Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1898-04-01
A DAY OF ACTIVITY.
The National Capital in a Fever Of
Great Excitement.
THE SITUATION is DECIDEDLY GRAVE.
A Crisis Apparently Mt Hand-Much
Depends Upon Events of the
Next Few Days-President
Remains Steadfast.

day on the Spanish Sltuatlon. In con-
gress the feeling which began to take
form after the presidents conservative
and pacific message on the Maine re-
port was submitted found open express
sion in resolutions proposing declara
ton of twar, recognition of The inde-
pendsnce of Cuba, armed intervention
and other decisive and warlike steps
against Spain, and in conferences of re-
publicans having for their object the
overruling of the speaker, if necessary
to get prompt action Both on the
floor, in the cloakrooms, in the !obbies
and in the corridors, there was little
else discussed than the Cuban situation
and the marine disaster. Every sena-
tor and member was furnished with
copy of the testimony sent to con-
gress and every person who could pro-
cure copy, read the printed pages.
Every group of senators in the cloak
room talked of Cuba. Constant and
continued conferences were held, and
all recognized' the seriousness of the
situation.
Cannot lie Checked.
On the house side it was apparent
that the republican majority could no
longer be controlled by what is known
as the conservative element, led by the
speaker. Groups of members in a
state of excitement were to be seen
on every hand. In each cloakroom there
were members listening eagerly while
portions of the Maine testimony were
read. Members of the committee on
foreign affairs grouped together and
discussed plans and possible future pro-
ceedings. 1T was generally acknowl-
edged that a serious condition had
arisen; that "a crisis was soon at hand.
1t was the opinion of some of the con-
servatiye members that in a day or two
the feeling would subside and mem
bers would not be so agitated.
Much depends upon the next few
days. That congress will not long re-
main inactive if some decided action
is not taken by the administration is
certain. 1t is also true that the talk of
an armistice caused n great deal of ill
feeling. The house Tuesday proceeded
to do business without outbreak or
without dramatic incident, but no such
quiet can be promised to-day, when
the naval bill is being considered. The
day closed with prospect that the
committees to whom were referred the
Maine correspondence will act soon,
possibly before the end of the week
President liz Firm.
The cabinet meeting developed moth
ing new. The president remains stead
fast in his convictions as to what is
his duty, and adverse criticism, which,
So fal &c
nation as to the situation, or igno.
rance of the presidents purposes, will
not be permitted to swerve him in the
least degree from the course he has
planned. AS already stated, the pres
1dent some days ago made a peremptory
demand upon Spain to put an end i'm.
mediately to hostilities in Cuba, to re.
lease the concentrates and to permit
them to return to their homes and re-
sumo their several occupations unmo.
Tested. This statement is made by un-
questionable authority, and since that
demand was communicated to Spain
the president has not taken step back
ward or allowed himself to be persuad
ed into modifying it in the least partic
ular. SPANS final reply to this de
mand, 1t is known. is now receiving the
earnest consideration of the Spanish
authorities at Madrid, and their fina
reply may be reasonably expected with
in the next few days
Would Act at Once.
Should these demands be rejected
there is the highest authority for stat
ing that the president would not hest
tate moment as to his future course
but would Immediately lay the whole
record before congress and be guided
by its instructions. AS "a prelilninar,
step toward peace it has been proposed
to Spain, though this last proposition
has not taken the shape of "a demand
as yet, at least, that the Spanish gov
eminent withdraw it's troops from tn,
Island and that the Cnbans be give1
their independence on "A basis of indem
nifty that would be regarded as Just il
amount by the United States and othe
nations of the world and fair to boil
contending parties.
Spain Suggests Armixticc
The question of an armistice has no
been agreed to by either this countr,
or Spain, though there is no doubt tina
Spain suggested an armistice. VIVA
terms OF peace will be acceptable to Thu
president cannot be stated, but it is as
serted that no proposition will be con
sidered that does not involve the prac
teal if not the actual independence O
the Cubans.
People Should BE Patient.
Under these circumstances the mem
bers of the administration think it onl
fair to the president that the peopl
should await with patience the result O
the pending negotiations, since there j
no more loyal American than the pres
dent or one who will hesitate less tina
he when the hour for action has al
rived.
Approve His Policy.
AT the close of the cabinet meetin,
Tuesday Secretary Alger gave out tn
following statement:
80 far from there being any differenc
of opinion among the members of the cal
met they are all in hearty accord with til
president, and have been without sing
exception. When he read to them Monda
his message on the Maine, there was nj
a dissenting voice nor a suggestion
change. 1t commanded the approval
every member How could the presidel
have said more? He gave congress the r
port at once and stated that he had TO
warded it to Spain and is awaiting her r
ply. He must take one step at time.
may be said further that there need
No fanr fl,,,t l<x fob \ L,