The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-04-09
an armlstice by Spain would be suffi-
cient at this moment to turn the situa-
tlon into peaceful channels.
Hurrying War PreparatIons.

an armlstice by Spain would be suffi-
cient at this moment to turn the situa-
ton into peaceful channels.
Hurrying War Preparations.
Preparations for all eventualities are
being hurried to completion. General
Lee leaves Havana today, probably on
the small naval vessel Fern, now in
Havana harbor, although it was said
at the state department that he might
take one of the Plant line steamers. At
the same time. also, the other United
States consuls and most of the Ameri-
can citizens residing in Cuba win be
out of the island. Official reports re-
ceived here yesterday stated that large
numbers Of Americans were leaving on
the several steamers from Havana and
other ports. Entire quiet has prevail
ed there up to this time.
No instructions have been sent to
Minister Woodford concerning his
withdrawal from Madrid, that being
left to his discretion. The prospects of
his withdrawal have been fullv con-
sidered, however, and there Is reason
to believe that in the event of his re-
tirement the British ambassador at
Madrid will look after American inter-
ests and afford protection to such
Americans as remain In Spain. The
Spanish minister at Washington has
received no instructions as to his de-
parture, nor has he made preparations
to go. although his establishment Is
in such condition that he could leave
within few hours after receiving or
ders from his government to depart.
The steering committee appointed by
the conference of house Republicans
last Wednesday to canvass the situa-
tion held another meeting yesterday af-
ternoon. From the reports presented
it was claimed that more than hun
dred Republicans will act with them.
The main question before the commit
tee yesterday was as to whether they
should stand for independence and in
tervention or intervention without in
dependence. The feeling in the conf
mittee has been strongly in favor Of
the recognition of the Cuban republic,
but that they do not desire to break
with the administration except as a
last resort. Meantime some of them
are much exercised over the legal
phases of the effect of intervention
without independence. A fear was ex-
pressed that intervention by the Uni
ted States might bind the United
States for the s4OOOOO,OOO of Spanish
Cuban bonds issued against the reve-
nues of the island. This view Is held
by Mr. Tawney, of Minnesota. The
sentiment of the committee is against
the United States assuming any such
possible liability. Others, like Mr. Hop
kins, of Illinois. did not think Mr..
Tawney's contention tenable. Mr.. Hop
kins declares that if Spain loses Cuba
as result Of war the security of the
bondholders is simply gone. Spains
liability remaining. The International
authorities will be looked up by the
members Of the committee, and an at
tempt will be made to ascertain exactly
In what way the bonds are lien on the
Cuban revenues.
Cuba's Indebtedness.
Deputy Treasurer Benjamin Guerra,
of the Cuban republic, was before the
senate committee on foreign relations
yesterday. He said that only about
100000 Of Cuban bonds had been sold
and that the bonds were not on the
market at all for general sale. Those
sold had been disposed Of for about an
average of 40 cents on the dollar. Mr..
Guerra said the expenses of the Cuban
army We're very slight, but that what
expenses there were were paid by pri-
vate subscriptions and by the returns
from the taxation of property in the
portion of the island controlled by the |,
&c kTat pa nnn
he said, been collected by taxation. The
insurgent army generally secured its
supplies from the country, and all the
soldiers. both officers and men, had |
volunteered to serve without compen- |
sation. though they will be paid when
the Cuban government is established
Secretary Long yesterday decided |
upon the names for the new auxiliary |
cruisers acquired by the government |
from the Morgan steamship line. Ell |
Nord is hereafter to be known as the |
Yankee, Ell Rio as the Dixie, Ell Sol as
the Prairie and Ell Sud as the Yosem-
lte.
The Italian cruiser Ameriago Ves-
pucci is anchored in the Potomac a few
miles down the river below Washing
to be on a practice cruise.
There was considerable gossip in naval
and military circles regarding the visit
)f this foreign vessel to this city at
his critical juncture. There was I'M
confirmed gossip that her presence at
his time was for the purpose of using
ler as an asylum for the Spanish min
ster and his staff in case it was found
mpracticable for them to leave the
country by the ordinary means of
ravel. This report the Spanish min
ster denounced as nonsenee
A dispatch from New York announces
hat Father ChidWick the Names
chaplain, who has received an assign
nent to the Cincinnati. started this
for Key West to assume his
lew duties. 1t was at Father Child
vick's request that he was ordered to