Evening star., 1898-03-25
THE SPANISH FLEET
Its Forward Movement May Hasten
Actual Hostilities.
how CONFLICT MAY Be AVOIDED
If the Torpedo Boats Come No
Farther Than Puerto Rico.
NO DELAY E PECTE d

The forward movement of the Spanish
torpedo feet is expected to hasten hostili-
ties. 1t is no longer matter of surmise
tut is definitely understood. since the Pres
ident has begun to confer with senators
and representatives that the possibility OF
the avoidance of rests solely with
Spain. This government has taken a def
mite stand; Spain is Informed of what our
attitude is. aud Spain knows what she mas
TO do to prevent war. The hope of peace
entertained by the President has been
based upon TIE belief that the better judg-
ment of Sagasta would control the course
of Spain. The Indications now that
this better judgment will not control, and
hostilities are likely to begin in some way
at almost any hour after the torpedo fleet
approaches American waters.
Through the forward movement of this
torpedo fleet hostilities are expected to be
brought about. 1t is said to be determined
that that fleet shall not enter the Ha-
vana harbor. As long as Spain can be
held at distance and be kept from making
any hostile move this government will
strike no blow. The belief is very general
among the congressional counselors of the
President that Spain intends to strike the
first blow. The forward movement of the
torpedo fleet is interpreted to mean this,
end is said to be understood by the
military and naval authorities of the ad-
ministratioE and by the President himself.
One Opening Against Hostilities.
The President is said to see but one open
ing for different Interpretation of the
action of Spain in ordering the fleet for
ward. 1t is realized that the Sagasta min
istry is forced to this course by the politi-
cal exigencies in Spain. 1t is said that the
President considers the possibility that the
exigencies may not carry the Spanish gov
ernment beyond sending the fleet to Puerto
Rico, and that he sees possibility of
avoiding conflict if the fleet is halted
there. But if the fleet is destined to pro-
ceed to Havana it will be recognized that
the Sagasta ministry has been forced be-
yond a mere show of hostility, and that
Spain has determined to fight. This is Civ
ing Spain the benefit of the doubt. and the
President Is said to be willing to do that
as long the lives of American sailors are
not jeopardized by so doing
1t as said that American war vessels will
hang upon the heels of the Spanish tor
pedU fleet from the moment they reach the
zone of possible action, and that the first
move toward Havana harbor will be a
signal for action. The torpedo fleet may
rest in security at Puerto Rico as long as
may be desired by Spain. interrogation of
the fleet has been strongly advised but it
is not thought that it will be intercepted
except in a course directly to Havana har-
bor.
A Misinterpreted SuggestiOn.
1t appears that the Presidents sugges-
tion of delay of action has been misinter-
preted. on account of the fact that the ST.
lence that is enjoined upon the men of
Congress he talks with prevents their ex-
planning what is desired. 1t may be stated
positively that the only delay the leaders
in Congress know of having BEEN urged is
with respect to action on the Maine report.
The President is desirous that there shall
be no action in Congress which will make
the Maine disaster the cause of armed con-
fiict. 1t is realized now that the character
Of the Maine report now in the hands of
the President, is such as to cause more ex-
citement when it is read in Congress than
has for some weeks been anticipated 1t is
realized that the most intense feeling will
be aroused. The admonition of the Presi-
Ganr has been that this feeling be not per-
mitted to culminate in actfon-that Con-
gress shall not be swept off its feet in a
moment of excitement.
II is desired that Congress shall wait for
further communi cation from him. and that
enough tirne-a few days-shall elapse be-
tween the transmission OF the report to
Congress ard the serGing in of a message
calling for action on the general Cuban
question tc separate the two questions.
This wish will be complied with if there is
any longer any power or influence in lead
ership; for there is a perfect understand
ing between the President and the leaders
on both sides in Congress on this point and
a perfect accord of view.
1t is not desired that the Maine disaster
shall be made the cause of action. The au-
thority of the republican leaders and the
natural disposition of republicans to re-
gard the wishes of the administration is
counted on 10 hold the republicans from
hzsty action. and the splendid example the
democrats have already given of their self
control and purpose to do the right thing
in the face of an emergency, together with
the influence and advice of such leaders as
German, Jones. Gray. Morgan and Turpie
in the Senate. and Bailey, Dockery and
Sayers in the House, all of whom have
been consulted by the President, is re-
garded as sufficient assurance that the
Congress win not be swept off its feet when
the report is read.
Delay Not Anticipated.
Great delay is not anticipated before the
President outlines a course of action and
no one familiar with the situation has any
longer doubt as to the irmness of the pol
icy to be followed The whole matter is
expected to be fully developed within a
week or ten days, If left to its natural
course The greatest apprehension at this
hour. however. is that before mentioned.
that the crisis may come suddenly through
the movement of the Spanish torpedo fleet.
This may take the matter out of the hands
of Congress and bring about war before
there has been any declaration on e-.ner
side.