The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-04-04

almost universally held in Washington
diplomats is that the crisis will reach
it's climax this week and that the ques-
ton of war or peace will be determined
within the next seven days. Senators
and representatives met and conferred
all day about the gravity of the situa-
ton, and at the white house the presi-
dent consulted with several members of
his cabinet and its confidential advisers
regarding the message which he is pre-
pairing to send to congress.
At the state, war and navy buildings,
active work was going on and altogeth-
er it has been day of suppressed feel
ing. no day has been announced as to
the day when the message will be sent
TO congress, and it is believed it will
not go in tomorrow. 1t is believed that
more probably Wednesday or Thursday
will be the day selected. Besides the
physical work of preparing the compre-
hensive document upon which the pres
ident expects to rest his case with the
world, there are other reasons why
those in charge of war preparations
will wish to see many hours delay.
War material which we have ordered
abroad is not yet shipped and the fac
tories in this country will work day and
night making powder and projecti.es,
and are anxious for delay. Some Of the
factories in Connecticut with contracts
have telegraphed Representative Hit
urging all delay possible. They say
every day now is precious.
There is still divergence of opinion
as to what the president will recom-
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 the presidents rec
concentrations will be specific and Wig
orous and such that his party and the
country could willingly follow when he
points the way. One of these said to-
night that the president i'm his strong
desire for peace and earnest hope that
war might possibly be averted was
yielding somewhat to the sentiment of
the leaders of his party and the coun-
try. He has not given up hope yet that
hostilities may be averted. There are
those who believe the president has not
made up his mind as to the exact course
he will pursue and there seems to be a
question as to whether the consular re-
ports and the diplomatic correspond
ence are to be transmitted with the
message.
The suspense causing necessary delay
in the preparation of the message is
very trying on the members of the
house, and the most universally dis
cussed question i'm Washington tonight
Is whether congress can be restrained
until the message is transmitted. All
recognize the task of preparing our
case for the worlds inspection and the
care which must be exercised. and there
seems to be no disposition to unduly
hasten the president. The party lead
ers are extremely anxious to avoid
breach with the executive, such as
would occur if congress were to take
the initiative. After a careful canvass
Of the situation to-day. they believe the
radical republicans can be held in line
a few days longer. until Wednesday at
least The conference of the republi-
cans of the house who have been in
sisting on prompt action holds another
meeting tomorrow night. While many
of them are now in favor of giving the
president more leeway than they We're
last week. II is realized that 25 republi-
can votes in the house would, with the
democratic and populist votes, be suffi-
cient to act. 1t can be pretty confident
ly asserted that all the republicans of
the house. with possibly the exceptions
which could be counted on the fingers
VI ohe tdh pc CpntIoiltu until
Wednesday. After that, what might
happen If the president asks foO further
delay is problematic. Mr.. Bromwell of
Ohio. for instance. who says he hopes
he will not be obliged to part company
with the president, says he will vote
with the democrats IL necessary to
overrule the speaker after "Wednesday.
Mr.. Cooper of Wisconsin has made a
similar statement.
The republicans OF the house conn
mittee on foreign relations have held |
informal meetings to-day and have |
agreed to report a resolu- |
ton of a tenor similar TO that agreed |
upon by the foreign relations commit |
tee of the senate. These resolutions |
will be practically agreed upon by the |
tomorrow. but will not be |
until the president sends his |
message to congress. though there is at |
.east one of the repuhlicans nf the