Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1898-03-10
MILLIONS FOR DEFENCE.
Congress Will Place S5O,OOO,OO at Nc
Kinley'S Disposal.

Washington, March THE House to-
dav. after brief debate, all the speeches
being patriotic in tone, passed the Hawley
bill increasing the artillery branch of the
army by two regiments, enough to fully
man the new coast defence Notifications.
The bill will become law as soon as the
President signs it and enlistment will be
at once begun.
Mr.. Cox, of Tennessee, and Mr.. Griffin,
of Wisconsin, opposed the ill, declaring
that no emergency existed for the increase.
Great applause followed the passage Of the
bill.
Previous to this Mr.. Cannon, chairman
of the appropriations committee, after a
consultation with the President, at which
a number of the House leaders were pres
ent, introduced bill appropriating $780,
100000 for national defense, to be ex-
pended at the Presidents discretion. The
bill will probably be pressed tomorrow and
probably passed if the administration
deems that the situation warrants it. 9th
erwise it will be left in the committee.
The situation cleared somewhat today,
though not thl ough any retreat made by
the administration. The President recog-
nized the ugly phase given to the situation
by Spain's demand for Gen. Lees recall
He had not been at the desk half an hour
before he was notified that Spain had re-
considered her demand for Gen. Lees re-
call and desired the incident closed.
The last time General Lee visited the
United States he frankly told the Presl-
dent that he was persona non grata to the
Spanish authorities and expressed his viii
lingness to step out as soon as the Presl'
dent could select bis successor.
His personal sympathy with the Cuban
cause is well known to Spaniards, although
he has endeavored to hold the scales per-
fectly even in all his official transactions.
The President assured him that, so far
from desiring any change, the administra-
ton was unit in approving of his con-
duct, which had been most discreet. He
instructed him 10 90 back and continue in
the same course, bearing always in mind
two things--irst, that the United States
were at peace and we're trying honestly to
remain so; and, second, that although the
utmost pains must be taken to avoid
needless friction, not single right Of a
single American citizeAmust be allowed to
suffer.
That is the situation today and before
Mckinley received word that Spain had
reconsidered her demand for Gen. Lees
recall he believed that Spain desired tc
provoke a conflict and accordingly called
around him for conference Secretary Long,
Senator Allison, Mr.. Cannon, chairman Of
the House committee Oh appropriations
Senator Hale and Representatives Dingey
and Grosvenor.
The conference was called to explain the
present critical situation and ask their in
dorsement of certain plans the President
had made, which would require money tc
carry into effect.
He told the visitors of his orders to en-
list men without Congressional authority
for the Minneapolis and Columbia, an(
wanted the backing of Congress in securing
options on some armor-cads, torpedo
boat des rogers and torpedo boats, which
must be secured at once to keep then
from being purchased by Spain.
One result was the presentation of bill
in the House appropriating S5O,OOO,OO'
for the national defense.
Anticipating the prompt passage OF thu
meas ure by Congress, if necessary, tn
War and Navy Departments were busy al
day comforting with representatives Of tn
manufacturers of war materials and war
ships.
London was communicated with t.
watch tne moves made by Spain in her en-
deavors to buy warships and to give on
hints to sellers that it would pay to pu
Spain off, if she raises enough money 10
warships, as the United States would be i
position to pay more than Spain. Thu
it is probable that Spain's efforts to secur
warships has already been blocked.