davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-05

ba, war cannot be averted 1t sums up
the situation as follows:
president McKinley's message to
congress VIII be ringing, vigorous doc
ument that promises to meet the full
expectation of congress and the coun-
try. 1t will be a scathing arraignnent
of Spain, showing that she has demon
strated her utter incapacity to govern;
that her colonies have declined in pop
ulation as the result of mis-rule and op-
preston; that American commerce has
been damaged and American lives and
property irnperiled and that existing
conditions should not and will not be
tolerated by this government.
1.-THE destruction of the battleShip
Maine and the slaughter of 266 officers
and seamen, serving under the United
States flag, will be commented upon in
strong language and Spain will be held
responsible for that disaster. The pres
ident will make no direct recommended
tion, but his message will point clearly
to the necessity of armed intervention
to restore order and peace. He will not
recommend the recognition of the indie
pendence of the island for the insur-
gents have no established form of gov
efnment and the president and cabinet
believe that a traveSty would be pre-
sented to the world if, following the
recognition of independence, the Uni
ted States should as the result of war,
take that independence away by Seiz-
ing or anneXing the island.
The presidents message will be
equivalent to a declaration of war, and
hostilities can now only be averted by
Spain's yielding all.
Pope Leo XIII. is mediating between
Spain and Cuba. The efforts of his holi-
ness have already resultedin an appeal
from Spain to the insurgents, through
the autonomist cabinet, for an arnis-
tice pending an agreement for peace
and independence. 1t is learned that his
holiness has represented to Spain that
it is the part of wisdom to make every
possible concession, even to surrender
ing the island absolutely, rather than
which would inevitably result in the
loss of Cuba and other Spanish colonies
and at the same time endanger the dy-
nasty.
1.-The United States has ceased all ne
gotiations and will not accept media
ton.
1.-THE administration and congress see
no alternative but war"
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-05
GEN. LEES REQUEST
For Delay in Declaration of War Will
Not Stop the Message.

Washington, April 5.--A Republican
member of the foreign affairs commit
tee says that the delay asked for by
Gen. Lee to get the Americans off the
island, he understands, will not entail
a delay in the transmission of the pres
ident's message to congress, and a
prominent member of the house said
this afternoon that so far as the admin
istration is concerned, no delay is de-
sired beyond today for the transmission
of the message. He said:
''If Gen. Lee believes that the safety
of the Americans in Havana would be
imperiled, we must wait. We cannot be
responsible for a massacre. But the
fact that Gen. Lee fears the possibility
of such a thing shows the kind of peo-
pie we are dealing with
Some of the house leaders are confer
ring this afternoon with the members of
the foreign relations committee to Sc
cure unity of action in the resolutions
to be passed by both houses as the re-
sponse to the presidents message.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-05
LEE MAY DELAY 1T.
Needs Time to Get Americans
Out of Cuba.

Washington, April 5.-Captain Sigsbee
in the course of his examination before
the house committee foreign affairs to
dav stated it to be his opinion that his
vessel, the Maine, was blown up by
submarine mine located by the Spanish
authorities. AS to whether 1t was fired
by the Spanish authorities or not he de-
ciined to express an opinion. He told the
committee what he had testified to be-
fore the board of inquiry about the buoy
to which the Maine was anchored being
the most unfrequented buoy in the harbor
The position in which the ship was
placed he said, was such that he could
have fired upon both forts at the same
time.
The committee is to meet again tonight
to prepare the text of the resolutions to
be submitted to the house. The mem
bers of the committee from the informa-
ton they have, believe war is inevitable
An intimation is thrown out that war will
not be declared just yet in any event, be-
cause Consul General Lee has cabled that
it will require several days to get the
Americans off the island.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-05
IS SANTANA BAY oURsP
Report That q West India Coaling
Station Has Been Secured.

New York, April SIT is stated here
that the United States is considering
the purchase or lease of Samana bay,
in San Domingo. Samana bay is in the
Mona channel between Porto Rico and
San Domingo. 1t is a land-locked bay,
five miles long, with narrow mouth,
which could be fortified and easily de-
Tended. There are one or two islands in
the bay which would make excellent
coaling stations. Assistant Secretary
of the Navy Roosevelt is said to favor
the plan.
The islands in Samana bay are con-
trolled by a syndicate, of which Smith
NJ Weed is the head. Mr.. Weed is
now in Washington carrying on negoti-
ations.
Commander Crowninshield, of the
navy was recently sent to San Do
ningo to inspect the position.
A dispatch to the Journal and Adver-
tiser from San Domingo says the
United States has secured control of the
harbor and that coal is arriving in
large quantities.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-05
OUR FLAG
To Protect Cuba But u. s. Will
Not Yet Recognize Inde-
pendence.

