Evening Star Newspaper, March 26, 1898, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. HED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. ee 101 Ferrey! venus, Cor. Lith St, The = ub Star with A Shect Star, $1 per year, postage L. $3.1 Entered at the Pot Office at Washington, D. C., ‘as_secomd-class ma‘l matter.) £7 All mail subseriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of advertising made known on applicstior. = Ohe No. 14,062. ‘WASHINGTON, D. C., SATURDAY, #ABOR 26, 1898-TWENTY-FOUR PAGES. TWO CENTS. THE WAR MUST STOP Definite Determination of This Gov- ernment. ——— CUBA'S CONDITION INTOLERABLE Unequivocal Announcement Made to- Spain. COURSE DICTATED BY HUMANITY The President Preparing a Message to Congress. RELIEF OF THE DISTRESSED ——= =: This gov2rnment has decided to insist that the war in Cuba must stop. President McKinley is at work on a mes- Sage which will be sent to Congress next week and will recommend an appropriation to relieve the stricken Cubans. Spain has be2n notified of the findings of the Maine court of inquiry, but no demand has been made and it is said none will be made on that subject. > A peace delegation appeared at the White House and th: President assured his vis- itors that peace would be preserved if it Was consistent with honor. The Navy Department issued an order waiving requirements as to height in the case of landsmen and mss attendants. The Navy Department has reconsidered the determination to paint the warships Diack. The will be left to the Squadron commanders. Senaior Platt of Cenrecticut declar2d his belief that the report on the Maine dis- aster would go to the foreign relativas committee. Four new batteries have be2n added to the garrison at the Washington barracks. Orders were issued today placing officers in command of the single turreted monitors. The signal office has been allott2d $94,500 to install electrical system of sea-coast artillery fire and an electrical sysiem of communi color tion between coast defenses. A large contract for disappearing gun car- awarded to the Walker com- pany of Cleveland, Ohio, today, with order to rush their construction as fast as possi- ble. Machinists in the navy yard gunshops Will work twelve hours a day hereafier. It can be stated on positive information that this gover:ment will, if, indeed, it has not already done so, inform Spain that the conditions now existing in Cuba have become intolerable to the people of this country, and that hostilities on the island must cease. This policy is in direct line with the views of the President, as express- ed in his last meszage to Congress, on December G. In that message he said: “The instructions given to our new min- ister to Spain before his departure for his post directed him to impress upon that goverpment the sincere wish of the United States ‘to lend its aid toward the ending of the war in Cuba by reaching a peaceful and lasting result, just and honorable alike to Spain and tre Cuban people. These in- Structions recited the character and dura- ~ tion of the contest, the widespfead losses it entails, the burdens and restraints it imposes upon us, with constant disturbance of national interests, and the injury re- sulting from an indefinite coatinuance of this state of things. * * * No solution Was proposed to which the slightest idea f humiliation to Spain could attach, and, deed, precise proposals were withheld to avoid embarrassment to that government.” After recitng the substance of Spain's reply. received on October 23 last, the President says: “The nnmediate amelioration of existing conditions under the new administration of Cuban affairs is predicted, and therewith all the disturbance atd all occasion for any change of attitude on the part of the United States.” Since the delivery of this message evi- dence has accumulated showing beyond question that the promises made in behalf of the new administration, to relieve the cerditions in Cuba, have not been fulfilled or accomplished. On the contrary, the evi- deree which has reached the President shows conclusively that the situation is daily becoraing more serious. In view of these facts this government Las decided to take, if it has not already taken, definite action by informing Spain that, while disavowing any interest other, than that dictated by a sense of hBnor and justice to a stricken and starving people, it must insist that hostilities be brought to @ speedy termination. So far as known no specific date has been fixed within which the war must be terminated, but it is be- lieved that it is the purpose of the admin- istration not to permit of any unnecessary or extended delay. It is known in high official circles that many of the people highest in authority in Spain, including members of the minis- try, are extremely weary of the conflict in Cuba and would willingly accede to any reasonable terms fora settlement of