Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1898-03-19
SPANISH SITUATION.
Representations to Washington Con-
corning Our War Preparations.
Court ut Key west-capt Sampson Inti-
mates That the Testimony is "Gratify-
Ingiy plete"-Postponement
OF Hostiiities Favored.

Ingiy Complete Postponement
OF Hostiiit,cs Favored.
WASHINGTON, March 1.-THE main
development in the Spanish situation
yesterday was in connection with the
definite representations submitted by
the Spanish government to the state
department, concerning the assem-
bling of u large feet Of American
warships at Key West, the war prepa-
rations and the influence which these
might have on the approaching cleo
tions In Cuba. While these rep
reservations cannot properly be
regarded Us q protest against
the attitude and acts Of the
United States government, they may
unquestionably be set down as re-
monstancc calculated to have an effect
In European court circles. The state
ment conveys in friendly spirit and
without threat, representations rs to
the serious influences which the war
preparations now under way will have
in encouraging the Cuban insurgents
ut the moment when the autonomy
plan is to have its critical test through
the Cuban elections, and in this way
defeat the reforms Premier Sagasta Is
seeking to carry out.
The published semi-ofiicial statement
Of the Spanish cabinets view rs to the
responsibility of the United States in
the Cuban situation has created n pro-
found impression. Officials decline to
discuss it publicly, but there is gem
eral belief among them that the pub
LEGATION marks the beginning OF a new
chapter to the troubled relations be-
tween the United States and Spain.
The statement is believed TO be first
step toward forming public opinion In
Europe in anticipation Of failure on
the part of the Spanish officials TO
make success of the autonomous pro-
pramme which il had outlined, and
that an attempt is to be made to place
the responsibility upon the United
States for the failure that may follow.
This movement is regarded us adding
much to the gravity OF the present
situation.
THE COURT AT KEY WEST, FLA.
KEY WEST, Fla, March 17-With
the arrival of the court OF inquiry,
after second visit to the scene OF the
wreck of the Maine, the tension grows
serious. The court, body like n
grand jury in its functions, is nearly
ready to report. Unless there are new
discoveries here, which is unlikely,
there is nothing to be done but for the
members to seclude themselves on the
Iowa and formulate the convictions
already firmly held. There is no rca-
son to change the belief that the
court will find that the disaster was
caused by an explosion outside the
Maine, but it's members have been
as secret as the grave. The chief
officers have been absolutely discreet,
while the talk of the divers has
been contradictory. From numerous
bits OF evidence that have come out
during the three weeks examination,
IL seems as sure us anything in this
latitude can be that the plans before
the court show that the ship was
broken in two and the forward part
rent asunder by an explosion from the
outside. Capt. Sampson intimated to
correspondent that the testimony
was 'gratifyingly complete" This
might mean an accid entail cause had
been discovered, but the indica-
lions are all the other way. No one
believes that any Spanish officials or
officers OF rank will be implicated,
whatever may be the findings OF the
court. Capt. Sampson said the courts
departure from Havana was not due
to orders received, out was decided
upon solidly by the members them
selves.
DISAPPOINTMENT OF HOsTiLITlEs FAVORED.
CHICAGO, March l7.-William f. Cur
tbs telegraphs as follows to the Record:
In addition to his study OF tho diplomatic
features OF the case. the president has been
spending q good deal OF time In consultation
with military and naval authorities rs TO the
contingencies that may arise and the conui-
tions that must be considered In the event that
he Is required to intervene In Cuban anairs'
and while he has not announced any decision
or intimated what his course will be, and has
probably reached no conclusion. nearly oil the
advice he has received Is against forcible inter-
, yention and In favor Of the postponement
Of Cuban campaign until after the rainy
season II p.acs cannot be restored with
out IN invasion OF the island by an army
from the United States or By blockadlng Cuban
ports, such aggressive action must necessarily
DO postponed until October or November.
This Is the unanimous judgment OF naval ana
military officers, the medical authorities OF
both branches OF the service and the onicial
Of the marine hospital bureau. and II Is not De-
lieyed that the president would take the respon-
/ sibility Of acting against their advice. Spain
may do something 10 provoke hostilities In
that event the president will not hesitate
But II the president can choose his own time
no movement will be ordered until In the late
fall or early winter.
REPORT ABOUT THE COURT.
WASHINGTON. March 1.-THE news
was current last night that the report
Of the naval board of inquiry is finally
on its way TO Washington. 1t Is ex'
pected to reach here either Friday or
Saturday. and intense interest is ex-
cited as the time draws near. While
the president is still talking peace
there is not any more prospect for II
than there was two weeks ago.
Robbery Causes Bank Failure.
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich, March H.
The Peoples Savings bank safety
vault was robbed Of 1000 last night.
Duplicate keys were used. The bank
Is in the hands of receiver.