The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-05
Spain's Remarkable Activity Due to
Fear that Uncle Sam VIII Inter-
fere in Cuban Affairs.
WORK OF NAVY DEPARTMENT
VIEWS OF OFFICERS CONCERNING
SPANS PURCHASE OF WAR SHIPS.
Ammunition for the Asiatic Squadron
-FOrtificatiOns Mt Dry TOrtugas to
BE Inspected and Repaired.
special to the Indianapolis Journal.


WASHINGTON March Though the
members of the naval court of inquiry who
are investigating the destruction of the
battle ship Maine in the harbor of Havana
one the night of Feb. Is have given no in
timation of their findings, the purport of
the verdict has been foreshadowed and the
administration has pretty clear idea what
it will be, not in terms, but in general direc-
tion and tenor, and the President is shaping
his course accordingly. The friends of the
administration in both the Senate and the
House have been given the cue to prepare
themselves for debate on the Cuban ques-
ton, and they are hard at work preparing
data and familiarizing themselves with all
phases of the situation past and present.
They are hurrying as though expecting to
be called on in the immediate future.
The President hopes for peaceable out
come of the present negotiations, but he is
by no means sure that such will be the re-
suit If the Maine disaster was the only
thing in front of him he would feel COM
paratively easy, for he has received assur-
ances from Madrid that demands for the
loss of the vessel and men would receive
friendly consideration, but from what he
can see of the home situation he realizes
that this conclusion will not satisfy the
American people, and that action with
regard to the battle ship would have
tervention for Cuban independence.
That Spain understands the sit
uation thoroughly is apparent, and it is
very evident that she is even more active
than the United States in preparations for
war, if there should be war. London cable
grams to-day saying that she had bought
two armored cruisers and was negotiating
for others, conveys very disquieting bit of
information. Havana advices that Span
ish board of inquiry had decided that the
Maine explosion was accidental was also
regarded as significantly unpleasant news.
For the Spanish authorities to jump in
ahead of the American board of inquiry
and anticipate a1report on opposite grounds
was looked on as building defense al
ready of an indictment, and, therefore, as
sharp practice with evil design.
The situation tonight is more cloudy than
it has been since the blowing up of the
battle ship, and it is useless to deny the
fact. The clouds may blow over, but the
outlook is certainly stormy. Congress is
hurrying its work on the appropriation bills
and putting itself in shape for an early ad-
journment if the situation should quiet
down, or to give its undivided attention to
more serious business if war should break
out between this country and Spain If
conditions are right, Congress may be ready
to adjourn by the 1st of May.
1t was said this afternoon that there
was a likelihood of report on the cause
of the explosion of the Maine earlier than
had been anticipated, but this runor was
disposed Of tonight by message from Ad-
miral Sicard. The chief stenographer of
the board arrived in Washington to-day
and it was reported that very little re-
manned to be done to compIete the ino1lirv