the whole question by granting to Cuba her independence on an indemnity base. The opposition to this plan comes from the factions opposed to the present adminis- tration, who demand extreme measures if necessary to retain control of the island. *n view of these conditions what will be he answer to our demand cannot be fore- told. ‘ FORPEDO noaTs TO CoME’ON. Spain Net Disposed te Reeall the riages was Pesitively, is not disposed to turn back the torpedo flotilla now proceeding from the Canaries, and would be disinclined to con- sider a suggestion from this government tending to interfere with the disposition by Spatn of her own naval forces. The ad- vence of the Spanish flotilla continued to receive the closest attention of naval offi- cials, and while so far as can be ascer- ained no definite line of action is deter- mined upon, the need of intercepting this fleet-was urged by some naval authorities. From the standpoint of the Spanish gov- ernment this movement is not a menace. It was decided upon several weeks ago. The Spanish government holds that the ex- tensive armament of the Dry Tortugas is @ more direct hostile act against Spain than any movement of the flotilla. Instead of stopping the flotilla, the pres- ent attitude of Spain tends toward rein- forcing it with other Spanish war vessels, Captain Robley D. Evans. (From Photograph by Prince.) not as a menace, but from what the Span- ish government feele is @ necessary act of defense called for by the existing con- dition of affairs. Hardly less suggestive than the approach of the torpedo flotilla was the information received today by the highest military au- ihorities that the Spanish government had hurried to completion extensive fortifica- tuons on the Island of Porto Rico, lying just off Cuba, and the only Spanish pos- session in this hemisphere other than Cuba. The exact character of these new defenses has been made known ‘here, and they are being given weight with the military au- therities as showing the disposition of Spain. No Protest by This Government. No protest or representations of any kind respecting the advance of the Spanish tor- Fedo flotilla have been made by this gov- ernment up té the present time, so far as can be learned in the best posted quurters. Close estimates are beirg mude as to the location of the boats today, and the tine intervening before their probable arrival at Porto Rico, The Navy Department caicu- lates that the run from the Canaries to San Suan, Porto Rico, which is expected to, be their first stopping point, is 2,400. miles. It is believed they have already covered about 400 miles of’ this distance. They are mov- ing slowly, hei:g retarded by. @- collier which accompanies them, andthe balance of the trip will take from twelve to four- teen days. : Although the mov2ment is gravely dis- cussed by the highest naval officials, it is ret accompanied by eny intimation that steps toward actually intercepting tne. flo- tila have been matured-or even considered except in the most general way. It is stat- ed on high autkority that the reports that the flying squadron under *Commodore Schley might be utilized in this connection are rot warranted by any steps thus far taken. On the contrary, it is pointed out, the 2ntire plan of the flying squadron was developed before the torpedo flotilla left the Canaries, and its uses are designed in quite another line. Representative Hilborn’s View. In this connection R2presentative Hil- born of California, one of the senior mem- bere of the House committee on naval af- fairs, was at the Navy Department today end talked with the officials concerning the movements of th> Spanteh flotilla. Mr. Hil- born presented another phase of the case, net In line with the view of some officials. “It is not for us.to interfere in any way with the movement of the Spanish torpedo flotilla or other Spanish vessels,” said he. “The high seas are an open highway to the ships of the world, and while there is no declaration of war we are not in a position to say that these torpedo boats shall not Move as Spain sees fit to direct them. When we are assembling our own ships at Key West and other points, it is not the time for us to intercept the movements of Spanish ships toward their own ports. That would be an overt act, and not permissible in the absence of a declaration 6f a war.” CONFERRING WITH GEN. ALGER. A Large Allotment to the Signal Serviee. ‘The office of Secretary Alger was ap- perently the most lively of any in the War Department during the dey. It being Saturday there were an unusually large number of congscegmen who sought ac- interested. ‘There were a number of senators and representatives on hand who sought information on matters in which they were Some of them desired that work on fortifications in their vicinity be pushed, so as to render them impregnable to attack. Senators Hansbrough and Roach | WRITING A MESSAGE The President Wants an Appropria- tion for the Cubans. SAD STATE OF THE ISLANDERS Will Be Useless for Spain to Ob- ject. MIGHT AID DISTRIBUTION President McKinley is today beginning to Prepare a message which will go to Con- gress about Tuesday or Wednesday. The message will recommend that Congress appropriate from the funds of the United States treasury money to succor the starv- ing and destitute people of the Island of Cuba. The President is’taking this step with a full knowledge that it may be resented by Spain, and that complications may ensue which may lead to trouble. But he feels that the starving thousends must be fed at the risk of the displeasure of Spain, and is willing to face the consequences. 