The San Francisco call., 1898-04-11
Members of Congress Not in Favor of an
 ArmiStice.
Senators Talk of Disregarding Further Peace Measures
 of Mckinley.
Strong Forces at Work to Prevent an Open Revolt of Repub-
 licans.
Special Dispatch to The Call.

NEW YORK, April 10.-The Herald s Washington correspondent telegraphs: Congress is inclined to regard the Span ish proposition for an armistice in Cuba as merely another attempt on the part of the Spanish to gain time. Senators and Representatives with whom I have talked to-day are almost unanimously of the opinion that this latest move of the Spanish Government is an effort to again involve the United States in the meshes of diplomacy. with the hope that some arrangement may yet be ef- fected which will leave the Spanish flag floating over Cuba.
 There is much impatience in both houses. Many Republicans talk of dis regarding any recommendations for further delay that the President may make, and acting also in the direction of armed intervention. Few of them are willing to talk on this line for pub- lication. They want to wait and see what the President will say in his mes- sage tomorrow, and learn whether the Spanish proposition looks to the near and final settlement of the Cuban question, and the Maine affair as well No proposition will be acceptable tc Congress that does not provide for some adequate reparation for the blow ing up of the Maine.
 Representative Wheeler of Alabama whose view of the situation is much more conservative than that of most of the members with whom l talked, said to me:
 "The action of Spain in proposing ar armistice would seem to make consid- erable change in the situation. If the Spanish Government proposes in good faith to feed the starving Cubans, or whose account we had proposed to in- tervene, and offers to grant an armis- tice, it seems to me that takes some of the wind out Of our sails as far as the condition of the Cubans is concerned The Maine affair still remains, how ever. If our Government takes the stand that the ship was blown up by Spanish officials, it would seem to me that war must result from that Unless Spain punishes the perpetrators of that outrage, we must punish Spain."
 While none Of the leaders in either house of Congress is prepared to make any positive prediction as to the course to be pursued, in advance of the receipt of the Presidents message tomorrow the most of them take the ground that Spain's latest proposition will have nc effect whatever upon the action of Con- gress. I have talked with Republican members of the House Committee or Foreign Affairs, and find that con- siderable majority of them are in favor Of immediate action, and one of them expressed the conviction that an inter- vention resolution would pass the House not later than Tuesday evening
 The sentiment in the Senate Commit tee on Foreign Relations in favor o1 acting in disregard of Spains procla. nations is, if anything, stronger thar in the House committee. Senator For aker, one of the members on this com. mittee, said he did not believe the prop osition of Spain would have any effect ] whatever. There are some strong forces at work in the Senate to prevent hasty action, and it is quite probable that those Senators who favor immediate action will not be able to bring it about | for while they are undoubtedly in the majority in the Senate, under the rules of that body they will be unable tc 1 force vote.
 With some few exceptions the Dem ocrats of both houses are for action and will oppose any delay whatever or account of Spain's proposition to grant an armistice.