The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-02-03
speeial to the 1nalanapoIIg journal.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, Feb. "A member of the
administration who was asked to-day what
foundation there was for the persistent re-
ports and rumors that q new Cuban policy
had been decided on or was in process of
formation, gave unqualified contradiction to
the stories. The form which these rumors
have generally taken is that the President
is in receipt of confidential advices from
Madrid that Spain will soon provoke war
with the United States and that our battle
ships are being so placed that they can
descend on Cuba at the first signs of hos
tility. The gentleman, who was interviewed
with regard to these rumors, is on close
terms with the President, is a member of
his official family, in fact His statement
is in substance follows:
Il am in u position to assure you that
there is no new Cuban policy in contempla-
ton, and that the administration has not
felt so easy or so comfortable over the
Cuban problem in months as it does at the
present moment. There have been times in
the past when there was imminent danger
of trouble between the United States and
Spain over Cuba, but the situation now is
singularly free from friction. Our official
and diplomatic relations with Spain are
more pleasant than they have been in many
years. The new Spanish Ministry has made
1t plain to us that its purpose is to MAIN
tain pacific relations with this government
and it never loses an opportunity to en-
phasize this policy. There is 10 demand we
have made that involves in any way our
national honor or liberty which has not been
given prompt and friendly consideration.
Not the slightest indication Of a change in
this policy has developed, and l make it my
business to keep closely advised on this
question, and am in a position to know what
l am talking about. This administration is
attending strictly to its own business. 1t
feels no present cali to interfere in the
business of other nations. 1t is steering the
ship of state in the middle of the stream
and will not be run upon any snags or sand
bars if vigilant attention and careful hand
ling of the craft can prevent. 1t will be
safe to discredit any disquieting rumors
which may find their way into circulation
based on any theory that the United States
Is in danger of becoming involved in trouble
with Spain in the near future and there
is nothing in sight to suggest a change"
The dynamite in the Cuban situation is
the presence in Cuba of large number of
men there who are masquerading as
naturalzed citizens of the United States,
but who are, in fact, giving aid and COM
fort to the insurgents. if not actively par
ticipating in the rebellion. Minister De
LONE estimates that the number of these
masqueraders is $1,000. and there is con-
firmation of the estimate. If these people
can do anything to involve Spain and the
United States in trouble it can be depended
on they will do it. Ninety-five per cent. of
the friction which has occurred thus far be-
tween the two governments has grown out
of claims of one sort or another, by natural
lied Cubans, who were in the United States
long enough to obtain citizenship rights
and who then moved back home and got
into trouble with the established authorities