17 war results from the step about to be tak- en the President believes that the whole world will approve the position of the United States. The message will be carefully worded so as not to inflame the country. It will set out the awful condition of affairs on the island and the need of quick succor. It probably say that while the private contri- butions have been of great assistance in al- leviating the deplorable situation it is not sufficient, and will not be sufficiznt. The official stamp of the President nimself will therefore be set when this statement goes out. There will be no room for dispute as to inaccuracy and errors. It has not b2en decided whether the President will name a sum to be asked of Congress. He may conclude to leave the fixing of a sum to Coagre: The Consular Reports. Tt is also. unsettled whether the long- kept consular reports will accompany the President's message. The President may décide that ‘they are too exciting to give out at this time: 2 While recommending that.this country feed the starving Cubans, and knowing it to be a step which may precipitate a crisis, the President will say in his message that it is the duty of a brave nation to do noth- ing to cause war. To some extent what he says will be a peace message. The President has been assured that the appropriation will be quickly made by Con- gress. Distributing the Relief. No suggestion will be made by the Presi- dent as to the details of distributing the relief to be extended. These details will have to be arranged later, and will be left to the President and one or more members of the cabinet. The President may, possi- bly suggest a general plan, such as the ap- pointment of a commission composed of cabinet members. It is alinost Certain, however, that the re- Hef ‘will be carefully distributed in Cuba under the immediate auspices of the offi- clals of this country, designated for the special purpose by the United States gov- ernment. If this plan is adopted Spain will be allowed a certain representation in the distribution, but she will be allowed no represetitation which will seek to prevent supplies going to any quarter in which they ere needed. The danger of a rupture with Spain will be constantly to the front in the manner of this distribution, even if it does not come when the United States first acis in provid- ing money for the purpose. The President is fully determinel to brook no objections from Spain over this plan, now fully determined upon by lim. It is a mission of humanity as he sees ft, and one which he is willing to go to any extent to fee successful. - No Demand Regarding the Maine. A republican of prominence who had a conference with President McKinley today scys that the President has made no de- mand upon Spain in connection with the Maine report. He states positively that “10 sch demand will be made, and expresses the belief that unless Spain commits an overt act no excititig results will follow. The President has simply seen that Spain has received notification of the findings of the court. Minister Woodford has not been instructed to push for an explana- ton. Spain must make an explanation veluntarily, and’ if sh2 does not do £0 within a reascnable time then instructions will probably be sent to Minister Woodford as to what course to pursue. The expectancy which greeted every move et the White House yesterday had almost disappeared today. There was something of a collapse in the intense strain of the last few days, although jhere was no attempt to make it appear that the situation is any less grave. Many Callers See: President McKinley had more time at his the end of the cabinet table, with a fra- ‘rant lighted cigar between his lips, he has spent the intervals between visitors in studying and.going over a mass of papers in front of him. .He has turned away from these papers only to talk with callers, of ‘whom there were a variety, beginning with Lieutenant Commander Marix and ending with a delegation of iadies and a commit- tee of Quaker ministers. Appealed for Pence. ‘The committee consisted of Jos. 8. Elk- inton, Samuel Morris and Charlies Rhodes. They appealed to the President to preserve peace and presented @ memorial from their r He expressed the hope that peace would be maintained. In aficiént“and som= ber-attire, with ususually grave and earnest ntative: Lewis of Washington. : 2 It is understood that jdufing the day the testimony and verdict ‘of the court of in- quiry were sent from the White House to Judge Advocate’Generd) Lemly of the navy for purposes not now m. The suppo- sition. is that coples treito be made of them. aa Regarding. Spanish Elections. The court. of inquiry report will go to Congress .Monéay -withoxt change of pro- gram on the jent’s part unless there are unforeseen: happenings. =~ It is now, said-that'the President fixed Monday for sending ‘in the report. because he did not wish to have it made public un- tif after the elections, for the Spanish ccrtes, which take place tomorrow. It was thought that an ecfrlier ‘publication of the report might affect’ the elections’ and produce riots. It is hot*known whether there were any réquegts from Spain that this be done, but it thought that the President acted of:his own’ accord and without request. ~* An important story ig told today regard- ing the movements of the Spanish torpedo jlotia. It is to the effect that the admin- istration eonsiders that the sailing of the flotilla Is a politicdl move on the part of the Segasta ministry td ave a bearing on tomorrow’s elections. Sagasta had come to the conclusion that the fenservatives would suffer in the elections .ff he did not do something to give’ thé appearance of a war-like move. This, would please the Spaniards, he figured, 4n@ put a conserva- tive majority in the co without trouble. Hie worked the game by-starting the flotil!a for Cuba. ze It is not stated whether promises have been made to President’ McKinley that the | flotilla will stop this side“of Cuba or Porty Rico. It is also not stated that Sagasta did not have two motives in view. Despite the belief of some of the friends of the ad- ministration as to the political play of the flotilla, it is not denied that Sagasta could have had a real war movement in view. At any rate, the administration will not put too much faith in the move being entirely political. : FLORAL SHIP FOR SIGSBEE | Babcock and : Presented on His Sailigg’ Fpom Havana on Olivesge, «:, Was Presented by Gen. fee and News- Paper Men—Spantsh Do Not. Expect War. = HAVANA, Marth . Sigsbee' re- ceived a large flower’ ragtboaas when he sailed north on the.Olvette with the other officers of the Maine, Boun@for home. The flowers were from Corigul General Lee- and the newspaper men hé¥e. The captain-wps, much affected. 2 0%). > All is quiet here: gather Ue informa- tion from the Ame¥idag court bf inquiry hor the war rumors Have been ablo to pro- duce any sentiment among the volunteers or other Spanish bodies. They take 2very- thing coolly, awaiting developments. They do not believe peace ,wifl be interrupted by the report of the Amerigan court, and thoy seem to feel certain; that arbitrators will declare that the explosion occurred inside and not cutside the Maine. La Lucha, in an editorial, says: “Capt. Sigsbe2's request to be allowed to blow up the rest of the wreck was most innocent, Cestroying it so that the arbitrators would not be able to verify any examination in the future, and so as to render it impos- sible to find out {f the explosion was from the insid2 or from without.” La Lucha adds: ‘the American court has not taken proper time to examine the wreck.” : The other Havana, dajifes say the Amer- ican court was “influenced by the sensa- tional press.” ee STORM ON ENGLISH COAST. Bad Weather Extends From France to Denmark. LONDON, March “26.—The severe gales, acompanied by intense cold, snow and sleet, are unabated all “over Englahd. The weather is especially sévere over the south- east coasts, and it 1g Worse off the French coast. The trips of the channel steamers to the continent are ‘still suspended, and telegraphic communteation is seriously de- layed. Thare have ‘béen numerous ship- Ping disasters all rouné the Englisi coasts and along the Norttr'sea to the Baltic. ‘There have been many heroic rescues. At Shields the crew of the Norwegian bark Diamant was land24@ by the rocket appar- atus in the presence of thousands of spec- tators. . At Dover the gale was especially severe, the shore being strewn with wreckage, while at Lowestoft hug> masses of the cliffs were washed away and the houses on their tops were endangered. Over one hundred fishing smacks are missing. z Wrecks on*Danish Coast. COPENHAGEN, March 2¢.—Owing to the severe weather prévailing many vessels have been driten ashdre on tne Danish coast. ——— MADRID MUCH ALARMED. Officials Suny They, Se# Little Relief to + ie the Vt g even official nothhig to re- Thus, at 11 the queen: regent and had a long inte CALL FOR RESERVES | New York Ready to Furnish Men to . Man Monitors, RETIRED OFFICERS UNDER ORDERS Active Enlistment for the Navy at San Francisco. —+_+___. PREPARATIONS FOR WAR ALBANY, March 26.