Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-01-24
Secretary Long States That 1t Will
Be a Friendly Call.
IMPORTANT WHITEHOUSE CONFERENCE
Satisfaction Over the News Shown
at the Capitol.
COMMENT ON THE REPORT

The United States steamer Maine has
been ordered to Havana. Ii is said at the
Navy Department that no disturbing news
| has been received from there, but that the
movement is rather in the line of a re-
| sumption of free intercourse of our naval
vessels in Cuban waters. the same as pre-
vailed prior to their withdrawal on account
of the outbreak of hostiities.
Secretary Long of the navy was seen
this morning concerning the rumors that
were afioat yesterday in regard to the
movements Of the ships and said:
so far from there being any foundation
for the rumors yesterday of trouble at Ha-
vana. matters are now i'm such condition
that cur vessels are going to resume their
friendly calls at Cuban ports and go
in and out just as the vessels OF
other nations do. The Maine will go
in a day two on just such visit.
The department has issued orders for ves-
sells TO attend the public celebrations in
Mobile and the Mardi Gras at New Orleans
and for the torpedo boat flotiIla to visit
Galveston, Tex"
White House Conference.
The most significant conference OF the
day at the White House was that partiei-
pated in by the President. Secretary Long
and Judge Day, assistant secretary of
state. The presence of these men together
vas sufficient TO indicate a discussion of
Cuban affairs, and on phase of more than
ordinary interest. Justice McKenna join
ed the conference later, and these men
talked over the situation, while senators
and representatives of prominence waited
in adjoining rooms. Gen. Miles was sent
for before the conference was concluded
and was present for short time Ills
branch of the service has not been largely
considered heretofore in connection with
the situation in Cuba.
Senator's Evfnce Satisfaction.
The first intimation the members of the
Senate committee on foreign relations had
of the orders to the Maine was given in
the Associated Press bulletin, They re-
oeived the Information with evident satis-
faction. Senator Frye said that the action
vas eminently satisfactory TO him. Sem
ator Gray saiG it was very proper to have
a warship ir Havana for the protection of
american interests. Senator Morgan said
that Germany had shown the United
States he wey by sending her warships to
Havana, and was evidently badgering this
government in this matter.
Senator Foraker was particularly pleased
to near the news. He said he wished the
Texas and the other vessels OF the squad
ron would be ordered to follow the Maine.
Senator Cunom said: II am glad to hear
It. i hope the Maine will be followed by
other vessels
Senator Teller said he would like 10 see
the harbor of Havana filled with American
ships.
Chairman BOutellc's Views.
tee on naval affairs said that If the Maine
had gone to Havana ii was an entirely nat
ural movement. The sending of our ships
to the ports of the world implied no Of
fense THAT is what they are for" MIR.
Boutelle said. This is essentially true in
time of peace, and according to the view OF
Spain there is no war and the United States
has not thus far recognized a condition OF
war as existing. In time of war. when a
blockade is declared, foreign ships may be
kept out, was the case at Charleston
harbor during the war. but such a block
ade has not been established at Havana.
Mr.. Boutelle regarded the sending of the
Maine quite in line with the custom and
as furnishing no ground for Irritation by
Spain or agitation in this country.
Qualification in the House.
There was qualification expressed among
members OF the House committee on for
eign affairs, especially by Messrs. Smith,
Heatwole and Pearson. three republicans.
who have expressed some unrest at the
ron-action of the committee or the House
i'm the matter of Cuba. They have in
formed other members of the committee
that there was a desire on the part of re-
publicans in the House to vote their senti-
ments on the Cuban question, desire
which they also felt. All OF these members
of the committee exposed themselves as
pleased with what had been done.
Mr.. Smith said: 1t suits me i'm every
Way. My people are in favor OF Cuban
liberty"
Mr. Heatwole: II think 1t is eminently
Pre- per that United States warship should
be at Havana. I reason why &c
Should not have been done before"
Mr.. Pearson: That Is right. hope
ether ships will follow, 80 that no harm
may come 20 American citizens"
Mr.. Dingley,s Comment.
Chairman Dingley Of the ways and mcans
committee said. as the question is of
diplomatic character. he would not express
an opinion as to the expediency Of a move,
as 1t was to be presumed shat the exec,i-
tive authorities had acted with complete
ness of information not available to the
general public. Moreover. Mr.. D.ngley said
IL was. Of course. to be presumed that any
such step was dictated by what the execsi-
tive authorities felt TO be for the best i'm
terest OF the country.
Should Sead the squndron.
Representative Sulxer OF New York said:
Il do not know what this aet on the part