Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-04-07
IN THE DARK AT HAVANA
Wondering Why Presidents Message Did
Not Go In.
City Remains Trnnquil-Gen. Lee
Praises the Authorities and People
for Their Forbearance.

Special Cahlegram From a STAFF Correspondent
HAVANA, April This morning every
thing is quiet. Holy Thursday is being
celebrated with much patriotic fervor.
PEPPER.
HAVANA, April 6.-In Havana 1t is not
understood why President Mckinley did
not transmit his message to Congress to-
day, but the city is quiet. Consul General
Lee says that he does not anticipate any
disturbance. and he praises the authorities
and the tranquility of the people. All
Americans will have an opportunity to
leave during the remainder Of the week.
The newspapers here believe that the de-
parture of Americans by official notifica-
ton Of General Lee is certain sign of
war. All exhort Spaniards to maintain
their rights.
Washington kilograms are published in
which armed Intervention and recognition
of Independence are discussed. The people
are prepared to receive news of either in
tervention or of recognition. One newspa-
per says even If Spain should lose Cuba the
Americans would not succeed in making
the island theirs. because European pow
ers would prevent
There is much activity among all classes.
The committee which receives troops Is
preparing boats to receive the first division
OF squadron destroyers and torpedo boats,
which 1t is said will arrive soon.
Tomorrow and day after tomorrow are
church holidays, and there will be many
patriotic manifestations
The news from Madrid in which If is
said that tbs queen regent will arrange
haar
and 1t is not known if these pacific ad-
vices are correct. More information is
awaited. pEpprr,
Concerned About Congress.
HAVANA. April G. via Key West, Fla
April What Congress may do is the
subject Of intense concern to the Spanish
authorities. The community here knows
nothing Of the distinctions between execu-
tive and legislative branches in the recog-
milton of the independence of a country
1t has some understanding that a. formal
declaration Of war must be made through
Congress, but If war comes no one thinks
it will follow the regular course of proce-
cure.
However, Blanco and his officials are
any overt act coming from their side They
slructions from Madrid under which Spain
may be made to appear before the world
as an injured party, who is resenting the
aggression Of a powerful neighbor. So it
is possible Cuban Independence NAV be
recognized without preciptating immedi-
ate hostilities. Nevertheless, it remains
true that the only safe course for the
United States is to be ready to follow up
any development Of policy by instant
armed intervention.
Spanish Well Informed.
Both the official classes and the popu-
lace know Congress will not only support
President McKinley's administration, but
that it may travel ahead of the executive
Few lines have been permitted publication
this week telling that Cuban independence
was under discussion in the Senate and
that many resolutions recognizing indie
pendence had been introduced. While all
congressman except those who have been
Spain's apologists are classed as jingos, 1t
has finally come to be known among the
Spanish classes that Congress represents
the determination of the American people
snd that the influences which have here
tofore held it in check are now powerless.
That understanding is SO thorough that no
action which may be taken will come as
surprise to either Blanco or the shadow
of the autonomist government that re-
mains. They are prepared for what they
call 1.-The worst" even to the naming of
commission to visit Gomez and the in
surgents in the field. Until the course of
Congress is definitely known nothing furth-
er can be said. PEPPER.
A Quiet Holy Thnrsday.
By Associated Press.
HAVANA, April 7.-There is no excite
ment here today, and no reason for any.
SO far as it is possible to see. The weather
is cloudy. Holy Thursday is being observed
in a quiet manner.
The Mascotte is expected to return here
today and leave for Tampa tonight.
The Olivette will be here. and the Bache
and Mangrove are ready in the harbor to
take any passengers designated by the
United States consul general. The latter
has not decided when he will send the
American citizens away.