The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-04-03
THE PRESIDENT WILL SHARE IT.
His Message Will Indicate His Plans
Saws "A Confidential Friend.


WASHINGTON, April 2.-rhe quietude
OF the White House tonight was In strik-
ing contrast 10 the intense activity and
repressed excitement of the past few
days. For several hours the President
was alone In his private libarary husiiy
engaged in the preparation OF his iorth-
coming message 10 Congress. No callers
were received except by appointment.
and with the two or three whom the
President did see he conversed very
briefly.
About o'clock Mr.. Charles Emory
Smith, editor Of the Philadelphia Press.
and one OF the Presidents confidential
friends. Joined Mr. Mckinley In the H.
brsry and remained In conference win
him FOR half an hour.
As ne left the Executive Mansion MIR.
Smith said that no was. Of course. not
al liberty TO disclose the nature OF his
visit 10 the President. lie added how
ever, In response TO inquiries that no
could see no change in the situation.
War was, he believed. imminent but II
might yet be averted. lie was quite salts
fled that II would not precipitate on Mon
day, and gave the impression by
his remarks that the forthcoming mes
sage would not be sent To Congress he
fore Tuesday Now that the country
realized that we were on the verge OF
serious trouble. he said, there was
meditative spirit abroad. The people
were thinking and preparing themselves
for right action so soon as the time for
action should arrive.
In the message upon which so much
now hinges. Mr. Smith feit assured that
the President would deal fully and frank
" with Congress and with the country
The entire question in hand would be
presented calmly and thOughtfully. and
with a full sense of the responsibility OF
the Executive. The President would.
however, indicate his own plans and
wishes. thereby accepting his share OF
whatever might be the result, as was
becoming in brave, patriotic, Ameri-
can President.
Mr. Smith said, in conclusion. that he
knew nothing Of the prospect OF media
tlon to be offered by foreign Powers. ex-
cept what he had seen in the newspapers:
Dut lntimatcd that the question now
would be settled on the one hand hy
spain and on the other by the Congress
and the President OF the United States.
WILL GO IN MONDAY.
Al ll;SD O'Clock tonight General Gros.
Venor announced positively, after an ex.
tended conference with the President
that the message would not be sent tC
DNA'NA'e' bNARAN AtAL luteuIN.
The participants In the conference wers
Senator Hanna, General Grosvenor anc
Judge A. c. Thompson. president OF Tn,
Criminal Law Cod.hcation Committe g
Attorney-General Griggs was present &
short time.
General GTosvenor said there was moth
Ing new in the Spanish situation tonight
Not the slightest change is percep
tible,' said he, "the President is CAREFUL.
considering his message and It viii be
memorable state document"
NO he replied 10 an inquiry 'it vii
not be sent to Congress on Monday.
will not 20 before Tuesday. II is n,
child's play to prepare such a paper as tn
Presidenr will give to Congress and to tn
country. II Will thoroughly review all o
this governments diplomatic negotiation
with Spain In regard TO cuba and will
contain such recommendations as will ap
peal 10 the right and justice of tn
American HeOple-just such recommenda
tions as every friend of President Nc
l<inley has reason TO expect from one 8
patriotic and devoted TO his country a
he is
CONGRESS WILL NOT ACT.
do you expect any action by Congress
on Monday. in advance OF the President
nessage?" General Grosvenor was ask
ed.
"Oh no." he replied Congress will b
entirely willing 10 await the action OF tn
President Everybody thoroughly realize
that the Chief Executive Of this coUnir
cannot be taken by the throat.in a matte
I. Of this kind. He must have time 10 for
mulate his message In his own way
President Mckinley for many weeks ha
been under terrific strain and is begir
ming TO show the effects OF 1t. He wi
communicate TO Congress and to IN
country as soon as possible and there
TO doubt that Congress will respect hi
desires I'm the matter"
During the conference the Associate
Press news that the Spanish torpedo hoa
fOtilla had not yet arrived at Porto Ric
and that the probabilities were that
was now at the Cape De Verde Island
was communicated To the President. |
was received with much satisfaction. tn
President reading aloud 10 the othei
present the note conveying the infol
( nation.
Commenting unon the information
! General Grosvenor said
"That materially relieves the strai
uron the situation and modiies IL cor
sderably."