-
gress. Most of the foreign establishments
were deserted by II o'clock in order to gain
advantage in the diplomatic galleries in
the Senate and House. The British Am
bassador started for the Capitol shortly
before noon and was followed by practi-
cally the entire staff of the embassy.
The French Ambassador and his staff
were among the few who did not go to the
Capitol.
The Spanish Minister, Senior Polo, re-
mained at the legation during the morning
and received number Of visitors. The
situation had not changed so far as he was
concerned, and, while continuing to ex-
press his profound hope for peace, he ad-
mitted to his friends that he was con-
scious of the extreme gravity of the situa-
ton. Notwithstanding this, he Is proceed
Ing as though affairs were in their custom
ary channel. and, to his friends, he pointed
out that the legation presented no evidence
OF expected change, of packing or of pre-
paration for departure.
ANXIOUS TO LEAVE
HAVANA, April 6-The temperature
hor fndo i, h hfrrI, l~,,%
and not to excitement. Individual cases,
from business men to nervous ladies' are
plentiful where apprehension takes the form
Of hurry, but just the same every plan
has been made to leave the city at NOM
ents notice. The government deserves
great credit for the fact that in time of
national excitement, the best of order is
maintained in Havana. The ordinary avo-
cations are pursued without break or mo-
lestation.
The Mascotte arrived here this morning
and will be loaded on her return with pas
sengers eager to get to the United States.
Tn steamers Fern and Mangrove are
still in the harbor with no orders and with
no indications Of leaving for the north. II
is safe to say that Havana, at this hour.
Is far quieter than Washington, New Yorl,
or Chicago. OF course, many business men
have made their preparations to suspend
trading until times are quieter and the
vexed questions are settled. News from
Congress is naturally awaited with great
anxiety, but no news is expected until the
middle of the afternoon,
Mounted police, contrary to custom. sur
round the gates at Central Park and are
stationed in the nelghboring avenues and
at the palace. The Spanish reports from
Pinar del Rio say that when the recon
centrados left the capital of that province
Yesterday for the first time, four of them
were assassinated by the insurgents,
REMODELING SHIPS
WASHINGTON, April C.-Two Of the
ships purchased by the Navy Department
from tho Morgan Line steamers will be
sent to the New York Navy Yard, and two
Of them to the Norfolk Yard.
At the navy yards such changes as are
necessary to convert them into cruisers
will be made, and the armament, which
consists mainly Of dve-inch guns. will be