Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-04-03
YANY CALLERS At THE WHITE HOUSE
/ Number Of Them Desire That Maine
Matter Be Made Leading Incident.
POSITION
TRYING.
roLo's
The Spanish Legation at Washington
subjected to Petty Indignities-A
Million Dollars Allotted to Fund
for TOrpedO-Defence.

for TOrpedO-Defence.
WASHINGTON. d. c.. April 2-The ls-
sa between the United States and Spain
remains unchanged. No communications
having any bearing on the situation have
vassed between this government and
Spain since last Thursday night. when
Minister Woodford transmitted the reply
Of the sagasta Ministry 10 the Presi-
dents propositions Of two weeks ago.
issue as made up, and are shaping their
course accordingly.
This being the case. the view IS uni
versally entertained. even by representa-
tive men Of the administration. that Con-
eress. upon receipt Of the Presidents
message early next week. will take ac-
ton which. It is almost universally ex-
pected. must result in a severance OF the
relations OF the two countries. This was
IN part foreshadowed by the action Of the
Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
.o-day. in agreeing 70 a resolution favor
lble TO the Independence Of Cuba. and for
armed Intervention, if necessary 10 secure
independence.
MEDIATION.
With the crisis so near at hand. It is
believed that II any european interven-
ton or mediation is 10 come. It will be
within the next few days It was said,
however. at the State Department. late
this evening. that no offer Of European
mediation had yet been officially trans
Initted 10 this government. 1t was the
general understanding that friendly over
lures Of this nature might be looked for
at almost any time from France or Aus
tria, and It was reported during the
day that the presence in Washington Of
Cardinal Gibbons and Archbishop Ireland
was in connection with mediation from
Rome, but II was stated on high author
fly. at the State Department. that no
overtures Of this character had taken
Official form, nor was the State Depart
ment advised that any such steps were
IN contemplation.
"CASUS BELLI" QUESTION.
It IS the understanding in the official
circles, based upon information. that the
recognition Of Cuban independence would
not in itself be regarded by Spain as a
"casus belH" But at the same time.
there IS little doubt that such recogni-
tion Of Cuban independence would be fol-
lowed by the withdrawal OF the Spanish
Minister. Senior Polo Bernabe. and his
entire suite, from Washington. aud the
termination Of Spains diplomatic repre-
sentation at Washington. Such with
drawal IS one Of the last steps preceding
actual recourse TO war.
II is probable, however that the with
drawal OF the Spanish Minister, follow
ing the recognition of independence.
would not be so much an indication Of
war as It would be an emphatic protes;
by the Spanish Government against the
recognition Of the independence Of q
colony over which she claims 10 eXer-
else complete sovereignty. Although this
recognition of independence is not con-
sidered "casus belli." by reason Of
which Spain could declare war. yet it is
viewed In diplomatic quarters as a step
which would have consequences inevi-
tsbly terminating in war. For tnat rea-
son. II is said that the recognition OF
the independence Of Cuba is likely to
be no less grave than Intervention.
POLO UNCOMFORTABLE.
The Spanish Minister continues 10 pre-
serve his outward calm. although hA |
feels that the relations are extremely |
strained. and that his stay in Washing |
ton may not be long continued. To some |
OF his diplomatic associates who called |
to-day. he said that his conscience was
perfectly clear. as he thought that SPANS
cause was just one. and for this reason
he felt no agitation. His position is
trying one. however. as the Spanish Le-
cation has been subject to a number Of
petty indgnities within recent days.
These are OF such a petty character
that they have not been called 70 the
attention OF the government officials.
although police officers were detailed TO
See that the offences were not continued,
and that TO acts of vandalism or per-
sonal indignity were committed.
SPANISH MAINE REPORT.
The State Department to-day received
the full report OF the Spanish commission
v hich investigated the destruction of the
9atteship Maine. This document has
been expected for some days. but II was
bot until to-day that It reached Wash
ngton. by a special messenger from Ha-
Jana. II proved 10 be a most bulky ana
'oiuminous document. OF far greater
ength than the report Of the American
'ourt OF inquiry The text as delivered
10 the State Department, is In Spanish
md II will take some time for the eiabo-
tate document 10 be translated ~