Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-04-02
SPANS REPLY WILL NOT Do
Mckinley VIII Not Accept 1t and a
Declaration Of War Seems Inevitable.

The Cabinet Discussing the Situa-
tion-Congressional Leaders Con
ferred With the President Before
the Sessions-Hope Of Peaceful
Settlement Boding ~ Important
Developments Are Impending-A
Puplic Statement Expected Aftel
the Cabinet Session.
Washington, April Judge Day
Assistant Secretary OF State, called a
the White House at 8 O'Clock this
morning and held a conference with
the President, presumably on Spain
reply to our latest note and the situa-
ton thereby developed. He remained
only few minutes with the President
and then went to the State Depart
ment. He announced on his departure
when asked about the note from Mad
rid, that the administration would give
cut statement to the press later in
the day. Further than this he re-
fused to discuss the developments in
the diplomatic negotiations.
Senator Davis, chairman of the Sen
ate committee on foreign relations, had
an extended conference with the Pres
ident, and Senator Pritchard, of North
Carolina; Representative Grosyenor
of Ohio, and Representative Thomp-
son, of Ohio, one Of the members OF
the commission to codify the laws OF
the United States. were among the long
line Of visitors.
The President went over the situa-
ton very thoroughly with Senator
Davis and showed him the dispatch
from Madrid that arrived last night
When the interview was ended Senator
Davis jumped into his carriage and
hurriedly Grove off with the statement
that he could not reveal what had
taken place.
1t can be reiterated authoritatively
that the last dispatch from Madrid was
thoroughly unsatisfactory to the adj
ministration. Its dissatisfaction was
openly announced during several of the
conferences that took place during the
morning. The note was received late
last night and after it had been read
by the President and Judge Day, an
effort was made TO communicate with
several other members Of the cabinet
In view OF the grave significance of the
dispatch it was considered very delib-
erately, and the reply of this govern
ment deferred until the President could
consult with the members of his Off
cial family Of advisers. 1t was decid-
ed, therefore. that the reply to the
Spanish response
WOULD NOT BE CABLED
until after the cabinet meeting. Fri
day is a regular cabinet day, and the
President felt that there should be q
full and fair conference before the
views of the Washington government
on the reply from Madrid should be
transmitted to Premier Sagasta.
That the President had less conf
dence in a peaceable ultimate outcome
some of those who saw him to-day said
was apparent from the views he ex-
pressed to several of his closest friends
While he refrained from admitting
that he had given up all hope, one OF
his close political friends intimated
Immediately after being eloseted with
the President that settlement on
peace basis seemed improbable. The
President is taking the leaders of Con-
gress into his confidence. That Con-
gress may be in accord with him, he is
not attempting to withhold the infor-
nation in his possession from them
but at the same time is taking steps
to prevent diplomatic information thai
might seriously affect the negotiations
now rapidly reaching climax from
being made public and carried back to
Madrid This makes those leaders
who see him very reticent
Representative Dingley. Of Maine. the
floor leader Of the Republicans in the
House. and the chairman IF the Ways
and Means Committee, had long private
interview.
serasFssa nd Representatives formed
corfttff3tY5 stream Of callers up to the
assembling Of thu cabinet, but were usu-
ally guarded lib their expressions after
they left the President, saying that the
situation was too grave to admit Of pos
sible misouotauon on misinterpretation OF
utterances at this time.
PRESENTATIVE MITCHELL
Of New York. one Of those who remained
at the White House for some time, but
who left without seeing the President
stated. however. that he was assured that
diplomatic proceedings would be great
surprise to the American public. Judging
from the adverse criticisms that have
been frequently INDUCED I'M. He said from
the assurance given him no one would
have reason to criricise the President 5
course, and would praise him for the firm
stand he has taken. Both Mr.. Dlngley
ard Mr.. Adams would say nothing as t.
what had passed between them and the
executive. 1t is believed, however, that
their conference was the result Of az
either direct or indirect call Of the Presi-
dent. There was great rush Of sight
seers at the White House, and the hust-