The age-herald., 1898-04-02
IT BECOMES
 MORE MYSTIFIED Sagasta's Note to Mckinley Puts a New Phase on Matter. MAY MEAN A LONG DELAY Mckinley Will Send Message Monday-lf He Should Recommend Acquiesence in
 Sagasta's Request Congress
 May Not Be Restrained.
MAY MEAN A LONG DELAY
Special Dispatch to The Age-Herald.
 By JAY DURHAM.

Washington, April 1.-The situation be- comes more mystifed as one event follows another. Sagasta's note to Mckinley places new phase upon the matter With spains proposition to feed and clothe the starving reconcentrados must of necessity take the wind out of the sails of this gov ernment. The condition of these unfortun- ates have been the chief cause of complaint from this government against Spain, and upon this has been predicated the pro- posed intervention upon the part of this government. Therefore, it can be seen the proposed relief from the United States will not be sent unless Spain should fail to keep pledges. Sagasta's further information to Mckinley that he cannot treat with this government for the surrender of Cuba to the insurgents without the consent of the Coites' winch does not meet until April 24 VIII, II needed by this country postpone ac- ton until after that time Spain has nlav- ed its game of diplomacy to good adyan tage. While Spain asks for more time it makes additional preparation for war.
 Message Monday or Tuesday
 hcf>aniey will send a message to congress on Monday or Tuesday. It will be long aocument transmitting much of the corre spondence that has passed If he should duoPIlOn or Sd2aEfaS quest 1t is question whether congress can be held in check. The temper there is in- tensiy hostil to waiting any longer. Speak CT Reed said this afternoon that he did not know whether the house will be willing to listen longer to the president. He has. vacillatd so much that there is disposition not to trust him much longer The party whip, however, Is all powerful, and it may be used With great force. Mckinley still waVers, and his attempt at sta teunanship has made him appear ridicuoluS in the minds of many of his best friends. Just what he will say in his message is not known, but it is uId1ers tood that he will throw all the responsibility upon congress seems certain.
 Without an Occupation
 With the diplomatic game today played by Spain, it may leave congress without an occupation, save the possible recognd- tion of the independsnce of Cuba, and that not for almost a month hence. Mckinley is himself in do1fbt what to do. At to- nights cabinet meeting he was undecided and the meeting did ltttle more than talk over the general outline of the forthcom- ing document. If the Sagasta vote is con- sldered with favor, about the only thing for Mckinley to stand upon now will be the Nadine incident, and upon that he must make his political capital, though he cares nothing for the cause itself. Mark the pre- Q1ctlOn pndL UlS message VIII De IOuilu largely for the benefit of the republican party in the fall elections. So far the democrats have the best of the position and unless the republican members of con- gress rebel against the president when the message Is received, MT. Mckinley and. his party will have lost one of the best political tricks in the hand Spain may conclude to go to war should congress pass a resolu- tion recognizing the independence of the insurgents in fact, some things point that way.
 Ready to Withdraw
 It is reported but not authoritatively confirmed at midnight, that the Spanish minister, Poloy Barnade. early this even- ing received instructions from Madrid to be ready to withdraw from this court and take leave of this government at a mo- ment's notice. In all probability Minister Woodford and Consul General Lee will be withdrawn from Madrid and Havana at a very early date.
 They have been instructed to be in readi- l ness to quit their posts. This is done as a l measure to be ready to act in harmony with Spain's possible breaking of diplomatic relations. In s5me quarters 1t Is believed that Spatn's vote Is a ruse to gain more time to be better prepared for war 3s 2. With its two fleets of war ships steam
 aConfinnad on secaad PaSaa