Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1898-04-07


with the other, slowly drifted into pub
lie comprehension late in the dav,
chiefly through the medium of publish
ed press dispatches from Madrid, for
extreme reticence was maintained onl
the subject by the few in Washington
who knew the facts, and even cabinet
officers were unadvised on the subject.
This important news was that the
Spanish government, after what had
plainly been most exciting times in in
ner circles at Madrid, had DECIDED toI
reopen the case closed, SO far as this
government was concerned, by the re-
fusal of Spain to make satisfactory
response to the representations made
by the United States last week, and in
order to avert impending war had de-
cided to make concessions heretofore
refused.
What will be the final outcome it is
too early to say, but the aspect of af-
fairs certainly is considerably more
pacific and sufficient to renew the hope
of the president in a solution of the
Cuban question satisfactory to the
American people and achieved without
bloodshed. The details remain to be
worked out, but it is expected that be-
tween now and Monday a clearer light
will be thrown on the future by ac-
ton at Madrid, of which one important
feature, at least, is the declaration of
an armistice by the queen regent of
Spain. This armistice, it is said, will
lead to the ultimate independence of
Cuba from Spanish rule, but by what
intermediary steps perhaps even the
governing powers do not at this time
know. Much, it is supposed will de-
pend upon the Cuban insurgents and
the people of the United States and
Spain.
The powers of Europe, material and
moral, it is known, brought to bear all
their Influence on the government of
Spain, and still are actively at work
seeking by the wisest and most pol
itic course necessary, in view of the
circumstances and sentiments of the two
great nations involved, to bring peace
out of the gathering war clouds All
the capitals of Europe have been in
communication to this end, fact evil
denced by the assemblage at the Brit
ish embassy in this city Tuesday of
the representatives of the six great
powers of Europe, and then and there
were made mutually acquainted with
what had been done abroad, and with
the desire of those who accredited them
to Washington that they would work
in accord here. This concert, however,
is not to go beyond a mild tender of
good offices to secure peace and delay
a definite declaration of war if hostil-
tiles finally become inevitable
The improved condition of affairs
was reflected throughout all public
quarters late in the day. 1t was mani
tested at the White House, among cab
met officers and at the embassies and
legations, including the Spanish lega-
ton. At the latter establishment Senorl
Bernabe said that while he could not
disclose any of the information reach
ing him in an official character, yet he
felt that the strain of a few hours ago
was materially relieved and that the
prospects for peace looked much
brighter.
While the message was awaited there
came hurried summons of leaders of
the senate and house to the White
House. and they were informed that
the message was to be withheld upon
the information received from Consul
General Lee. The reasons he gave
were deemed entirely satisfactory to
all, ard Senator Davis informed the
senate. while the house leaders car
ried the news to that body. That the
danger to American life was considered
sufficient reason for non-action APP
peared in the postponement of all pro-
posed meetings to consider the situa-
ton.
A generally quieter feeling was evil
dent at the war and navy departments,
where, in contrast to the feverish ex-
element of the past week, the tone
was almost apathetic. While there was
the usual amount of routine attendant
upon the recent work of preparation
things settled down at most to the
normal No more contracts for new
vessels were closed by the navy de-
partment. and no changes in the sta
tons of ships announced. The day was
also noticeable for the absence of the
conferences of high officials, and the
great tide of visitors, congressman,
public men and contractors almost en-
tirely disappeared
The state department officials are an
ticipating with much interest and con-
siderable apprehension the probabili-
ties of the coming Easter holidays in
Spain and Cuba 1t is at such times
that the people, especially when great
national questions are uppermost in
the public mind, are apt to give way
to their feelings and indulge in riotous
demonstrations.
Last evening the president had a long
conference by appointment with John
A. Mccall, of New York. Mr.. Mccall
is understood to have assured the
president that the government would
be put to no embarrassment by lack
of money with which to prosecute a
war; 1t is said on excellent authority
that Mr.. Mccall expressed to the presi-
dent his belief that within As hours he
could raise among the financial insti-
tutions of New York alone $500, 000. 900
which the government could have upon
its own terms, and that If a popular
subscription were called for $500, 900 900
could be obtained in e few days.