Worcester morning daily spy., 1898-03-29

Washington, March 2S-Today has
been one of action in every branch of
official life; action in the White House,
where the president and bis cabinet ad-
visers assembled in special cabinet ses-
sion at 1890; action in both houses of
congress, where the message of the
president on the Maine disaster and re-
port and testimony Of the court of in
quiry were received; action in the secret
conferences of state officials and diplo-
mats concerning the latest phases of
Spanish-Amerfcan negotiations; and ac-
ton In the war and navy departments,
with the Spanish situation as the COM
mon purpose of all the varying aspects
of official action.
Seldom has day been replete with
so many diverse and important phases
of a single subject. And yet throughout
this activity the prevailing tone as re-
ceived from administration sources, has
been more in line of peace than it has
been for some days. This was the inn
| preston conveyed by cabinet officers
after the special cabinet session. The
same sentiment characterized the diplo-
matte conferences at the state depart
ment But in congress- which afford
ed the greatest field for anti-Spanish
and warlke expressions, a strain Of dis
content and uneasiness prevailed after
the presidents message and the Maine
report were submitted, and especially on
the house side.
The presidents message submitting
the Maine report and accompanying evil
dence. was the main event of the day
Those who had anticipated that the
message would contribute to the ag-
gressive spirit, were disappointed. 1t
contained no surprises. In the house
of representatives the message and re-
port were referred to the committee on
foreign affairs; and the Spanish debate
was for the time being diverted. In the
senate there was a similar reference to
the committee on foreign relations and
Mr. Money of Mississippi delivered
a. brief and energetic speech, picturing
the woes of Cuba.
With the report was submitted the
voluminous evidence taken at Havana
and Key West before the court of in
quiry. Examined in detail, this evidence
proved to be much more interesting in
recital than the cold and dispassfonate
review submitted by the court.
The special cabinet session was held
to go over the presidents message, and
particularly to consider the latest devel-
opments in the negotiations now pro-
ceeding with Spain. These mad assumed
q wide field embracing not only the
Maine question, bnt also the entire Gu
ban problem The answer of Spain
was III hand to the firm note sent
through Minister Woodford last week
stating that the condition of Cuban af-
fairs had become so intolerable that the
remain inactive toward it. The general
tone Of the Spanish answer impressed
the president and cabinet officers most
favorably; so much 50, that after the
meeting IT was stated by mem bers that
the outlook was far more assuring, and
that Spain had shown sucn q concilia-
tory tone that it was believed she would
make concessions sufficient to permit an
amicable settlement Of the present
strained relations.
This was qualified, however, by the
statement that the danger point had not
yet passed, and that war, while no long
er a probability was yet possibility.
The president had distinctly disclosed to
his cabinet assistants his purpose to
avert war II II was p0SSl Die with a Just
solution of the Cuban problem; and
he felt from the disposition manifested
by Spain, that this just solution could
be reached. This, however, is without
considering congress, which may now
that the subject Is formally before it,
take some radical action.
Meantime at the state department
cablegrams were being received from
Minister Woodford; and the Spanish
minister, Senor Polo y Bernabe, was in
lengthy conference with Judge Day
as to the prospective adjustment. The
meeting between the Spanish minister
and Judge Day came after the cabinet
conference, so that such representation
as Spain submitted through him did
not get before the cabinet. AT least two
of these new phases submitted by the
minister We're of exceeding importance.
The Spanish government made it known
that no objection would be made to the
humane objects of the United States in
extending relief to the sufferers in Cuba
on far greater scale than hitherto had
been contemplated. On the contrary,
Spain has made known that she recog-
nizes the humane purpose animatine
this country, and she does not doubt
that these purposes will BE- executed in
such a way as to avoid all opportunity
for friction.
1t is not expected that the relief will
be carried in warships. as this would
introduce political aspect into a pro
quiescence by Spain clears the way foI
the presidents s message of the next few
days. asking a large appropriation for the
rolfaF Of a n daetfti1tfor, In ho bod =