Washington, April Sat the cabinet
meeting today it was settled that in his
forthcoming message the president will
not make any recommendation looking
to the immediate recognition of Cuban
independence. The Withholding of this
recommendation is not because of indif-
ference to the Cuban cause, but is based
upon the fact, as the president views it,
that the insurgents have not establish
ed any government of their own, or,
such government, at least, as would
warrant the United States under the
well defined principles of international
law in taking such a step.
1t is urged, in support OF this view
that by recognizing Cuba as an indie
pendent government, the United States
might under certain circumstances, be
placed at a great disadvantage. In case
this government should take possession
of the island and the insurgents should
see fit to infiict capital punishment up
on members of the present autOnOmiSt
government or other persons against
whom they might have special enmfty,
this government having recognized their
independence, would then be powerless
to prevent any action the Cuban gov
eminent might see fit to take, however
repugnant to our sense of justice and
right
The better and safer way, it is
argued, would be for the United States
to take control of the island if necessary
to prevent further bloodshed and ad-
its administration, in the interest of
Justice and humanity until Spain and
Cuba themselves, if possible, have set
tied the whole question.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-05
ENGLAND a PARTY.
Great Britain is in the Movement For
Mediation.

Washington, April 5.-Notwithstand-
ing the many reports of European me-
diation, they assumed their first tan
g1ble form when at least two of the for
eign establishments in Washington re-
ceived official information that an ex-
change of notes between the great
powers was now in progress with a
view to arriving at a basis on which
they could make a joint proposal for
mediation. 1t is evident that the ex-
change has not vet been productive of
a common Understanding as the emfas-
SadOrS and ministers at Washington
have not received instructions to ini-
nation thus far is that the notes are
passing by telegraph between the cap
itals of Europe.
1t has been understood that France
and Austria were most active in bring
ing about this movement, and that
Great Britain had held aloof from it,
but it has developed that the British
government is also taking part in the
action by the powers Great Britain
probably would act with the others.
The Spanish government seems to be
hopeful of results from this movement
and this inspired additional ground for
the belief that it will not be regarded
with favor by the United States. The
diplomats, however, think that if a
common understanding was reached by
the great powers of Europe such sug-
gestions as these combined powers
might make could not lightly be set
aside. The general view of the dipIo-
mats is that the movement is not so
much one toward reconciling the United
States and Spain as it is to preserve the
peace of the world by combined action
Spain'S policy in this matter is one of
urging on the European powers that if
Cuba was free from Spanish sover-
eighty the next move under the Monroe
doctrine would be to bring an end to
European control over other West In
dian possessions. Great Britain, France
and Denmark have interests in that To-
cality- In other quarters it was stated
that the influence of the powers was
more likely to be exerted on Spain, in
urging her to the largest possible meas
ure of concession.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-05
SPY SHOT AT
While Skulking in the Neigh
bOrhOOd of Fortress Monroe.

Fort Monroe, Va, April 5-Several
nights ago the sentry at Fort Monroe,
whose post was nearest the newly ar
ranged Esplanade rapid fire and dis
appearing guns, noticed a man skulking
along the grassy side OF the slope. He
challenged, but received no answer.
The next night the same thing occur
red, and the sentry challenged and then
fired. Blank cartridges were in use, but
since the incident Capt. Hoskins of the
fort is authority for the statement that
the guard is armed with ball cartridges
and with orders to shoot.
When Commodore Schley was at the
Hotel Chamberlain, man of foreign
appearance watched him closely.
Friends of Commodore and Mrs.
Schley noticed the man several times.
He is registered at the hotel but has
avoided all the guests. While the SEN
tries at the fort can shoot a stranger
intruding, there is no law in force by
which, at present, he can be apprehend-
ed
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-05
NO MEDIATION.
President Mckinley Will Not Even
Consider It.

New York April 5.-European inter-
ference in American affairs will not be
tolerated by President Mckinley, says
the Washington correspondent of the
Herald. There will be no mediation of
the differences between the United
States and Spain, for the administra-
ton will not accept it. Believing such
acceptance might establish a precedent
for future interferences in questions to
which the United States may be
party and in line with the historic pol
lev enunciated by President Monroe op-
posing European meddling with affairs
affecting this government, the admin
istration has decided that if there is
to be mediation it must be mediation
Cuba and not mediation between the
United States and Spain.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-05
Tn Few HOURS
The Country Will Know Whet1h-
er Peace or War
Is to Be the End of the Cuban
Situation.
MESSAGE is READY.
Will Be Gone Over Once More
By the Cabinet.
And Will Surely Be Submitted
Tomorrow.

