Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-24
The Government is Taking All the
Steps Possible.
ACCIDENT THEORY ABANDONED
Fears Entertained That Riot Nav
Occur in Havana.
w H A T NJ W H AZ PEN

The government is preparing for war.
The hope that war may be averted Is
growing weaker. but the little hope there
Is Will sustain the government in the eff
Tort to keep down public excitement as
long as possible. The sudden conserya-
tism of the Senate arises from a convic-
tion that rupture with Spain is about
10 occur on account of causes already ex
listing and desire not to run the risk of
any false step which would enable Spain
to shift ground and fix the immediate re-
sponsibility for the conflict upon this gov
ernment. The situation, too demands that
nothing should be done in this country to
give excuse however poor, for a popular
uprising of the Spanish in Cuba The
declaration by Senator Thurston in the
Senate yesterday that it would be a grave
misfortune If our strained relations were
to come to a crisis before the completion
OF the Maine inquiry voiced an apprehen-
sion which is felt by those most familiar
with the situation. The accident theory
of the explosion is no longer seriously
pressed. The most conservative view is
that the chances of an accident being
shown are slight that they are not
worth arguing.
Accident Theory Abandoned.
There is good reason for believing that
the theory has been abandoned entirely by
every one officially in touch with the situa-
tfon and that the men in Congress who will
be relied upon for advice and support
no longer in ignorance. But it would be
folly-and it is SO recognized by the strong
men in Congress no matter what has been
their attitude toward Spain-to have any
thing said or done by responsible authori-
ties which might hasten the crisis 1t is
believed that the apprehension that
very little might excite a state of affairs
in Cuba which would render further in
vestigaton by the court of inquiry impos-
sible, is only too well founded. 1t is be-
lieved that if there certain men in
Cuba who know exactly how the explosion
certain element of the population, and for
their personal safety would resort to vio-
lence to render further investigation i'm
possible if they were convinced that
complete examination would disclose evil
dence of their crime. The slightest excuse
for riot would be availed of and the con-
sideration of the position in which their
action would place the BlancO government
would not hold them in check. 1ndiscre-
ticn here. either on the part of Congress
or of any executive official, might endan-
ger. not only the prosecution Of the in
quiry but the lives of General Lee and our
officers now in Havana.
Time for Preparation.
Moreover there is need of time for prep
aration for war. Certain preparations we
publicity which would necessarily follow
might render inevitable at a time
when the prospects were that it could be
avoided There are many things to be done
which might be impossible after a declara-
tion of war. For this reason it is believed
that the investigation by the board will be
prolonged as much as possible. The danger
or their position will render it necessary
that the investigation in Havana be got
through with speedily, but on the return of
the board to Key West their work will
proceed with such deliberation as the con-
dition of affairs will admit of. There is an
impression about Congress, in quarters
where Impressions usually have semi
official foundation. that sufficient evidence
has already been found to make 1t no long
er a matter of doubt that the Maine was
destroyed by design. The Impression" ex-
tends to the belief that it is officially known
that the accident theory is untenable, and
that II no further investigation were had
there would be moral certainty of the
explosion having been external. But what
ever time can properly be gained by DELHI
Grafton on the part Of the board and by off,
| cial reserve will be availed of. A riot In
Havana or the impetuosity of Spain may
force a rupture before are ready, but
1t Is policy to take as much time as we can
with propriety. Thoughts are now turned
to preparation.
What May Happen.
If the shock should come with inconye-
nient suddenness the government would be
by no means unprepared, but all additional
time for preparation that can be had will
add TO the strength Of our position, and
our preparation might grow SO formidable
| as to lead to a modification of the temper
OF Spain. An abandonment Of Cuba by
Spain before war was declared might avert
war. The best judgment to be had in Con-
gress is that Spain must get out of Cuba.
and that meanwhile a month or more will
| be devoted by this country in making prep
arations for hostilities before any official
declaration of the cause of the Maine dis
aster will be made. This, 1t is said, will be
| the course II this government can control
| events. 1t is acknowledged, however, that
everything may come with rush at any
time, on account of the disordered condi-
] ton Of the Spanish government. The un-
| happy Weyler influence is liable to lead to
any. sort of rashness in Spanish quarters