The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-04-07

IN the postponement OF all meetings to
consider the situation. The proposed
armistice by Spain injected another fea-
ture into the discussion Of the situation.
and while some were very hopeful that
a satisfactory solution OF the problem
might eventuate from IL, the general
feeling was that the conditions In Cuba,
the determination OF the insurgents to
continue fighting until independence was
recognized, and the sentiment Of this
country in favor OF Cuba's independents
OF Spain possibly made overtures on this
line too late.
, A generally quieter feeling was evident
et the war and navy departments. where.
I'm contrast TO the feverish excitement
OF the past week. the tone was almost
apathetic. While there was the usual
amount OF routine attendant upon the
recent work OF preparation. things set
tied down almost to the normal. No
closed. and no changes in the stations
of ships announced. The day was also
noticeable for the absence OF the con-
ferences OF high officials. and the great
tide of visitors. congressman. public
men and contractors almost entirely
disappeared.
Assistant Secretary Meikeljohn OF the
war department made public a state
ment showing that up to this time there
had been allotted to the department
s9.279.1s7 from the emergency fund of
$50 900. 900 appropriated by congress. of
which s927, sos have been expended; but
as much Of the work begun and the mu-
nitions OF war bought is by the contract
system. the government is liable for con-
siderable Of the remainder.
The state department officials are an
ticipating with much interest and con-
siderable apprehension the possibilities
of the coming Easter holidays in Spain
and Cuba. II is at such times that the
people, especially when national ques-
tions are uppermost In the public mind,
are apt TO give way to their feelings and
indulge in riotous demonstrations. These
holidays begin today, which is holy
Thursday. and continue for several days.
Most of the business houses and all the
places of amusement are closed until
Sunday. and consequently many idle
people assemble. On Sunday many of
the shops are opened for half a day,
being closed at noon to permit the en-
ployes to indulge in various pastimes
and sports, and to attend the bull fights
which are so popular in both Spain and
Cuba. In view of the very strained re-
lations existing at this time between
Spain and the United States. the assem-
blage Of large crowds in public places
may, II is feared, lead to uprisings and
to demonstrations against American
citizens who may reside In Spain or
Cuba.
The delay in the settlement OF the Gu
ban question was treated in the senate
with varying degrees OF favor or dis
favor, depending largely upon the pre-
dilections and personal political associa-
tions OF senator's. All united in admit
ting the necessity of protecting General
Lee and the other American citizens in
Cuba. Many. however. were inclined to
criticise because our citizens had not
been removed heretofore. while others
declared protection for them should
have been sent to Havana. 1T Is hu-
initiating spectacle" said Senator Quay
OF Pennsylvania, that with our fleet
within 80 miles of Havana we are unable
to protect our people in that port"