Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1898-04-12
BEFORE THE STORM.
An Unusual Calm Prevails at the
National Capitol.
ALL SIDES WAITING FOR MONDAY.
Hope of Peaceful Settlement with
Spain Almost Entirely Abandoned
The Issue Made Up-Dfplomatic
Relations Practically Ended.

on the SURFACE, elmer at the Wh1te
house or the capitol, to show that the
United States is on the brink of war
Both houses of congress had adjourned
until Monday, and at the executive
mansion there was no rush of eager and
excited public men, but a Sunday quiet
atmosphere. AT only the war and navy
departments We're there signs of an i'm
pending conflict in the rush of immedi-
ate orders to host of naval officers to
report at once for duty on vessels to
which they were assigned and in con-
ference among bureau chiefs on de-
tails of war preparations. And yet, the
resolve was flrmer than ever that I'M
less Spain yielded to Americas Cuban
demands the United States by force of
arms would move on Havana. 1t was
the very recognition of the fiXity of this
purpose that caused the day to be in
marked contrast to the excitement of
all It's predecessors of late.
There was still some discussion of
Cuban affairs but it only served to en-
phasize the fact that one forward step
of immense Importance had been taken,
for the discussion was of an advanced
stage and concerned, not intervention
and freedom of Cuba from Spanish do
minion, but the obligations and duties
that might be imposed upon the United
States after we had expelled Spain from
the island. This discussion revolved
around two propositions, namely, inter-
vention without recognition of ma
tional independence of the Cuban in
surgcnts, and Intervention with concur
rent recognition of the independence Of
the present insurgent government of
Cuba. Some public men lowered be-
tween these two propositions and ia
yored a compromise. There was no def
mite lead By which 1t could be stated
with anything like authoritativeness
which course would be adopted, but the
unsettled state of public opinion on
the matter Indicated that events of the
next few days, the strength of the ar
guments of the forthcoming presiden-
tial message, or distinct utterance
from our consul general to Cuba might
be strong enough to incline the balance
to either course.
Will Go to Congress Monday.
, The cabinet held its usual Friday
session, but its meeting brought no
change In the Spanish situation. In
deed, it was chiefly significant in estab-
fishing that no change had occurred,
that none was expected and that the
programme of action on the part Of
the United States government was al
ready made up. The presidents mes
sage remains unaltered, and, Friday be-
Ing the last cabinet day before the
message will go to congress, altera-
tions are unlikely between now and
Monday, barring altogether uneXpect-
ed developments from Madrid. After
the meeting cabinet officers stated that
the message would be sent to congress
on Monday, no change in that respect
having been considered, and all causes
for delay having been removed.
The Issue Made Up.
The calmness of the cabinet meet
ing, which was one of the most uneyent-
full held in recent days, was another ev-
idence of the feeling entertained by the
administration that the case is made up
and that nothing now remains to be
done but to present the subject to con-
gress and await the final outcome
there. The feeling that an end has
come to diplomatic talk and that action
alone remained was shared in all quar-
ters, including the foreign embassies
and legations, where the ambassadors
and ministers expressed the feeling
that all has been done in Washington
that can or would be done in the cause
of peace.
What is going on at Madrid gives
slight hope of such concessions there
as will alter the present situation.
There are no negotiations, In the sense
OF exchanges, on pending propositions.
Both parties apparently have said their
last word concerning the respective
propositions. Certainly this is true as
to the United States, and there are no
evidences that the Spanish government
will recede. 1t is even doubtful wheth-
er concession of an ar7nistce by Spain
would be sufficient at this late moment
to turn the situation into peaceful chan
nels.
To Leave Havana.
Preparations for all eventualities are
being hurried to completion. Gen. Lee
will leave Havana to-day. At that time
also the other United States consuls and
most Of the American citizens residing
In Cuba will be out Of the island. Off
cial reports received here stated that
large numbers of Americans were leav-
ing on the several steamers from Ha-
yana and other ports. Entire quiet has
prevailed there up to this time. The
United States consul at Porto Rico is
also preparing to leave.
Not an Act of War.
Officials of the state department in
discussing the withdrawal of the con-
suls from Cuba at this time say it pre-
SCENTS many phases of interest. They
point out that such withdrawal must
not be considered as in any manner
belligerent act, but simply one of pre-
caution based on Humanitarian motives
designed to protect them from any
trouble which might result from the
strained feelings between Spain and
this country. In week, suggested one
official, they may all have returned to
their positions If trouble between the
two countries should be averted.
Left to Woodford's Discretion.
No instructions, 1t is stated definitely,
have been sent to Minister Woodford
concerning his withdrawal from
Madrid, that being left to his discretion.
The prospects of his withdrawal have
been fully considered, however, and
there is reason to believe that in the