—Adjutant Gen. Til- ling has in reply to a communication from the Navy Department as to whether New. York state covld furnish sufficient men of the navai reserves to man two of the old mcnitors at Philadelphia and take them to New York harbor, hus replied thaf it can, and will, send as many men as may be needed at the call of the Navy Department. Repairing the Monitors, PHILADELPHIA, Pa., March 26.—Acting under orders from the Navy Department at Washington, two of the old monitors now at Leasue Island navy yard were placed in the dry dock for repairs. The two boats dockei were the Catskill and Nahant. All of the monitors now at the navy yard will be repainted, ani other repairs necessary to put them in conition for fighting witl be made. Special orders were received today to put the Catskill in the dry dock first, the others to foliow until each overhauled. Three s| work on the fighters, so that work will continue day and night. The men in charge of the deck antie:pate rapid prozvess, for three years ugo two of these old fighting vessels were docked and the bottoms found to be in excellent condition. It was found that two of the monitors could be placed in the dry dock ut the same time, and the Nahant, being considered the Most available of the old craft, was place in with the Catskill. The Jason will gu in late in the day. The cruiser Columbia will not sail for Hampten Roads until Monday at dybreak. She will be followed by the’ Minneapolis a few days later. It was stated today that the Miant moh would probably sail with- in a week, but her destination coald not be learned. Enlistment at-San Francisco. SAN FRANCISCO, Cal., March 2.—The aval rendezvous in this city has reecived orders from Washingion to enlist fir: ss firemen, oilers, mechanics and able samen for service. The orders do not indicate that there is any restricticn to be placed on the rumber of men that -shail be enlixied. .At the Mare Island navy ~yard rush orders have been received to place the Philadel- Phia, Charleston and Yorktowa in commis- sion. The ships are to be goticn ready for sea immediately. Survey st: ers are to abandon their present work. The list in- cludes the Gedney, whicn has been detailed to survey work on the Yukon; the Patter- son, which had been ordered to southern Alaska, and the McArthur, which was to haye made surveys in San Francisco bay. Retired Officers Called Out. CHICAGO, March 2 Naval officers on the retired list who are now resident in Chicago have received notice from the Navy Department that they are expected to hold themselves in readiness for service and restoration to the active list. aval militiamen of Chicago are prepar- ing for a call to instant se1vice, and many of them believe thet they will be en route io the seacoast withina week. Orders are expected from Washington directing that the naval reserve of the lake states to be ready for immediate duty. Twenty cases of Lee magazine rifles, 40u in all, were de- livered to the Chicago battalion last night. Werk on the Dynamite Guns. NEW YORK, March 26.—Work on the three dynamite guns at Fort Hancock, Sandy Hook; is being rushed. Lieutenant Colonel Ludlow, chief of the engineer corps, who is in charge of the work of fortifying the lower bay and the hook, expects to have the guns reddy for service in a week. Two shifts of men, working eight hours each a day, are engaged upon the guns. In case of emergency the guns could be put in shape for use in twenty-four hours. The guns are of different sizes, according to the tube put in them, and carry shells of from eight to fifteen inches. From sixty to five hundred pounds of dynamite can be carried in the shot, according to the size. The shells are projected by air and have an effective range of two miles, the smaller the size of the shot, of course, the greater the range. The dynamite in even the small snot is sufficient to blow up the most powerful battle ship. : The guns are on stationary carriages and are each manned by three men. NEW YORK, March 26.—It was an- nounced today at the office of the bureau for the selection of vessels for the United States navy that Fred Gallatin’s steam yacht Almy has been purchased by the govern- ment. She will be overhauled and prepared for naval duty at une Brooklyn navy yard. The Almy was built in 1890, is 177 feet long, has twenty-two feet beam and has triple expansion engines. It is said that the board has not been able so far to reach an agreement with M. C. D.-Borden as to the price to be paid for his:yacht Sovereign. The board wishes to purchase two larg? tugs to be used as water carrters for the fleets, and a number of boats thought -to be suitable for this purpose havé been ex- amined. ~ - A orember of the board said today that eve.,, sea-going vessel in this harbor. or due to arrive in the near future has been offered to the government. The reported purchase of the steamer Chalmette is officially denied. America. With Steam Up. NEW YORK, March 28—The light house authorities of Tompkinsville have received orders to keep half steam upon the bi¢ | ca, which ts.