The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1898-03-24
THE SENATE STIRRED Up.
Senator Proctor's Recital of the
Horrors in Cuba Creates Pro-
found Sensation.
SQUADRON FORMING IN HAMPTON ROADS
situation hut No Plans Are Made
Pending the Arrival Of the Report on
the Maine rBvestigation-No No Preiimi-
nary Report Expected.

WASHINGTON. March 19.-As viewed
by public men in Washington last
night the Spanish American situation
has reached an acute stage. Secretary
Long announced yesterday afternoon
that although he had received no OH.
cial advices on the subject, he expect
ed the naval board Of inquiry TO file
with the navy department its findings
in the facts relating to the destruction
OF the Maine the first of next week.
AT the time the secretary was Civ
ing OF this information. Sen
ator Proctor, who has just re-
/ turned from Havana, in care.
! fully-prepared statement which he
read, was stirring the senate with
a recital of the horrors which are be-
ing done in Cuba in the name OF war.
| Secretary Longs announcement ex-
cited much interest and Senator Proc
| tors statement created a profound
| sensation. The action of the latter is
said 70 have the approval of the presi-
dent as Senator Proctor went from
the white house to the capitol and at
once presented his statement The
! Cuban sympathizers in Washington
are gratified over Mr.. Proctor's course
and they declared il to be an indica-
tion that the administration has de-
termined to secure the ultimate free
dom of the island.
Squadron In Hampton Roads.
| WASHINGTON, March l9.-No inter
vention with force will 4ake place un-
til November. The season for active
operations is too far gone. In accord
ance with this decision the battleships
Massachusetts and Texas have been
ordered to Hampton roads They
are two of the largest vessels of the
squadron at Dry Tortugas. AS long
as intervention with force was possi-
biiity in the presidents mind, the
battleships were needed right there.
They would have participated in
the proposed movement on Havana.
Now that the Cuban policy calls
only for defensive operations in the
| gulf, the two ships are not needed
there. A new division of the squadron
will be formed in Hampton roads and
| IL will be held in readiness for move
ment to any part of the Atlantic coast.
| This formation is part of the plan
for perfection of defense in sntieipa-
tion of the decisive step which the
| president is expected to take. presum-
ably the recognition of independence.
Tn. Cabinet Considers the situation.
| WAsHISGToN, March l9.-Nothing of
special Importance was developed at
to-day's cabinet meeting beyond the
fact that the report of the Maine court
OF inquiry is not expected before the
early part of next week. AS has been
the case at every cabinet meeting dur
ing the last month, almost the entire
session was consumed in the discus
sion of the Cuban situation. and it can
be stated on good authority that no
plan of action will be definitely
decided on pending the arrival of the
report of the Maine investigation.
Every phase of the several questions
involved is being carefully and
! thoughtfully considered and il is be-
lieved very soon after the report is re-
ceived, the president, possibly in con-
| junction with congress, will announce
a definite policy. Until then nothing
of decisive character will be done or
decided upon.
| No Preliminary Report Expected.
WASHINGTON, March 19.-The presi-
dent does not expect anything in the
nature of a preliminary report from
the court of inquiry into the cause of
the Maine disaster On the contrary.
his expectation is that the report,
| which, when it comes, will be com
plete in all respects, though following
the usual course. it is within the pow
er of the secretary of the navy to order
the body to continue the investigation
along certain lines should he believe
| further information is desirable.
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