Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1898-03-31
N o
UneNampied Action in All OBciaI
Quarters.

1 "hhLlhE
Action i'm All OHiciaI
Quarters.
Washington. March %. The last
DAY before the arrival of the report of
n Maine court of inquiry was one
OF unexampled activity in all official
quarters. Advices came early that
the Spanish torpedo flotilla had sailed
from the Canaries for Porto Rico and
from this moment the most energetic
warlike measures followed one an
other in constant succession The
movement of this feet has been
watched with the keenest interest. as
IL was felt to Involve serious possi-
5ilities which might compel the Unit
ed States government TO protest
against the movement as of n hostile
character. Immediately on the re-
celpt OF the official dispatch from one
or u naval attaches abroad, briefly
announcing the sailing OF the fleet, the
TACT was made known TO the president
ana an earnest conference was held
between him and Secretary Long and
Assistant Secretary Roosevelt. The
seriousness of the movement was full
ly considered and the president was
advised that naval strategists regard
ed 1t as essential that this torpedo
fleet should not be allowed to reach
Western waters. What, if any. con-
%clusion, was reached, is not known.
Later in the day the Spanish minister
called at the state department and
spent some time with Judge Day. Ii
was naturally inferred that the APP
proach Of the Spanish fotilla was one
of the subjects referred. to. Whether,
however, there was any suggestion
against the move was not disclosed by
either Judge Day or the Spanish min
lister, both of whom maintained the
| strictest reticence. An important
nov is the determination to create a
joint commission from the war and
navy departments so as to bring them
| into
moni Action
on all measures. Capt. Barker, the
naval aide of Secretary Long. was
designated to represent the navy de-
partment in this common plan of ac-
| ton. The representative of the wal
department has not yet been named.
1t will not be necessary for these two
| officers TO leave Washington, as they
| can best arrange a joint plan of action
In conference with the two depart
ments here. At the close of the day
came an announcement that the navy
department had succeeded in purchaS-
| ing eight steam yachts and four steam
tugs. The boats are about 400 tons
each, and in an emergency would De
suitable as torpedo boats. Throughout
the day the White House presented an
animated appearance, senator's ana
| representatives from both political
| parties calling to confer with the pres
ident. The president said to several
| Of his visitors in discussing the stu
ation. that he would do everything
consistent with the honor and dignity
of the country to avert war, II ne
still believed war could be averted.
He also said that he believed that the
| government of Spain was anxious for
peace as we were, but at the same
time he did not hesitate to admit the
| gravity of the situation. The presi-
| dent frankly admitted that he believed
the report of the board of inquiry VIII
find that the Maine was blown up
from the outside. His programme
has been definitely decided. 1t Is MS
| nurpose to treat the blowing of the
Maine
As an Incident.
The report Of the board will be sent
70 congress on Monday with a very
| brief message relating the events a
ing up to that point and Informing
| congress that the facts contained IN
the report have been cabied to Mad
| rid to be laid before the Spanish gov
eminent by Minister WO0dfOrd. No
demand will lie made upon Spain, but
the Jaying Of the facts before The
Snanjsh government will be equivalent
to calling upon Spain for an explana-
tion and such action as she may deem
proper. ,o.s
orc IN refer the report and message to
tho committee on foreign affairs with
ont debate. and to this purpose 1t is be-
Iiaved the Democrats of the house
have acouiesced, reserving the right
IN demand action If a report from the
committee is too long delayed. Much
will then depend upon SPANS re-
Snonse but there are those close 10
tha nrasident who believe that from
the time that the report Is sem 10
congress IL will drop out as a factor IN
tha sitration. The second part OF the
nras,dent,s programme reaches the
raa,r n.esfion and involves interven-
ton On humanitarian grounds WITHIN
= week. ar ten days after the report Oh
10 hoard goes to congress. 1t VIII De
,,,tarvantion 10 relieve the starvauon
g. c,ha and upon SPANS acquies-
aanoe IN or objection to this act VIII
.Sanena peace or war. Such Informal