| ta? enthusiastic mass meeting at the court house last night, called for the purpose of forming a naval reserve corps. One hun- dred names were signed to the rolls, which. with the thtee divisions in Portland, as. sures a brigade for Oregon and the assign- ment here. of a training ship. Big Guns for the Army. BETHLEHEM, Pa., March 26.—The Beth- Jehem Iron Company this afternoon re- celved a big order for the United States army. It included seveh ten-inch and six twelve-inch disappearing gun carriages, to be finished as rapidly as possible, and five ten-inch guns, which makes fifteen ten-inch guns to be delivered by July 1. The com- pany’s works are running night and day on armor, guns and carriages for the United States navy. ——.—__. BATTLE OF THE BLUES. Oxford’s Eight Defents Twelve Lengti PUTNEY, Eng., March 26—The fifty- fifth annual boat race between crews rep- resenting Oxford and Camoridge was rowed today over the usual course, from Putney to Mortlake, four and one-quarter miles, and was won by Oxford. Oxford has now won thirty-two out of the forty-five races rowed with Cambridge, and has been the winner nine years in cuc- cession. The day was overcast, with occasionally fine rain falling and a cold east wind blow- ing, which raised the question as to whether the race wouid not be postponed. Boisterous waves w looked for, espe- cialiy in the unsheltered reaches of the river. The captains of the crews and the coaches heid a con‘erence, and decided, in view of the unfavorable conditions, which looked likely to grow worse during ‘the af- ternocs, that the start should not take place until 3 Oxford won ti vailiug wind, them the race. The two crews embarked at and the two boats got away at At the Duke's Head, u Cambridge was leadirg, and the light blues were a quarier of a length ahead of the dark blues at Clasper's boat house. At the Crab Tres, about cue mile and a quarter from the start, Oxford was leading by three lengths. At the Soap Works, abo three-quarters from the star:, Oxford was leading by four leagths, which lead the Gerk blues maintained while passing Ham- ‘smith bridge. At the Dove's, a little over two miles from the start, Oxford wus still leading by feur lengths. At Chiswick Church, two miles and three- quarters from the st the race had de- veloped into a procession, and was regard- ea as a certainty for O; i When Thorneycroft' s 3 were reached, three miles from the stai!. the dark biues were leading by five leagths. By that time Cambridge was pulling: short. At Barnes’ bridge, three and two-thirds miles from the start, Oxford was forty-five seconds ah ih the pre- arded as assuring one mile and stopped off The thoroughiy exhausted, ana with thelr boa. uulf {ull of water. Oxford won by » lengths. The time was 22 minutes 15 s2conds. ‘The race was probably never rowed un- cer werse conditions. A bitter northeast vind was blowing and rain and sleet were falling. The crowds present were smail. WRECK ON NADIAN PACIFIC. One Killed and Seventeen More. or Leas Seriously Hurt. _ FORT WILLIAM, Ont., March 26.—A Ca- nadian Pacific railway t cipally of colonist c: cific coast, has been wrecked at English River. Frank Mardian of Detroit, Mich., was killed, and C. W. Marks, also of ‘Detroit, was seriously injured. Among the seven- teen passengers slightly injured In” the wreck were C. A. Downes of Detroit and H. S. Shackford and J. C. Clark of Wind- sor, Ont. ——— CIVIL SERVICE EXEMPTIONS. Commission Considering the Recom- mendations of Department Chiefs. It is expected that the prociamation of the President modifying the civil service classification will not be issued ‘for some tame. The reports of the heads of the dif- ferent departments containing the recom- mendations as to what employes should be exempted from the operations of the classi- fied service have al been submitted to the civil service commission, with instructions to examine them and submit a report there- on at the earliest convenience, The com- mission has thereupon issued an order that No one will be receivéd after 12 o'clock each day, inorder to give the subject its undi- vided attention. For several days the mat- ter has been considered to the exclusion of ‘other business. It will,however,be some days before the commission is ready to report. It may be that all of the recommendations of the several heads of depariments wil pot be approved, and that the commission will make recommendations not suggested by the department officials. For tnstance, the board of pension medical examiners was not mentioned in the list of these to be exempt by the Secretary of the Interior, ye* it is understood the civil service commi: ity of recommending the exemptign of a! such boards from the operation of the civi: service law. It is argued that the positions are noi practically exemept since the com- missioner of pensions has the power to ap- point new boards, and then it would be an easy matter for the pension officials to send the soldiers to that particular board to the exclusion of the other. As the doc- tors composing the board receive their com- Pensaticn from the examinations, It would not be long before they would be practic- ally idle all the time. ._—_——-e-—__ MILITARY ATTACHES ABROAD. 