Arizona republican., 1898-03-09
But Preparation for War is Gc-
 ing On Rapidly
A BUYER GOES 10 EUROPE
To Look Over the War Ship
 and Torpedo Boat Market
Both the War and Navy Depart ments Saem to be Proceeding Upon the Theory That HOstihtieS are Going to be Declared.

Washington, March S.-In spite of the numerous conferences Of officials and of the continuation of the prepa- ration now in progress on a large scale to put the country in a state of de- fense, and of the outburst of patriotic sentiment in congress, there was a certain feeling apparent in the best in formed circles that the situation as to our relations with Spain was today much more favorable than it was yes terday.
 Perhaps semi official advices received through the Associated Press from Madrid indicating a peaceful purpose on the part of the Spanish government contributed in large measure to that feeling, or it may have been that the growing knowledge of the vast extent of our own resources tended to the be- lief that they would impress others with the futility of attacking the United States. However that may be this feeling prevailed and at the White House, too, after a cabinet meeting, wherein all matters that were known to the president relating to the exist ing state of affairs were laid unre- and discussed
 While Captain Brownson is going abroad for the government to learn of ships of war that are for sale, and their conditions, he will not necessarily make any purchases. The officer left Washington tonight and will take a steamer to Southampton, sailing from New York He will report his arrival immediately at the United States embassy in London, but fur ther than that the captain declines to indicate the places he will visit in Europe. He has been furnished all the information in the possession of the navy department respecting shipping in course of construction in Europe, and had talk today with MT. Lane, who is said to have some of these ships for sale, though he does not at present have that right in the case of two small Brazilian Dattleships now building at La Seine, France.
 As to these, or indeed any Brazilian or Chilean warships, it has been dis covered that Brazil and Chili are par ties to treaty by the terms of which neither country can sell any of it's warships unless the other also sells it's ships Captain Brownson does not expect to stay abroad long and goes only on the condition that he may re- turn immediately in case of an open rupture As to the right to buy for eign warships, all authorities agree that such purchases may be made, even after hostilities have begun if the neutral nation expresses strict impar- tiality between the belligerents and the ships are not armed and outftted ready for service.
 A good deal is being accomplished in the way of preparation in both the navy and war departments. The con ference at the navy department today looked into the procurement Of a suit
 
 plies, touched on the question of dry docks and generally considered a num- Der of other matters connected with the operations of warships. The war department was not behind the navy. General Flagler, chief of ordnance, is very busy reaching out in every direc- tion by means of telegraph and mail to learn just how far the resources of the big private manufacturing con- cerns can be relied on to come to the aid of the war department in arming and equipping volunteer army should one be found necessary. He will not tell what he is doing in this direction, holding that it is not wise to make everybody acquainted with either our weak or strong points.
 Major-General Miles is looking after the personnel closely and today was trying hard to perfect the organiza- tions of the two new regiments of ar tillery which congress has granted. The officers must be named to con- gross and the commissions are only waiting on the forms. Meanwhile be- yond the statement that the two senior lieutenant-colonels of existing artillery regiments will be made colonels of the two new regiments, the names of the officers are withheld.
 Three weeks ago tonight the Maine was blown up. As it was at that time. so it is now; nothing is known officially as to the cause of the disaster The court is hard at work, but that is all that is known at the navy department.