The weekly intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1891-1901, 1898-03-05
FEELING MORE SERENE.
Chances of War with Spain Are Re.
garded More Remote as Days Pass.
No Prominent Man In Washington Now
Feels That Spain Had OhlciaI knOwl-
edge of the Maine Explosion
About Cuban BOnds.

WAsHINGToS, Feb. 20. 9.--Sentiment re-
eardinr the Maine disasteris much be-
Gained to-day in Washington. The
chances of war are regarded as more
remote than at any previous time since
the tragedy. Opinion is gradually but
overwhelmingly turning in support OF
the attitude of the administrations.
That not n single prominent man in
either party any longer holds to the
theory that the ship was blown
up with the knowledge of the
Spanish authorities, the statement
of the Spanish charge daffaires
contradicting the reports that
Havana harbor was planted with sub
marine mines and the corroborative
statements of American naval experts,
have contributed largely to tranquilize
the war spirit. Still, the impression
largely prevails that the vessel was
destroyed from the outside, although
certain well informed circles hold with
equal tenacity to the accident theory.
The policy of the administration, in
case the disaster is found due to de-
sign by Spanish fanatic, will be to
demand an indemnity, which it is
thought Spain will obligate herself to
pay without much haggling, and thus
the matter will be disposed of forever.
This is only forecast of official ac-
tion. as outlined by the president
and secretary of state. Unforeseen
accidents may suddenly change
this programme and make differ
ent policy necessary. So far as any
one here is able to foresee at
this writing, the chances for war are
rapidly waning, while the best senti-
ment here praises the administration
for its coolness and courageous stand
thus far, in the face of profound ex-
citement and popular clamor. Mr..
Long stated that the department was
to-day in possession of no more infor-
nation on the cause of the disaster
than it was Immediately after the oc-
currence, and that no evidence had
been received up to the present time
showing that the disaster was caused
by design.
Speculation In Cuban Bonds.
WASHINGTON, March Whatever
may come of the Maine incident, it is
now generally believed that Cuba's in
dependence is assured. Actual war
would, of course, mean independence
almost at once, but the belief is that
even If war is averted Spain's actual
hold on the island will be terminated
before many months have passed.
There is a strange story to this effect
floating about the cloak rooms of the
senate, where 1t is asserted positively
that certain great financial interests
have become convinced that the
island will soon be free. There
are even rumors that certain SEN
ators have been informed of the
fact and have been urged to delay
action for purely speculative reasons
It is said that the Belmonts, repre-
senting the Rothschilds' interests,
have gradually disposed of their large
holdings of Spanish bonds, having un-
loaded them quickly but persistently
during the period when talk Of au-
tonomy led unthinking politicians to
believe that the revolution would fall
of its own weight under the pressure
OF public opinion.
senator Proctors Visit to Havana.
The Spaniards know that Senator
Proctor Is a close friend of President
Mckinley, and, despite his disclaimer
of political mission, they ontinue to
attach considerable Importance to his
visit to Cuba at this juncture. Some
think that he has been sent here by
the president to make report on the
situation, as Mr.. Blount was sent to
Hawaii by President Cleveland.