The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-03-27

WASHINGTON. March 2j.-Prcsident
Mckinley talked freely with his congress
sional visitors to-day both In regard TO
his plans for the future and his appre-
citation of the situation with reference to
Cuba. His programme as thus outlined IS
as follows:
To send the repor, Of the Maine Court
Of Inquiry to Congress on Monday with
out recommendation and without explain
alton on his part further than to say that
he has acquainted Spain with the and
Ing of the court. TO follow this Tuesday
or Wednesday with message dealing
with the condition OF the nOn-combatants
In Cuba. and asking for an appropriation
OF $4,000 for their Immediate relief; to
present anew this condition TO Spain, ask
ing that country to make provision for
the care Of her own helpless people and
to come to some terms with the Cubans.
which will be satisfactory to them and
put an end to the war. This falling, 10
forcibly intervene on Humanitarian
grounds.
MAY STILL PRESERVE PEACE.
The President indicated 10 his callers an
abiding faith that peace still may be pre-
served. and determination on his part
TO accomplish that end IL It may be done
with honor 10 our own country and with
out disregarding the demands OF hu-
manlty. He frankly and repeatedly aver
red to-day his desire 10 prevent conflict
while. at the same time indicating a frm
purpose 10 secure relief FOR the starv-
IN. reconcentradoes.
Indeed the latter purpose appeared to
be the topic uppermost In the Presidents
mind. He dwelled upon the fact that the
recognition Of helllgerent rights or OF In
dependence would not be OF any material
service TO these unfortunates He admit
ted that such action might be Of assist
ance Ia the men at arms, the insurgent
army. but they, he said have shown n
| capacity 10 take care OF themselves and
do not stand I'm pressing need Of our kind
| Offices.
The President believes Spain will inter-
| pose no obstacles to our sending succor
TO her INDECENT people and he will ask
Congress TO act promptly that the aid to be
| given may not arrive too late TO relieve
the present pressing necessities.
This done the President Is hopeful that
Congress viii remain quiet while the
executive branch OF the government con-
| tinues It's efforts 20 secure a peaceful set
| tiement OF the difficulty. lie thinks II not
too late 10 do this. and he made the as
sertlon to-day that Spain was willing 10
meet the United States half way In ad-
| justing the enianglement without coming
| TO blows
THE TORPEDO FLEET
He referred only casually 20 the sailing
| OF the Spanish torpedo feet, leaving the
| impression on the minds Of his visitors
that he considered that so far in this
matter Spain is acting within the bounds
OF her own right and that no just COM
| plant can yet be made by this country.
He did not enter into details regarding
the proposition he may make or may have
made TO Spain, for undoubtedly some are
now pending, but he left the impression
that be would be satisfied with no settle
nent that would not give the Cubans
very liberal form OF government.
He admitted frankly that autonomy had
| proved a failure and expressed the opln-
\ ion that II would be as difficult 70 salts
| ~ the Americans with any settlement
| that might be made as It would be TO sat-
isfy the cubans themselves.
He reasserted the possibility Of secur.
ing an agreement on the part OF Spain u
| allow Cuba 70 conduct her oWn aUairt
with absolute freedom except that the
island should be required 70 pay ths
mother country a specified sum in the
way OF a tribute every year out Of her
revenues. seeming 20 think that this
would form a basis upon which both Spain
and the Cubans could agree without tho
sacrifice OF too much pride on either
side.
President Mckinley reverted often in
! his conversations 10 his desire TO main-
tain peace and dwelt upon the fact that
war meant not only the loss Of LIE and
property but that II also would injurs
out commerce. disturb business condi-
t.ons generally, Increase our public debt.
add 10 our pension ron and result In many
ways 20 our disadvantage and distress.
! lie also made II clear that whatever
course nc might pursue " The future he
would nor at present demand any indem<
-lCcns{uued on fiftS P3Fs.l-