Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-04-04

termined within the next seven days
Senators and representatives met and
conferred all day about the gravity Of
the situation at the White House. the
President counsellcd with several mem
bers of his cabinet and other confiden-
tial advisers regarding the message
which he is preparing to send to Con-
gresS. At the state, war and navy de-
partments active work was going on
and altogether has been "A day of sup
pressed feeling. No absolute day has
been yet announced when the message
is to be sent to Congress and all that
seems to be absolutely certain, tonight,
possibly, but more probably WednesGa y
or perhaps Thursday.
In addition to the physical work If
preparing the comprehensive document
upon which the President expects -
rest Americas case with the world.
there are other reasons why those in
charge of the war preparations would
welcome every hours delay. War ma.
terial which we have ordered abroad
is not yet shipped and the factories in
this country which are at work day and
night. making powder and projectiles
are for delay. Some factories in the
Connecticut With contracts have tele-
graphCd Representative Hin. urging all
now is precious.
There is still a divergence OF opinion
as to what the President will recon-
mend in his message. indeed there
seems to be still question as to
whether the President VIII make any
specific recommendations. Some Of his
most intimate friends. however. assert
emphatically that his recommendation
will be specific and vigorous and such
that his party and the country would
willingly follow where he points tho
way. one of these said. tonight. that
ii1t ItSiupil, III MS strong utSIle lDl
peace and his earnest hope that war
might possibly be be avoided was
yielding somewhat to the sentiment II
the leaders Of his party and the House.
He has not yet given up hope that hos
tilities may be averted. There are those
who believe the President has not yet
made up his mind as to the exact course
he will pursue. and there seems to be a
question as to whether the consular re-
ports and the diplomatic correspondence
are to be transmitted with the message.
The suspense caused by the necessary
delay in the preparation of the message
is very trying upon the members of both
houses, and the most universally dis
cussed question in Washington tonight
is whether Congress can be restrained
until the message is transmitted All
realize the difficulty and the arduous
work of preparing our case for the worlds
inspection and the care which must be
exercised, and there seems to be no dis
position to unduly hasten the President
The party leaders are extremely anxious
to avoid a breach with the Executive
such as would occur if Congress were to
take the initiative. After a careful can
vass of the situation, today. they believe
the radical Republicans can he held in
line few days longer. until Wednesday
at least
The Republicans of the House, who
have been insisting upon prompt action.
will hold another meeting. While many
Il them are now in favor of giving the
President more lee way than they were
LAST week. it is realized That - Rcpubli-
can votes in the House. with the Demo-
Gratis and Popuists, will be sufficient to
act 1t can he pretty confidently asserted
that all The Republicans of the House.
with possible exceptions which could j"
counted ON the fingers Of one hand. can
he controlled until Wednesday,.
After that what might happen if The
President asks for further delay is prob
lrmatical. Mr.. BromWoI of Ohio. for in
stance, y ho says he hopes he viii not
be- obliged 10 part company with the Pros
jdcul. says he will vote with the Demo-
Gratis if necessary to overrul, the Speak
tr aft"rWHrd Mr.. Copper of Wisconsin,
has made u similar statement.
The Republicans of the committee on
foreign affairs lave held Informal meet
iug%, today. and have practically agreed
to he report Of resolution Of 4 toner
lin,iX Ia hc agreed upon hy the foreign
relations committee of the Senate. Tho
House Resolutions will probably follow
the language Of hto Senate regarding the
blowing up of the Maine. These rcSoiu-
tion- Will be practically agreed upon Nv
the committee. tomorrow. aut viii not be
repol cd until tho President sends his
mess sc to Congress. although there is
at least one of the Republicans Of the
committee who is in favor of formally
reporting them, tomorrow. MT Adams
the acting chairman Of the committee in
the absence of Mr.. HIT, say the Presi
dent, today. and informed him of tn"
probable action Of the committee.
All the Republicans called upon MI
Hit. at his residence during The day. Mr.
circuit. Republican. said thai white som
ni The Republicans of the House YER
very impatient. he thought they would
restrain themselves; II the President de-