The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-03-30
A RESTLESS DAY At THE CAPITAL
Congress Liable Cut President Any Day
Now and Declare War Against Spanish
Account

be considered that does not involve
the practical, If not the actual inde-
pendence of the Cubans. Under these
circumstances the members of the ad-
mnistration think IL only fair to the
president that the people should wait
with patience the result of the pending
negotiations, since there is no more
loyal American than the president. or
one who will hesitate less than he
when the hour for action arrives.
France as n Peacemaker.
There is little doubt that the French
government is ready to tender its good
offices as a mediator between the
United States and Spain IL any inti-
nation is conveyed by this country
that such Offices would be acceptable.
In diplomatic circles IL is pointed out
that the interests of France, both ma
terial and sentimental, favor an avoid
ance of war. One material reason is
that France is preparing for an inter-
national exposition, when the worlds
tide of travel will be turned toward the
French capital. 1t is said that war a,
such time would be seriously preju-
dicial to this great project Another
material interest affecting France is
that her citizens own many Spanish
securities. so that any decline resulting
from war would fall largely on French
capitalists. While these are important
considerations urging France to avert
hostilities, yet they are not, of course.
such as could be advanced as the ac-
tual grounds for a tender of good Of
fees. Such a move would be prompted
solely on sentimental grounds, namely,
on the friendship of France for both
parties engaged in this controversy.
The army and navy departments con-
tinue to show many evidences of activ-
ity, but there is not the extreme energy
of preparations evident last week.
Captain Sigsbee had several talks with
Secretary Long during the day, and at
the close of Office hours the secretary
accompanied Captain Sigsbee to the
white house and presented him to the
president. Mr.. Long says that no de-
termination has been reached thus far
as to Captain Sgsbee's next assign
ment, but one of the high officials of
the navy department remarked that the
commander of the wrecked battleship
can have about anything he wants.
Army and Navy Preparations.
The navy department made no fur
ther purchases of foreign ships to-day,
although the naval attaches abroad
continue to make inspection of ships at
the several large yards.
A significant conference was held
ker, naval aide to Secretary Long, and
Colonel Wagner. chief of the army bu-
reau Of information. to determine
whether New Orleans. Mobile or Tampa
was best adapted as base of opera
tions, both military and naval. in the
event of war. The examination is par
ticularly directed toward ascertaning
the railroad facilities from all sections
of the country leading to the points on
the gulf named above. No determina-
ton has yet been reached on the sub
ject. as 1t is but one of number of
important questions which this COM
mission will investigate.
The formal report of the medical
board of officers of the North Atlantic
squadron that sat on Admiral Sicard's
case shows that he was suffering from
what is technically known as chronic
malaria. 1t was upon the report of
this board that the admiral was re-
lieved of his command and granted six
months leave of absence.
Paymaster Ray. the financial officer
of the Maine, reported his arrival to
the navy department to-day. He is
here to settle the accounts of the Off
GERS and men of the vessel. Whatever
amounts are found to have been due
to those who lost their lives will be
turned over to their families and rela-
tives as far as they may be located.
Paymaster Ray had paid about $1,000
during the two weeks he was abroad,
while the remainder of his cash ac-
count, about $500. was in the safe of
his ship when the accident occurred
As this was recovered the government
lost not q dollar in money.
1t was stated at the navy department
to-day that the steam yacht Giralda,
just purchased by Spain. cost that gov
ernment probably s35O.0OO. She is not
regarded as a very formidable acqui-
sition to the Spanish navy, as she is in
ferior to the Mayflower the yacht
bought by Secretary Long about two
weeks ago.
The 2J,h Regiment.
At the war department the most i'm
portant development of the day was the
that the Twenty-fifth
regiment of infantry. now stationed in
Montana. would be transferred To Dry
Tortugas, in the Gulf of Mexico. This
regiment is composed entirely of coll
ored troops, who have been located in
the Northwest for a number of years
Their stay in the gulf climate will pre-
pare them for any service in Cuba,
should this be necessary. The troops
will first go TO Key. West. II may be
that the department will keep some
of them there and send only a portion
of the regiment TO Tortugas. but this
has not been determined definitely.