The record-union., 1898-04-05

their Ministers with regard to the eS-
Enlistment of a European cable with
the Danish island OF St. Thomas. The
cable is owned by a French company,
but its use has become of vital i'm
portance to the United States as a
basis of operations in the Leeward Is
lands. Secretary Long was particu-
larry DESTROYS of having this cable ar
rangement effected. As a result of the
| conference, a message was sent to the
| United States Minister at Copenhagen
| asking him to secure the consent Of the
Danish Government and the French
| authorities, and arrange to have their
Ministers at Copenhagen exert similar
! influences.
AWAITING THE MESSAGE.
wait for Wednesday, was the
word passed about the Capitol to-day,
and a general understanding to that
/ effect was reached The Republicans
will not initiate, and the Democrats
will not try to force any action on
Cuba until Wednesday, when the Presi-
dents message will be received With
that understanding the Senate For
eign Relations Committee did not re-
port, and the House Foreign Relations
Committee took no action. 1t is under
stood that the Senate Committee has
agreed on a resolution, practically the
/ Foraker resolution, declaring indie
pendence and intervention, with an
amendment fixing the responsibility
of the Maine disaster upon Spain, either
| by design or criminal negligence.
The House Foreign Affairs Commit
tee will report, if possible, a resolu-
ton in line with the Presidents recon-
mend&tion, and it is known that eff
! forts are being made to have the reso-
! lutions Ct both committees agree with
the Presidents wishes. The confer
! ence of Republican members of the
House was adjourned until II o'clock
/ Wednesday by the committee, in order
/ to await the message. Both Houses
! discussed the Cuban situation to-day
/ bat it was simply preliminary to the
more important debate and action to
be taken before the week ends.
Interesting statements are made by
Senator's and Representatives., who
called upon the President to-day, and
the impression gained from them was
i that the message will declare for the
independence Of Cuba
DEVELOPMENTS AT NAVY AND
WAR DEPARTMENTS.
With the exception Of the purchase
of ten steamships for auxiliary cruis-
ers, to-day was devoid of development
in the military and naval branches of
the Government. No orders, it was
stated, have been sent to either the
fleet at Key West or the squadron at
Hampton Roads, and no confirmation
could be obtained of the report that
sea orders have been sent to the battle
ship Texas at New York
Secretary Long held a brief con-
ference with Secretary Alger. during
the afternoon, and left the department
shortly after 4 o'clock, much earlier
than has been his custom for the past
few weeks. Up to the hour of his de-
parture it was stated that no advices
had been received regarding any move
ments of the Spanish torpedo fleet or
other Spanish vessels. Neither had
the department been advised of any
developments in the efforts to pur-
chase war ships abroad
After his conference with Judge Day.
N. Theboteau, the Secretary of the
French Embassy. went over to the
Navy Department and had a brief talk
with Mr.. Roosevelt regarding the St.
Thomas cable.
Secretary Alger has decided to re-
commend to the President that an adj
iditional allotment from the emergency
fund be made for the use of the Ord
nance Bureau of the army The Ord
nance Department is still lacking am
munition for the seacoast Notifications,
and the extra allotment will be used
for this purpose. It has been decided
to detain for q time at the Chicka-
mauga battlefield the Twenty-fifth
Regiment of Infantry, which is about
to leave the various forts in Montana
! for service at Key West and Dry Tor
tugas. The reason for this action is
said to be the fact that the water sup
ply at either of the above named places
is not satisfactory at present.
Chicllamauga, General Miles says. is
All excellent place for the concentration
Of large body OF troops, and it is be-
lieved the location has been seriously
considered by Secretary Alger as a
point for the preliminary gathering of
troops in case of war.
The Navy Department was informed
late this afternoon of the arrival of
the dynamite cruiser Vesuvius at Nor
folk to-day from Washington Reports
received at the Navy Department to
day indicate a general movement for
the concentration of waTships at Key
West and other points on the coast.
where their services may be required
in the event of hostilities The monitor
Terror, the gunboat Newport and the
tug Leyden have arrived at Key West.
The fleet cruiser Minneapolis has ar
rived at Newport News for duty with
the flying squadron. The gunboat
Bancroft, recently delayed from the
European station. arrived at Boston,
and will be at once put in condition for
active service. She is said to be in