Washington, April 5.-Assistant Sec
retary Day was at the White House by
half past o'clock this morning and
went over the situation with the presi-
dent. The presidents message was
practically finished and SO far as he
knew there had been no change in the
date fixed, as expressed to congression-
al callers for submitting the document
to congress. The president had told
senators and representatives who saw
him yesterday that he fully expected to
lay the message before the two houses
of congress tomorrow. This much is
absolutely certain. 1t will not go in be-
fore tomorrow. But there is reason to
believe from the present indications,
that it will be in the hands of congress
before it adjourns Wednesday.
The president has acted with the
greatest expedition in framing the i'm
portant communication and now that it
is practically completed, all that re-
mains is it's submission to the cabinet
again for final approval before it is CIV
en- to the world. Its early completion,
in advance of the expectations of many
public men, led to a belief among some
that passed upon again by the cabinet
today it might be Immediately sent in.
1t was positively announced, however,
at the White House, that it would not
be submitted today. Assistant Secre-
tary Day before leaving the White
House for the state department said
there had been no late communications
between the Washington and Madrid
governments. Asked as to the arnlis-
tice reported to be in course of negotia-
tion between Spain and the insurgents
he said he could not discuss that mat
ter and that all that the administration
had to say had been given out already.
Representative Adams of Pennsy1va-
mia, acting chairman of the house COM
mittee on foreign affairs; Representa-
tive Grosvenor of Ohio, and ex-Repre-
sentative Thompson of Ohio both the
presidents warm personal friends; Sem
ator Allison of Iowa, chairman of the
senate committee on appropriations and
Senator Frye, a member of the senate
committee on foreign relations were all
early in conference, most of them COM
ing separately. Mr.. Adams left with
the assurance, as he stated, that the
message would go in tomorrow.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-05
LEAVING KEY WEST.
War Scare Starts an Exodus From
the Florida Coast

Key West, Fla, April 5.-Actine- IN
der orders from Washington, Captain
Sampson, commander of the United
States fleet in these waters, has sent
the survey boat Bache from the Tortu-
gas to Havana 1t is assumed here that
she goes to afford a mode, of safe egress
for American citizens should a riot oc-
cur in Havana or war be declared.
The Mangrove, which was lying at the
oock mere, received unexpected orders
70 proceed to Havana and sailed imme-
dlately- The usual exciting rumors re-
gardlng trouble in Havana ran riot aft
er her departure.
The Edith Howe, a brand new gov
srnment lighter, while dischargine coal
into the Indiana during a heavY sea
was dashed violently against the battle
snip and had to be towed in, and she
now hes a semi-wreck with 200 tons of
coal still aboard
The Iowa is to have a protection of
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-05
1T IS FINISHED.
The Presidents Message is Ready and
Will Go in Tomorrow.

Washington, April 5.-The president
has completed his Cuban message and
it will be presented to congress on We'd
nesday. Secretary Long, after the spec
ial cabinet meeting last night, author
lied the Associated Press to make
this statement.
The message which in itself is long
will not be accompanied by the consular
reports dealing with the state of affairs
in Cuba. These will go to the commit
tee on foreign relations of the senate
for their private information and will
not be made public just now. The di-
plomatic correspondence between the
United States and Spain will not be
submitted at present.
The cabinet meeting lasted from
until after II, and was devoted entirely
to the careful reading and discussion of
the presidents draft of his message.
Every member of the cabinet was pres
ent The document was gone over point
by point and met with the approval of
the cabinet in every material respect.
The only changes made were in a few
points of verbiage. When the meeting
was over and the members dispersed
there was general air of relief and
satisfaction on all faces as though the
air had been cleared of doubt and the
members firmly resolved on what they
deemed the proper course of action, had
set out to follow the course to its logical
conclusion The suspense evidently was
over.
Secretary Long, apparently had been
deputed as spokesman for the meeting
and gave the above brief statement. AS
to the character of the message he re-
fused to speak. 1t was learned from
other sources, however, that. the mes
sage is in part a review of Spain's
course in the present and previous wars
in Cuba. That it will contain some
definite recommendations may be in
ferred frorl the remark of one member.
''Whi1e can say nothing explicit, con-
cerning the details of the message"
said he, II may say that it is a strong
explicit statement and one with which
congress will be thoroughly in accord
1t was suggested that congress was
pretty thoroughly in accord with the
Foraker resolution, but nothing more
explicit could be obtained.
It is understood that while the con-
Sular reports on Cuba are withheld
regard for their authors who are still
in Cuba, that their publication is not
deemed essential by the cabinet. One
member in discussing this point said:
''They contain only information which
has by this time been quite thoroughly
presented to the public from other
sources"
From the fact that the diplomatic
CORRESPONDENCE is not presented with
the message it is inferred that its main
features are touched on in the message
itself whether in the form of extracts
or merely in substance.
The fact that the autonomist cabinet
of Cuba has issued an appeal to the in
surgents for an armiStice, with the idea
of arranging peace, is regarded here by
the best informed members of the ad-
rninistration to be simply a covert ef-
fort to induce the Cubans to surrender
1t is not taken seriously, as the opinion
is general that the insurgents will con-
slider nothing of the kind
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-05
FOR THE POPE.
Ireland Called at
the State Department Today.

