The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-02-26
SPANIARDS ARE EXCITED
LIVES OF AMERICANS IN HAVANA
SAID TO BE MENACED.
Situation as Viewed by Correspondent
Pepper-Riots Observation-Disclosures
Gus GuerriIias Feared.

ST. LOUIS, Feb 25-Charles NJ. Pepper,
a staff correspondent of the Globe-Demo-
crat, sends the following from Havana:
Americans in Cuba are discussing war
probabilities in it's personal aspects They
do not know positively that the naval board
OF inquiry will report the Maine was blown
up. They only think from what they
have heard Those who have lived here
years and who understand Spanish charac-
ter think that if the trouble does come it
will not follow the regular sequence Of
events-begin with a formal demand from
the administration for reparation from
Spain. Spain's refusal on the ground that
aid of conspiracy is not proven, a report
from the President to Congress and resN
olution of Congress formally declaring war;
that In accordance with the procedure laid
down in the books the consul general and
the consuls on the island would be given
notice to withdraw; American citizens
would have time TO close up their affairs,
and when everybody was ready the guns
would be fired. 1t is comfortable method
1t would be in accordance with the digni-
fled treatment the United States has ac-
corded Spain since the revolution began, at
some expense TO the country's prestige and
some loss of life by starvation or otherwise,
bat no American in Havana or other for
eigners expect it to come about that way.
They think If there is to be war it will
come sharply through an unlooked-for acci-
dent possibly in the harbor of Havana.
Perhaps at Key West. They appear to look
en a political demonstration in Madrid or in
this city as the more likely means of bring
ing on a conflict, through it's influence on
the Spanish army or navy officers.
Same Americans hero rpflSO to become
alarmists. They declare no war will arise,
because the United States will, by a show
of strength. make the ignorant people; and
the scarcely less ignorant officials and
army classes. understand that the day of
forbearance is past, These men believe that
when Spaniards Of this type know that
hand without pretense of velvet covering
is ready to stretch forth and clutch them
by the throat the threatened outbreak will
not come, and the Sagasta Ministry will not
be forced into war. Americans even think
that peace is sure, and that within thirty
days Spain viii be availing herself of the
good offices of the United States in ar
ranging terms with the insurgents. They
base this opinion on the opinion so largely
held by the commercial classes of American
Intervention, and that the bankers of Eu-
rope will prevent Spain from going to war
IN order to lose Cuba with honor"
They also believe that the Sagasta Min
istry is educating the Spanish people 10 an
understanding of the real condition here by
its acceptance of the radical autonomists'
programmes fer further concessions to the
insurgents. These concessions, when all
are answered, are substantially that Spain
shall keep the flag. the forts, the army and
the war vessels and the Cubans shall have
everything else On paper it is It good
scheme. 1t might have been accepted two
years ago. Now insurgents permit negotia-
lions TO be opened for the purpose of en-
phasizing that being SO near absolute in
dependence, Il is not worth while to stop
short of the goal. Gown, Giberga. Anlard
and the other radical autonomists know IN
advance that the movement will be 4 fall
ure, but If the Spanish people acquire it
they may make further advance and seek
the friendly Offices of the United States in
presenting a different proposition 10 the in
surgents. The majority of Americans in
Havana, however, do not accept this view.
They fear no way exists IF enabling the
populace, the army officers and the official
classes. who rejoiced in the calamity te the
Maine, 10 understand The fun power of the
United States. except outside the pacific
channels Of diplomacy. II is their hope
that they may be mistaken. Perhaps a bet
Ter Judgment OF the probabilities can be
formed IN Spain than here. Violent as are
thar instincts VI ignorant haired the Span