Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-04-10
THE COMING OF LEE.
All Talk In Washington Hinges on
That.
NO CHANGE IN VAR OUTLOOK.
Strong Peace Sentiment, But RoStllltieS
Still Thought Inevitable.
MESSAGE GOING IN TOMORROW.
Those Best Informed On Administration
MESSAGE GOING IN TOMORROW.
Those Best Informed On Administration
Matters Are Of This Opinion.
ovATIoNs PLANNED FOR OUR FITz.
Proposed Grand Reception at Ariing-
ton or Ebbitt, In Addition to the
veteran Association.
veteran Association.

cial. )-Neither the House nor the senate
being in session, the day, though in the
midst OF the war-eXcitement period, was
unusually dull at the Capitol. There was
no event to disturb the placidity Of the
situation. All the talk hinged on General
Lees leaving Habana, as the first step
in the direction Of actual hostilities, as
il was determined that all the newspaper
correspondents should accompany him.
and that the American consulate should
be turned over to the protection Of the
British Consul-General at Habana.
There was a good deal of anxiety felt
regarding General Lee, and the people
and officials were keenly awaiting the an
nouncement that he had gotten away
safely.
The next topic of importance discussed
was whether the message would be sent
In on Monday, at noon, as promised, or
would be further postponed. Numerous
bets were made on this subject, the odds
being in favor Of the messages being sent
in This opinion was shared gene
rally by members Of Congress ana others
i'm position to have authentic informa-
ton.
Failure TO send the message 10 Con-
gress on Monday would have bad effect,
and 1t would be hard TO conjecture what
action that body would take under such
circumstances There is no doubt, how
ever. that the message will be forth
coming at the Capitol at noon on Mon
day The assertion to this effect is made
by persons close to the President, and
others whose official position justihes 1T.
Altogether, the situation is practically
unchanged since yesterday
WAR THOUGHT INEVITABLE.
No suggestion is made that war can
possibly be averted. The position of this
country is firm and fixed. Spain might
do something, if she could, to strengthen
herself with the European Powers, but
nothing she could do would influence the
stand taken by the United States Gov
eminent. From time TO time to-day there
were erratic reports to the effect that
Spain would back down, and that war
would thereby be avoided, and the fact
that the New York stock market was
somewhat stronger, gave effect to these
rumors. Run down to their origin, how
ever. It was found that the rumors had
no foundation in fact.
There is evidence in the letters. tele-
grams, and documents sent to the Pres-
dent, that while the people generally
favor war with Spain. there is large
and influential class who desire that war
shall be avoided If ii can be, and the
national honor at the same time be main
tanned. The sentiment Of the country is
unanimous that Spain should be punished,
and that severely, for the destruction Of
the battleship Maine and the atrociOus
murder Of rs American officers and sea-
men. Recognition of the insurgents is
not now so fsvorably looked upon as
formerly. Intervention is urged i'm behalf
Of the starving population Of Cuba. and
war is demanded TO avenge the Maine.
\ specimen OF the kilograms received
here was one received by Senator Pritch-
ard, of North Carolina, who presented II
10 the President. 1t was from Charlotte,
y. c., and was signed by the Mayor and
a large number Of businessmen there. Ii
was as follows:
Assure the President that fully 90 per
cent. OF our people most cordially endorse
his course and ask him to stand firm for
peace, until all honorable means have
been exhausted"
OVATIONS TO LEE.
Extensive preparations are being made
to give General Lee a grand reception at
the Arlington Hotel or Ebbitt House.
This will be in addition to the one ten
dered him by the Confederate Veteran
Association Of the District Of Columbia.
Colonel Fleming, president of the latter,
to-day sent 10 General Lee through the
State Department the following tele-
gram: 1.-The Confederate Veteran Asso-
citation Of the District OF Columbia de-
sires to honor YOU by a public reception,
20 be held at such time as may SHIT your
convenience. after your arrival, IL such
reception would be agreeable to you.
Advise me OF your wishes in the matter"
AS l write now, information has Just
been receiYed-st 1870 p. M.-that General
Lee left Habana this evening. GER
tainly before o'clock lie will probably
get the above telegram at Key West or
AT some oth.r point ON his WIZ homo