Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-04-04

Washington, April 3.-The opinion
almost universally held in Washington
tonight by leading public men and
diplomats, is that the crisis will reach
its climax this week and that the
question OF war or peace will be deter
mined within the next seven days.
Senators and Representatives met
and conferred all day about the gray-
ity OF the situation and at the White
House the President consulted with
several members of his cabinet and
other confidential advisers regarding
the message which he is preparing to
send to Congress.
At the State, War and Navy building
active work was going on, and alto
gether it has been day of suppressed
feeling.
No absolute day has been yet an
, nounced when the message is TO be
sent to Congress, and all that seems TO
be absolutely certain tonight is that
1t will not go in tomorrow; on Tues
day possibly, but more probably We'd
nesday, or perhaps Thursday.
In addition to the physical work OF
preparing the comprehensive document
upon which the President expects to
rest Americas case with the world,
there are other reasons why those in
charge of the war preparations Will
| welcome every hours delay.
War material which we have or
dered abroad is not yet shipped, and
the factories in this country, which
are at work day and night making pow
der and projectiles, are anxious for
delay
Some of the factories in Connecticut
have telegraphed Representative Hill,
urging all the delay possible. They
say every day now is precious.
There is still
A DIVERGENCE OF OPINION
as to what the President will recon-
mend in his message; indeed, there
seems to be still a question as to
whether the President will make any
specific recommendations.
Some of his most intimate friends,
however, assert emphatically that his
recommendations will be specific and
vigorous and such that his party and
country could willingly follow when
he points the way.
One of these said tonight that the
President, in his strong desire for
! peace and his earnest hope that war
might possibly be avoided, was yield
ing somewhat to the sentiment of the
leaders of his party and the country.
He has not given up hope yet that
hostilities may be averted.
There are those who believe the
President has not yet made up his
mind as to the exact course he will
pursue, and there seems to be ques-
ton as to whether the consular reports
and the diplomatic correspondence is
to be transmitted with the message.
The suspense caused by the necessary
delay in the preparation of the mes
sage is very trying upon members OF
both houses. and the most universally
discussed question in Washington to-
night is whether Congress can be re-
strained until the message is trans
mitted.
All recognize the difficult and
arduous task of preparing our case for
the worlds inspection and the care
which must be exercised, and there
seems to be no disposition to "un-
duly hasten the President. The party
leaders are extremely anxious
TO AVOID A BREACH
with the executive such as would occur
if Congress were to take the initiative.
After a careful canvass Of the situa-
ton to-day, they believe the radical
Republicans can be held in line few
DAYS longer, until Wednesday at least.
The conference of Republicans OF the
House who have been insisting upon
prompt action, hold another meeting
tomorrow night While many OF them
: are now in favor of giving the Presl-
cent more leeway than they favored
last week, it is realized that Is Republl-
can votes in the House would, with the
Democratic and Populist votes, be suf-
ficient to act.
1t can be pretty confidently asserted
that all the Republicans OF the House
with possible exceptions which could
be counted on the fingers Of one hand,
can be controlled until Wednesday
After that what might happen If the
President asks for further delay Is
problematical.
Mr.. Bromwell, of Ohio. for instance,
who says he hopes ne may not be
Obliged to part company with the Pres
ident, says he will vote with the Demo-
Gratis if necessary to override the