New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-03-29

fBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIPUNE.1
Washington March 2S.-President McKinley's
Message TO Congress transmitting the report OF
the Maine Board of Inquiry bore out fully to-
day. in scope. tone and contents, the forecasts
Of the Administrators programme which have
been made for week past in these dispatches.
The Message itself was absolutely formal in
character and confined in purpose to a matter
of-fact recital Of the circumstances under which
the Maine visited Havana Harbor and a sum
mary Of the conclusions reached by the Board
which was asked to fix the responsibility for the
loss OF the battle-ship. No reference Of any
sort to the general situation in Cuba was al
lowed to creep into to-days communication
80 the two houses: nor was any recommendation
made TO Congress except to await with GOODNESS
and self-restrant the offer of reparation which
Spain Is confidently expected TO make for the
wanton destruction Of United States warshp
on a peaceful mission TO Of her principal
ports. So discreet and dignifed treatment Of
the Sampson Boards report-a report whose
publication had been counted by the radical
advocates Of intervention in Cuba to bring the
two countries 20 the actual point OF war-cut the
ground completely from under the feet of that
element in Congress which had hoped to make
the published findings basis for immediate and
aggressive legislative action.
BY shifting to Spain the obligation to fix her
self the measure OF her responsibility for the
Names destruction, and thus leaving the op-
tion with this country to accept or not accept
the repara,ion offered. President Mckinley not
only pu: the Administration in a position to
appeal to the opinion Of the world in case Spain
should refuse suitable Naturalization. but also
precluded the consideration for the present Of
any hasty or il-considered ultiynatun legisls-
ton by Congress.
That both houses received the Maine report
without plunging at once into debate the
issues raised by the findings is gratifying proof
of a Observation-Disclosures too rarely exemp.
Aed-to throw no positive Instructions in the
way Of the Presidents programme for dealing
with the tangled and tight-drawn skein Of Span
ish relations For though Mr.. Money. in his
speech this afternoon in the Senate. showed
some signs of chafing az what he called the
"inutility" Of the Administrators schemes Of
diplomacy the Mississippi Senator's protest
seemed find only feeble echo, and there is
probably little danger that the deliberative
branch Of Congress. at least. will for the pres
ent consent 10 any -inierfsrenee by legislation
with the plans the President has famed may
frarae for ending all difficulties with Spain
through peaceful negotiations.
THE TEMPER OF THE HOUSE.
The temper Of the House Of Representatives.
as disclosed In numerous expressions Of opin-
ions on the Message from many leading mem
bers Of that branch Of Congress, is perhaps
not so well disposed toward an administrative
policy which does not promise speedy interven-
t;on in Cuba, regardless Of the chances OF end
Ing the struggle there by diplomatic means.
Undoubtedly there is a strong feeling in the
House against embarking on any project which
contemplates the voting OF money to feed the
Cuban reconcentrados, if measures are not taken
concurrently to put END TO the system OF
concentration TO which the existing misery and
destitution In the island are due.
But It IS expected by the Administration that
when its newest plan for a peaceful solution Of
the Cuban problem is fully developed the pres
sure fof more violent and radical action in Con-
gress will subside and that the Executive De-
partment will be allowed to carry out its pro-
eramme without serious hindrance in either
house.
In accordance with this belief the Presi-
dent had almost reached the conclusion tonight
10 abandon his purpose ot sending at once to
Congress q Message asking appropriation
Of 100000 10 be used in relieving the suferings
Of the reconcentrados. but decided not to sub
nit the plan by direct Government aid until
the intentions OF the Spanish authorities are
disclosed more definitely 10 Congress and the
succor the starving non-combatants IN Cuba
may still go to the two houses tomorrow. but
the chances are decidedly against its transmits
sion to the Capitol inside the present week
That the Administration kas entered with
fresh vigor into negotiations with the Sagasta
Cabinet looking toward a peaceful settlement
OF the Cuban problem. is plainly evident. The
OF the Liberal party in Sundays cleo
tons TO the Cortes is regarded here greatly
strengthening the hope OF an amicable accomo-
dat!on OF existing differences between Spain and
the United States. and the Administration has
renewed through Minister Woodford, with
added confidence. its efforts 10 bring the Sa-
gasta Cabinet to the point Of ending the in
Cuba by granting political concessions to the
insurgents OF the most sweeping and liberal
character.
1t is as yet too early 10 divulge the details
OF this scheme Of paciNcaton. or to specu-
late on the chances OF its Endorsement by the
United States and its acceptance by the Cuban
Insurgents But it is certain that in the nego-
tiations now actively in progress between Wash
ington and Madrid both Governments find re-
newed hopes and brighter prospects Of the
restoration Of order in Cuba and the mainten-
ance OF an honorable peace between Spain and
the United States.
LIEUT. NIBLACK GETS ANOTHER VESSEL.
CONDITIONAL PURCHASE OF wARsHIP BEING
BUILT FOR SOUTH AMERICAN
GOVERNMENT.
Berlin March 2s-Lieutenant-C Commander
Niblack the United States Naval Attache has
returned here from Kel. II & understood he has
condtionaily purchased for the United States