The Indianapolis journal., 1898-03-31
WEEK WILL SETTLE IT.
War Will Come Soon, ar All Danger
VIII Have Passed.

VIII Have Passed.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON. March SO.-By this time
next week we will either be in a war with
Spain or the danger of a war will have been
permanently passed. The President has
drawn back the curtain sufficiently for Con-
gress to see that the end will be reached by
that time. Something definite was all that
was demanded by the impatient members of
Congress who had taken a radical stand
for early action or for information which
would satisfy them that the administra-
tion had definite policy and was working
to a positive end. Ample assurances have
been given by the President that such was
the case and the Republicans of the House
testified this afternoon to their confidence
in the President by unitedly resisting leader
Bailey's efforts to stampede them.
Whatever policy may be determined on
and whatever action taken it can now be
said with safety will be taken by the Re-
publican party. The Republicans have re-
covered from their temporary spasm of
Mysteries and are cool and steady again.
They are masters of the situation, or, al
least, believe themselves to be so. They are
moving like well-dsciplined army and ac-
knowledging the leadership and authority
of the President. To effect this condition
the President found it necessary to take
Congress into his confidence to a far great
er extent than strict diplomatic custom
usually permits. This was found best from
a Republican standpoint, for it has quieted
the agitation and allayed irritation among
a great many stalwart members of the or
ganization 1t has brought the legislative
and executive branches of the government
into closer relations, and gives assurance of
harmonious cooperation when the moment
arrives for supreme action.
The adjourned conference of the Repub-
lican recalcitrants this evening was at
tended by lis representatives, a majority
of the Republican membership of the
House The situation was explained to them
and they were content to let matters take
their course for the present. They were
not and have not, been animated by de-
sire to quarrel with the President or to go
outside of their party for allies to compel
prompt action. What they wanted was to
know that action would be taken, when it
would be taken and when results could be
expected Light was shed upon these points
and they were delighted to learn that
their ends would be secured without being
compelled to resort to radical or rebellious
methods. 1t was deemed best, however to
maintain their organization, and so a steer
ing committee of eleven members was ap-
pointed, of which Mr.. Hopkins, of Illinois,
was made chairman. This committee was
directed to call upon the President to-mor-
row to get in closer touch with him and
incidentally to inform him that, while con-
senting to his request for time, there was
decided indisposition to grant an indei-
mite extension. General Grosvenor. chair
man of the Republican House caucus has
indicated his entire willingness to call the
Republican members together whenever a
formal demand is made upon him. Speaker
Reed was informed this afternoon that a
caucus might be called. His reply was Go
ahead and call caucus; / am perfectly
willing. | have no policy of my own to
carry out against the wishes of a majority
of the Republicans OF the House" The
speaker has found. out for himself that
there is a vast difference between political
recalcitrants and military mutneers The
latter can be summarily shot while the
former have to be coaxed back into line
Indiana was well represented at the con-
ference of the House war party this after
noon and Mr.. Faris was given a place of
honor on the steering committee /
Senator Mason. of Illinois made the !
rounds of the Indiana delegation to-day, |
showing Il dispatch and asking questions |
as to the identity of the gentleman who
signed his name thereto. The dispatch was
from Indianapolis and read: Cease. bab-
bling crank" 1t was signed Dr. w. n.
Wishard. When he asked Senator Fair
banks about the doctor the latter's broth
er, United States District Attorney A. w.
Wishard, was standing by his side. The
two gentlemen were introduced, and the at
torney gave the doctor good character.
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