The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-04-02

Washington, April 1.-There is little
doubt that the president and the men,
bers of his cabinet now regard a con-
fiict with Spain as almost inevitable. In
his message to congress, which, in all
probability, will be sent on next Mon
day. and certainly early next week. it
is understood that the president will re-
view 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
this morning was unquestionably the
most important held in many years. 1t
received Spain's answer to the ulti-
matum of this government. and finding
it unsatisfactory. practically decided
upon a policy which at this hour seems
certainly to involve hostilities. The
whole record will be laid before con-
gress and the question is now under
earnest consideration of what shall be
the particular form of our policy it
shall take in bringing to an end the
horrors in Cuba, securing the independ-
ence of the island. Propositions rang
ing from a simple recognition of Cuban
independence to a straight-out declara-
tion of war have been urged at the cap
itol, but there is hardly a doubt that
the majority of congress await the
executive lead before taking action and
are disposed to adopt Mr.. McKinley's
suggestions on this point. 1t is thought
that any of the resolutions, except pos
sibly, simple recognition of indcpend-
ence, would lead to war.
There were, Of course, all sorts of
rumors in circulation, including reports
of mediation by some European powers,
but no such suggestion has come to
this government. In response to a di-
rect question, Assistant Secretary Day
said there had been no offer of media
ton by any foreign government.
One member of the cabinet in speak
ing of the meeting today. spoke SUBJ
stantially as follows: I'm the morning
ii was apparent to all of us that hav-
ing exhausted all diplomatic efforts to
bring about a better condition of af-
fairs in Cuba, and they having failed.
the whole question must be submitted
to congress. At our afternoon meeting
the president requested each member OF
the cabinet to express freely his ind-
vidual opinion as what should be done.
The discussion was entirely on the lines
indicated by the members. Nothing
definite was decided upon, and no con-
clusions reached. The president will
now take the views submitted to him
under consideration preparatory to his
message to congress, which will be sent
early next week.
President Mckinley has done a great
deal of work recently, and appears pref
ty well fatigued. onsequently he will
take some little rest before beginning
work on the message. He has not yet
determined what recommendation will
be communicated to congress. NY own
individual opinion is that but little faith
can be put in promises made by Spain,
and this makes me hesitate about ac-
cepting with any confidence her latest
proposals.
spain's Broken Promises.
In the first place. she promised a
long time ago that the reconcentrados
would be released. The result shows
this promise has not been kept. Now
she proposes to release them. but keep
them under military supervision. Who
can tell whether she will adhere to this
expressed intention? Broadly. there
appears to be three courses open to
the president in dealing further with
this matter. The first of those is To
accept the proposals submitted by
Spain in reply to the American repre-
sentations; the second. to relegate the
whole matter to congress and let that
body do as IL seems proper-which I
think would mean intervention; AMI
thirdly. to take a middle stand. But,
as | said before. nothips has yet been
determined upon By the president. or
If he has reached a decision. he did not
communicate il TO the members of the
cabinet this afternoon.
Yes. 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
suggested that the matter be settled by
arbitration. so far as i recall she ex-
pressed no regret for the sad occur
renee. and the whole thing was regard
ed as a cold-blooded statement"
The second session of the cabinet
lasted from o'clock till $40.
The Spanish minister called at the
state department at 4:3O o'clock and