The age-herald., 1898-03-25


 tho bureau chiefs of the two departments here.
 Later in the day came the announcement that the navy department had succeeded in purchasing eight steam yachts and four steam tugs, presumably at and near New York for use in the auxiliary naval fleet. These boats are about 400 tons each, and in an emergency would be suitable as tor pede boats. The yachts purchased are among the fleetest along the Atlantic coast and are said to be somewhat similar to the Mayhower. recently purchased of the Ogden Goelet estate. This acquisition to the navy is regarded as an exceptionally valuable one at the present time. as the greatest need is felt for small craft suitable as tor pedo boats and dispatch boats.
 Throughout the day the white house pre- sented an animated appearance, senators and representatives from both political par ties calling to confer with the president Among the callers were Senators Cullom, Fairbanks, Lodge, Aldricf. Jones, of Ark ansas, and Spooner. and Representative Bailey, the democratic floor leader in the house.
 President Believes It Will Be Averted
 The president said to several of his wis itors, in discussing the situation, that he would do everything consistent with the honor and dignity of the country to avert
 
 averted. He also said he believed the gov ernment of Spain was as anxious for peace as we were, but at the same time he did not hesitate to admit the gravity of the situation.
 The president frankly acknowledges that he believes the report of inquiry will find that the Maine was blown up from the outside His program has been definitely decided. It is his purpose to treat the blowing up of the Maine as an incident The report of the board will be sent to con- gress on Monday with a brief message re- lating the events to the point and inform- ing congress that the facts contained in the report have been cabled to Madrid to be laid before the Spanish government by Minister Woodford. No demand will be made upon Spain. but the laying Of the facts before the Spanish government will be equivalent to calling upon Spain for an explanation and such action as she may deem proper.
 Believe It Will Drop Out
 It fs the purpose of the house leaders to refer the report and message to the com mitt,ae on fduign affairs without debate and to this purpose it Is believed the democrats have acquieeceId, reserving the right to de- r,1and action if a report from the commit ice is too hong delayed. Much will then de- pend upon Spain's response. but there are those close to the president who believe a1yat from the time the report Is sent oo congresS it will drop out as d Iaciou III 'i'o situation
 The second part of the presidents pro, ora none reaches the Maine question and involves Intervention on humanitaIlah grounds within a week or ten days arcea the Maine report goes to congress IL VIII be intervention to relieve the starvation In Cuba and upon Spain's acqudescence an or obtection to this act will depend peace or war. A prominent member of the house said today that two weeks would deter- mine which 1t wouh be.
 Such information as exists here ieads those close to the president to believe that inc Spanish government will go to any length 1t dares to preserve neace. fne queen regent is especially anxious to pre- vent war and 1t is believed the ministry VIII 20 just as far as it can without Jeopar- dizing its own existence and the survivai or the present Spanish dynasty.
 The Spanish authorities here have been informed that some time ago Capt. Sigs- bee asked permission tf use dynamite in the destruction of the wreck of the Maine This was refused by Capt. Gen. Blanco for the reason, it is said by persons who insist that the Maine was blown up from external causes, because the Spanish authorities do not want the wreck destroyed as 1t affords all the evidence obtainable as to the actual cause of the disaster.