Washington, April 5.-Archbishop Ire
land came tos-tlaes statss department at
12:3O p. m. today. He evidently had ar
ranged for the call beforehand and was
expected, for he was shown at once into
Assistant Secretary Days room.
To reporters, who asked his mission,
Archbishop Ireland was evasive and
said he came simply to pay his respects.
Assistant Secretary Day said at noon
that there had been no mediation or in
tervention of other powers, material or
moral.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-05
THE TEXAS TO sAIL.
Goes to Meet the San Francisco and
New Orleans.

New York, April SIT was stated
at the navy yard to-day that orders
had been received from Washington for
the sailing of the big battleship Texas
and that she would leave this port NOT
later than Wednesday.
Rumor at the navy yard was to the
effect that the Texas is to proceed to
sea to meet the San Francisco and New
Orleans now en- route from England
two latter ships being intercepted by
Spanish cruisers in the case of war
so that there may be no danger of the
breaking out.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-05
THE FOUR "ELS."
Government Buys Four of the Nor
gan Line Steamers.

washington, April 5.-The navy de-
partment this morning concluded the
purchase of four of the ten ships con-
tracted for yesterday. The four ves-
sells selected and which are now the
property of the government are the
Ell Sol and FL Sud. No orders have as
yet been sent to the naval authorities
at New York as to the disposition OF
these vessels, but it is understood that
the work of preparing them for duty as
auxiliary cruisers will begin immedi-
ately.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-05
STILL AT CAPE VERDE
The Spanish Flotilla Has Not Yet
Sailed For America.

World from ST. Vincente, Cape Verde
islands, says:
''The Spanish torpedo f1otilla, under
command of Commodore Villimil, is
still here Three of the torpedo vessels
arrived in one day, three others later
and then the transport came. No more
are expected. They are now in good
ORDER
There are seven vessels IN all-three
torpedo boats, three torpedo destroyers
and a merchant ship converted into an
auxiliary cruiser, the Cuidad de Cadiz-
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-05
MUST BE QUICK.
Meeting of European Diplomats
is Projected.

Washington, April 5-Some of the dip
lomats have suggested a meeting of the
representatives in Washington of the Eu-
ropean powers in order to see if some
thing cannot be done to preserve peace
1t is felt by diplomats who desire Euro
pean mediation that any move must be
made quickly and that there is no fur
ther time for parley between the Euro
mean canitalS
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-05

progress.
Many fanatics, fearing that war is at
hand, will leave Key West today for
Mama
Ensign Gherardi, now on the gunboat
Nashville will leave today to take COM
mand of the tug Sioux now at New
York
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-05
AMERICANS TO LEAVE.
Arrangements for Getting Them Out
of Havana

Havana, April 5.-The Mangrove and
the Bache are expected here today to
take to Key West such Americans as
desire to go. Consul General Lee has
been authorized to hire merchant Ves-
sells, if necessary and will probably en-
ploy the steamer Florida, of the coast
line, due here today, the Mascotte
which is due here Wednesday, and the
Olivette which is due for an extra trip
on Thursday. The Fern will remain
here so far as is known
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-05
A SPANISH FALsEHooD.
Madrid Gables That the United
States Reply Has Been Received.

Madrid, April 5.-The reply of the
United States has been communicated
to the Spanish government Its contents
nave not been made public and no act
ion has yet been taken upon it,
Washington, April 5.-An official an
nouncement was authorized by the
w mite House that negotiations with
Spain nave not been resumed This
statement was made after the Associat-
ed Press cablegram had been submitted
to the President and Judge Day
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-05
ORDERED OUT TO SEA.
Ram Katahdin to Leave Philade1phia
Navy Yard Under Sealed Orders.

Philadelphia, April 5-Orders from
Secretary Long reached League Island
navy yard to-day for the ram Katahdin
to leave the yard as soon as she could
be gotten ready
Commander Wilde has sealed orders
which are not to be opened until deep
water is reached.