The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-04-18
BROWNSON RETURNS.
Naval Commander Tells Of His
Trip t, Europe.

Washington, April 17.-Today was ex-
ceptionally quiet in official circles and
on the surface at least there were no new
developments in the Spanish situation.
Inc reports of yesterdays action by the
Senate were an absorbing subject Of dis
cussion and the probability of what the
House will do, was uppermost in eyery-
ones mind. For the first time in several
weeks, the President was able to deyote
Sunday almost entirely to his family and
to resume his church going which had
been interrupted by ithe important Sun
day conferences with the members of the
cabinet In company with Mrs. McKin-
Icy and some friends, the President this
AFTERNOON went for long drive, tho
roughly enjoying the country scenery.
Assistant Secretary Day was at the
White House for short time in the
morning and saw the President.
Vice-President Hobart and Postmaster
General, Gary called while the President
was at church.
In the war and navy departments there
was also lacking that evidence of actiyi-
tysa, rush which has characterized
them for so many Sundays past. Adju-
tant General Corbin said there had been
no lchanges in the details for the mobili-
zatlon OF the troops, announced some DAYS
ago, nor any assignments of officers.
Ihe proposals from railroads for trans
porting the troops will be opened tomor-
row and the expectation is that the sold
lers, in many instances. will begin their
journey south on the same day.
Assistant Secretary Roosevelt was at
the navy department. for some time dur
ing the morning transaoting matters
requiring his attention. He had a visit
from Commander Willard R. BroWnson,
who had just returned from his visit
abroad where he was gent to purchase
munitions for the use of the United States
navy.
Commander Brownson made number
OF recommendations and reports to Sec
retary Long during his inspections abroad
and will submit the final one to the Sec
retary tomorrow. He asked to be excused
from discussing the results of his trip
pending his report to the secretary. Com
mander Browpson during his visit was
able to guage the feelings which the
European nations have for this country
in its issue with Spain. Concerning the
English1nen he remarked that their sym
pathy is for US and they are with US to a
man. great many Frenchmen sided
with Spain, although the commander
said his observations regarding them were
based ON reports only. Italy being one of
the Latin countries there is an clement
which sympathizes with Spain, although
many of the commercial classes realizing
that much OF. the trade of the Peninsular
is with the United States look upon
our contention with favor. Commander
Brownson says that owing to the uncer-
tain state Of affairs in Europe growing
out of the Eastern question in which
most of the great nations are interested,
very few really satisfactory warships are
to be found on the market, while in six
months from now, when possibly. no one
will want to purchase any, no.doubt
some will be available. Unfinished ships
and those of inferior quality were to be
obtained ii desired, but the governments
preferred not to purchase vessels of that
kind.
Ths commander will leave the city
tomorrow for New York, where he is to
assume command of the Yankee, to
which he has been assigned.