The daily morning journal and courier., 1898-04-08
SITUATION VERY GRAVE War, in the Opinion of Ad- ministration, is inevitable Unless Spain Comedies
 to Demands.
LEE IS TO LEAVE HAVANA

AN AUTHORITATIVE STATEMENT
 MADE TO THIS EFFECT.
 Saturday Definitely Fixed for the Day of His Departure-This Step 1t is Known Will be Regarded by Spain as Akin to an Overt Act Preceding war-Ominous Tone of Press Advices from Madrid Note of Powers to Mckinley Will Not Alter the situation-Its Importance.
 Washington, April 7.-There is no longer any doubt as to the purposes of this government with respect to the situation in Cuba. War in the opinion of the administration is inevitable, ex- cept in the unlocked for event of a sur render on the part of Spain. The pres ident's message which he had intended to send to congress yesterday has not changed in any particular and em- OI dCGo lIle ulldlllIlOuS VIEWS Ol lllG CdD- tent without the slightest variance or exception. Any movement to avert war now must come from Madrid and must concede American demands, in- cluding an end to Spain's dominion in Cuba.
 Developments of Yesterday.
 YyI.. Io. B.. the developments of to-day. At noon the representatives here of the six great powers of Europe called at the white house and presented a joint note expressing urgent hope for peaceful adjustment between the United States and Spain, to which the president re- piled with unmistakable plainness as to the duty and unselfish endeavors of this government to terminate the in- sufferable conditions in Cuba. Another, and probably the most significant ac- tual step, showing the fnality reached by the United States government was the authoritative statement that Con- sul-General Lee would leave Havana on Saturday. This step, it is known,
 
 an overt act preceding war, as it will terminate the medium of official inter course between the United States and the island. Third and a most equally important one, was the ominous tone of press adviees from Madrid, where the war fever seemed to have domin- ated, instead of the concessions, the opening of prison doors, and the other manifestations of peace and good will which Holy Thursday was expected to bring forth and the more definite an nouncement of action that would bring peace to Cuba. The heavy guard about Minister Woodford's house. the imperative character of his last note. the war utterance of Minister Correo and the turbulence at the Spanish cap- ital left little hope that peace counsels would prevail. No negotiations are proceeding at Madrid on the part of this government, but the powers of Europe, it is said, are doing their ut most to persuade the Spanish govern ment to yield and avert war. On the highest authority it can be stated that no instructions have been given as yet to Minister Woodford contemplating his withdrawal, the only step in that direction being the determination that General Lee shall leave Havana on Saturday
 Effect of Note of the Powers.
 The note of the European powers pre- sented to the president to-day has not, in the opinion of members of the ad- ministration, changed the situation in the least degree. What pressure was tn fn fhjc mildly expressed hope that further ne- gotiations would result in the mainte- nance of peace is not known, but it is confidently believed that it is the re- suit of persistent appeals on the part of Spain for some expression in favor of peace between the two countries. The note is not regarded in any sense as protest against the course this government has pursued thus far, or is likely to adopt to secure a stable gov ernment in Cuba. Some of the govern ments represented in the note are known to be in full accord with this government in it's purposes with re- spect to the Cuban question and there fore any theory that the note was in- tended as remonstrance is not re- garded as tenable.
 President's Purpose Not Changed.
 The reply of this government, which had previously been read and approv- ed by the members of the cabinet, is not considered as indicating any change in the fixed purpose of the pres ident to intervene at once in Cuba nor is it believed that it was the eXpecta- tion of majority of the foreign repre- sentatives present that the United States would change it's policy or re- gard the joint note as other than an expression in behalf of peace and with out special significance. So far as known in administration circles no fur ther representations on this subject are expected. No offer of mediation on the part of any European power has been received and there is authority for the statement that none would be accept ed if proffered. This has been the fixed policy of the government from the first and there is no prospect for a change in this regard. At the en- bassies and legations the presentation of the joint note of the powers was re-
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