The herald., 1898-04-01

A Committee Waits Upon Mckinley
and After q Conference Delays
Action Until Monday

Associated Press Special Wire
WASHINGTON, March a1.-It was al
most ten o'clock when the President arose
from the breakfast table and began to
look over his mail. After he had held a
conference with some of his official stan.
1t was said that no message would be sent
into Congress during the day. In all prob
ability. The rapid fire of diplomatic COM
munications between Washington ana Ma
drid. however, make unforeseen develop
ments possible at any moment.
General Grosvenor of Ohio and Repre-
sentatives Butler and Fitzpatrick OF Penn
sylvania, Hawley Of Texas, Stuart ami
Jenkins Of Wisconsin. Fletcher Of Min
nesota, and Adams of Pennsylvania, were
among the early callers. Several congratu-
lated the President on his attitude and as.
sured him that they approved the course
taken thus far. Representative Adams In
formed the President Of the action taken
at the conference Of Republican Cuban
sympathizers yesterday. and the two con-
ferred briefly. Afterwards, Mr.. Adams
stated to reporters that he could not reveal
what had been told him.
Gen. Grosvenor said that he thought
there was no change in the situation, bu.
added that ''all was in suspense at this
time"
Mr.. Mckinley stated the situation today
to members Of Congress substantially as
follows:
1.-THE administration is simply awaiting
definite responses from Madrid. Negotia-
tons are in progress and all will depend
upon the effect of these. The administra-
- an
precipitation and undue haste in a mat
ter SO fraught with the gravest conse-
quences. 1t is struggling for peace so far
as national honor and dignity will permit.
1t is hoped that the issue will come to a
definite early adjustment. If it can be set.
tied peaceably 1t will be gratifying, and If
conclusions cannot be reached
within day the administration will still
hope for 1t to be effected before the week
closes. Meantime, he advised them that
in his opinion there should be no rabid and
excited talk; cool judgment should die
tate action in a matter which involves ma
tional honor and which will either bring the
country out Of the crisis peaceably with
credit or plunge 1t into war. The Presi-
dent further expressed qualification that
the sentiment of Congress favored giving
a little longer time for the administration,
and he cited the necessity for awaiting the
final effect Of the dispatches in process of
communication between the two govern
ments.'
Representative Hopkins of Illinois, one
of the committee appointed at the Republi-
can conference last night, had an early in
terview with the President. Afterwards,
Mr.. Hopkins said he felt that the Republic
can party would stand together in the
present crisis. He believed that the House,
although by an immense majority in favor
of Intervention and Cuban independence.
would await the action Of the President at
a proper time. His early visit had no con-
nection with the pending situation, and he
explained that the committee appointed
for the purpose would call in a body dur
ing the afternoon to manifest to the Presi-
dent the general desire and the almost
unanimous judgment of the Republican
Representatives that there should be an
Immediate and decisive step toward Cuban
independence.
A delegation Of the Merchants Associa-
ton of Baltimore. twelve strong. headed
by President Baldwin, presented to the
President resolutions for peace adopted by
the organization. The resolutions express
appreciation Of the wisdom and patriot
ism with which he has directed the action