The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-03-30

the cabinet divided attention to-day on
the Spanish situation. In congress the
feeling which began to take form after
the presidents pacific message on the
Maine was presented yesterday, found
open expression to-day in che resolu-
tions presented proposing a declaration
OF war, the recognition Of the independ-
ence of Cuba, an armed intervention
and other decisive and warlike steps
against Spain, and i'm conferences of
the republicans having for their object
the overruling of the speaker, If neces-
sary to get prompt action. Both on
the 1oor, in the cloak rooms, in the lob
pes and In the corridors there was little
else discussed but the Cuban situation
ana the Maine disaster. Every senator
ana member was furnished with a copy
or the testimony sent to congress yes
terday, and every person who could pro-
cure copy read the printed pages
Every group of senator's in the cloak
rooms talked of Cuba. Constant and
continual conferences We're held and all
recognized the seriousness of the sit
uation.
May Override Reed.
On the house side it was apparent
that the republican majority could not
longer be controlled by what Is known
as the conservative element led by the
speaker.
Groups of members in a state of ex-
citement We're to be seen on every hand.
In each cloak room 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 proceedings. 1t was
generally acknowledged that a serious
condition had arisen: that a crisis was
soon at hand. 1t was the opinion of
some of the conservative members that
in day or two the feeling would SUBJ
side and members would not be so agi-
tated.
Much depends upon the next few
uays. That congress will not long re-
main inactive IL some decided action is
not taken by the administration is GER
tain. 1t is also true that the talk of an
armistce caused a great deal of ILL
feeling. The house to-day proceeded to
do business without outbreak and with
out dramatic incident. but no such quiet
can be promised tomorrow. when the
naval bill is being considered. The day
closed with prospect that the COM
mittees to whom were referred the
Maine correspondence will act soon,
possibly before the end of the week.
MekinIey's Purposes.
The cabinet meeting to-day deyeloped
nothing new. The president remains
steadfast in his conviction as to what
is his duty, and adverse criticism,
which, Ii is asserted. is mainly due to
misinformation as to the situation or
ignorance of the presidents purpose,
will not be permitted to swerve him in
the least degree from the course he
has planned. AS already stated in the
associated press, the president come
days ago made a peremptory demand
upon Spain to put an end Immediately
to hostilties in Cuba, to release the
reconcentrados and TO permit them to
return to their homes and resume their
several occupations unmolested This
statement is made on good authority,
and since that demand was communi-
Gated to Spain the president has not
taken a step backward or allowed him
self TO be persuaded into modifying IL
in the least particular. Spain's final
reply to this demand. it is known, is
now receiving the earnest considera-
tion Of the Spanish authorities at
Madrid and their final reply may be
reasonably expected within the next
few days. Should these demands be
rejected. there is the highest authority
for stating that the president would
not hesitate a moment as to his future
course. but would Immediately lay the !
whole record before congress and be
guided by its instructions. AS a par
liamentary step toward peace. IL has |
been proposed to Spain. though this |
last proposition has not taken the I.
shape of a demand, as yet at least,
that the Spanish government withdraw
its troops from the island and that the !
Cubans be given their independence on
basis of indemnity that would be
regarded as just in amount by the /
United States and other nations of the |
world and fair to both contending par
ties.
As tn an Armis,iee.
The question of an armistice has not |
been agreed to by either this country
or Spain. though there is no doubt that
Spain suggested an armistice What |
terms Of peace will he acceptable to |
the president cannot be stated. but IL |
is safe tn say that no nropo<itiop viii