Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1898-04-07
Events All Point to a Con
flict With Spain.
SITUATION VERY GRAVE.
The Cabinet Holds Two Sessions
on the Answer Of Spain.
IN A FEVER OF EXCITEMENT.
Condition of Affairs at Washington
Speaker Reed is Summoned to the White
House for a Conference-Policy of the
Administratio

doubt that the president and members
of his cabinet now regard a conflict
with Spain as almost inevitable. In
his message to congress, which in all
probability will be sent in next Mon
day, and certainly early next week, it
is understood that the president will
review at some length the record as it
stands between this government and
Spain, but will not insist upon further
time in which to continue negotiations
looking to a peaceful solution of the
Cuban problem.
The cabinet meeting yesterday morn
ing was unquestionably the most i'm
portant held in many years. 1t re-
ceived Spains answer to the ultimatum
of this country, and finding it unsatis-
factory practically decided upon pol
lev which at this hour seems certainly
to involve hostilities.
The whole record will be laid before
congress and the question is now un-
der earnest consideration of what shall
be the particular form our policy shall
take in bringing to an end the horrors
in Cuba and securing the independence
of the island. Propositions ranging
from simple recognition of Cuban in
tion of war have been urged at the
capitol. but there is hardly a doubt
that ma aiority of congressman await
the executive lead before taking ac-
tion. and are disposed to adopt Mr..
Mckinley's suggestion on this point.
1t is thought that any of the resolu-
tions except possibly simple recogni-
tion of independence would lead to
war.
There were of course all sorts of
rumors in circulation, including re-
ports of mediation by some European
powers, but no such suggestion has
come to this government, for as late as
S o'clock, in response to a direct ques-
ton, Assistant Secretary Day said
there had been no offer of mediation
by any foreign government. One mem
Der of the cabinet in speaking of the
meetings yesterday spoke substantial
ly as follows:
In the morning it was apparent to
all of us that, having exhausted all
diplomatic efforts to bring about "a
better condition of affairs in Cuba and
they having failed, the whole question
must be submitted to congress. At our
afternoon meeting the president re-
quested each member of the cabinet to
express freely his individual opinion as
to what should be done. The discus
sion was entirely on the lines indi-
Gated by the members. Nothing def
mite was decided upon.
THE president will now take the
views subTlitted to him under consid
Grafton preparatory to his message to
congress, which will be sent early next
week. Mr.. Mckinley has done great
deal of work recently and appears
pretty well fatigued. Consequently he
will take some little rest before begin
ming active work on the message. He
has not yet determined upon what rec
ommendation will be communicated to
congress. My own individual opinion
is that but little faith can be put in
promises made by Spain, and this
makes me hesitate about accepting
with any confidence her latest propos-
ais.
reference was made by Spain to
the Maine matter in the reply she sent
through Minister Woodford. She made
no offer to pay for the loss, but sug-
gested that the matter be settled by
arbitration. So far as | recall she ex-
pressed no regret for the sad occur
renee and the whole thing was re-
garded as a cold-blooded statement
The second session of the cabinet
lasted from until 6:20. The Spanish
minister called at th.. state depart
ment at 4:30 and was in conference
with Mr. Day for some time. Although
there was the strictest reserve as to
what had occurred, it can be stated pos
itivelv that the United States SUBJ
mitted no further propositions, nor did
the Spanish minister offer anything
which changed the situation of affairs.
Both sides regard the issue as made
up with no likelihood of further nego-
tiations between now and the time
when the president will submit the
whole case to congress. The United
States has presented its demand and
Spain has given her answer. Thus
the case stands. While this brings a
halt to the active negotiations which
have been in progress for the last few
days, it does not mean that diplomatic
relations between the two countries
are terminated, for such step is the
last preliminary before an actual state
of war. Minister Woodford remains at
his post at Madrid and is said to be en-
minister Senor Bernabe, also remains
at his post here.
Commodore Schley has received a
query from Washington, asking him
what is the earliest date upon which
he would be able to leave Hampton
roads. He has replied that if the Min
neapolis reaches here to-day to coal. he
can move Sunday night. or Monday
morning at the latest.
The flying squadron IS to remain il
HAMPTON roads, for the present at
least. This announcement was made
late Friday afternoon by Secretary
Long and set at rest the reports which
had been current throughout the day
that a movement of the squadron was
imminent. The secretary stated that