The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-03-08
America Is Rapidly Preparing to
Meet Any Move by Spain.
Money Will he Expended In Ammu.
milton and Probably In the Pur.
chase Of High Grade War yes.ela
Cruiser Montgomery Ordered q
rake supplies Only To Havana-
Artillery Hill Approved by Con-
grcss. With Only Three Dissent.
fng Votes-Spain Withdraws tho
Request for GEN. Lees Recall.

WASHINGTON, March There were
no less than five important events today
having bearing more or less direct upon
the troubled relations between the United
States and Spain. viz:
The introduction In congress by Cannon
or resolution carrying s5o.eeo, 90 for the
public defense.
The institution of negotiations looking
to the purchase of warsh.ps for our navy.
The order Of the cruiser Montgomery to
proceed to Havana in place OF the Fern.
The passage through the house OF the
bin increasing the artillery arm by two
regiments.
The withdrawal OF the Spanish govern
ment of its intimated objection to the
continuance in Office of Consul General
Lee.
Cannon's resolution probably led all
other topics in interest, particularly when
1t became known that II was the result
OF conference between the author the
president. Senator Hale and other leading
spirits In congress.
49, ~NthSl AttN91uAN a. Shat,Sup Dilt
making appropriations for naval defense"
1t is as follows:
That there Is hereby appropriated from
the money In the treasury not otherwise
Appropriated for national defense a.ad for
eAch asd every purpose connected there
with. TO be expended at the discretion o1
the president. and TO remain available un-
Ill June 80. 1888. $50. .ooo.oo0.''
SeCrefary af War AJoar ba1 n .ouen~nox~
with Speaker Reed at the latters hotel
early this morning. The secretary OF war
called upon Mr.. Reed about o'clock and
remained with him half an hour. They
went over the existing situation thorough
ly and reached a perfect understanding.
The speaker assured the secretary that
the house would promptly act upon any
measure deemed necessary by the admin.
istration in preparing for an emergency.
He assured the secretary that the house
could be relied upon 10 support the ad-
ministration.
VIII Pass the senate nj Oncc.
There is little doubt expressed among
senator's that the cannon bill will bs
promptly considered and speedily passed
when 1t reaches the senate. Many sena-
tors express the opinion that the most ef.
feetive method OF dealing with the ques-
ton would be to take up and pass the
bill Immediately on the receipt OF It in the
senate without reference TO the commit
tee. Allison, chairman Of the COMMITTEES.
expressed the opinion that the bin should
be referred. saying that the committee
would probably be able 10 report II with
in twcnty-four hours. Senator's who favor
the bill say II Ia a peace and not a war
measure. and some express the opinion that
ii would be more effective If II carried
500. .ooo. 900 instead OF S0.Oooooo.
Congressman Boutelle. chairman of the
house naval committee, made the follow
Ing statement tonight TO the Associated
Press;
AT an interview with Secretary Long
on Sunday, at which the subject Of aH-
thorz.ng the president TO provide Tor
emergencies Was discussed. l suggested
the dezlrabiIlty of a conference or the ex-
ecutive officefs with representative mem
b@fs OF tiis hogse and senate. As a result
conferences were held az the White Houso
In which the president and Secretary Long
and Secretary Alger. Senators AiIison ard
Hale. chaiFmen Of tie senate committees
on appropriations and naval affairs and
ChaiFren Cannon and Eoutelia. chafrmeu
of th0se committees III the house, Chair
man Dlneiey, Of the ways and means conn.,
niitfee. Congressman Grosvsn6r and 9TH
ers participated.
'SoTne ten days ago received from the
navy department requests for certain leg-
islaflon ia connection wsth naval affairs
buf before erflon could Be taken the sec-
retary and president desired that the rreas-
ur@s be- temporarily withheld. aa pogssbly
liable at that time 20 iBs3ame the public ex-
cttefneni. and because the objects inrnedl-
atcy sought could be otherwise attained.
For remaining silent IN this regard / have
been subjected 10 very serious criticism In
the public prints. bat tnat II what every
faithful public servant must expect 10 en-
duye from tinss 70 time
AT the conference to-day I; was deemed
advisable 20 give tne public the assns-
laent with a Discretionary power 10 pre-
pare feE al efnssg enciss, waien should -
as broad as ,ae Possibilities cf events. apa.
therefore instead or uasss1g various bills
authorizing specific acton under the sew.
eraI departments. a general credit Of 3D.
90 90 should bs reusrted by the sprro-
pTta lions committee of me two houses ara
placed at the dispersal Of ssss president
70 meet any exigeGsF that may arise.
'.Spssksg Red MAS ln personal confer-
errs with the gsessdent during the day
and will prepare for psemps action upon
ths BIZ! in the house. Tnss legislation
should not be latsTprassd az indtcAfino