8th Cavalry, at Lisbon, Portugal; Lieut..A. F. Rowan, 18th Infentry, at Santiago, Chile. The detail to the Isgation at Lisbon, Por- tugai, is merely to fill a vacancy. The other three.are new essignments, the Unit- Kekenmtstwedeanl on REPLY FROM SPAIN One Anriously Awaited in Responea to Communications Sent, PEACE OR WAR DEPENDING ON If What the Feeling is at the Capitol Today. sambridge by | INTERVENTION EXPECTED nae SY eS The information at the Capitol today is that a prompt response is cxpected from Spain to the communications sent through Minister Woodford last evening and today, and that upoa this response will depend peace or war. It is understood that the Spanish tor- pedo fleet is not to be permitted to enter the Havana harbor. The situation is thus represented. Upon Spain's putting an end to hostilities in Cuba depends the preser- vation of peace between this government and Spain. This government desires peace, but insists that there must be an end to the cruelties in Cuba. In the interest of peace Spain has been given time to restore order, and this government ts still Lolding- off—but not for long—that Spain herself may act. Further hostile demonstration on the part of Spain will be regarded as conclusive evidence of her intention not to comply with a demand for peace, and this will hasten intervention. If Peaceably Inclined. “if Spain is peaceably inclined, that fact can be indicated by turning back the ter- pedo fleet or stopping it short of Cuba. If she fails to do this, it is said that fact will hasten a peremptory demand from the United States that hostilities in Cuba cease, After that demand is made the further pro- gress of the fleet toward Havaaa will be regarded as a refusal to comply with the demand and will be resisted by force. While under ordinary circumstances this government would not have any right to interfere with the sending of a Spanish fleet to a Spanish port, the circumstances in this case ure not ordinary, and, more- over, the interference, if necessary, will be not to obstruct the movements of Spain's navy, but to enforce a demand that hose tilities be stopped in Cuba. The indications of Spain's intentions are such as to render the belief general at the Capitol that war will not be averted. Cabinet Conferences. The conf>rences which occurred at the White House yesterday and until nearly midnight have left a deep impression of the gravity of the situation. The understan ing is that whlle the cabinet di not trre- Vocably decid upon the very steps to be taken, it was generally agreed that the course of Spain must be determined at once, It is said that two communications with Spain have followed the receipi of the Maine report. The first of these was the transmissicn of a synopsis of the Maine report. Spain's response to: this 4s under- stood to have been the declaration. of ‘thi Spanish court that the explosion occurred ‘from an accident on board the Maine, Spain disclosing her purpos> to contend against the accuracy of the findings of our court. This country, it is deciared, will not admit of any doubt as to the findings ef our own court, and a controversy over that question would be academic, since no money de- mands of Spain are to be based ou the de= struction of the Maina. A Second Note. -- A second not is said to have been cabled Minister Woodford, which, while making no demands, made a representation of facts sufficiently impressiv:. to require an immediate declaration of hs position by, Spain. The response to this communication is said to be hourly expected. If the re- sponse is a3 unfavorable as the present movements of Spain indicate, it is lMkely to be, it is said, that immediate interven- tion may be looked for, and that an effort will be made to destroy the Spanish tor- pedo flect. Net a Point of Contention. It is declared that the President does not intend that the Maine report shall be made the point of contention between the two governments. The finding of the American court is finel, and is not to be made the subject of contention at all, nor, it is said, the basis of a demand for an inéemnity. The destruction of the Maine simply adds one more horror resulting from the disordered conditions in Cuba. Spain, it is declared, is elthgr responsible for these many horrors or ts unable, by reason ofthe incompetency of her gov- ernment in Cuba, te prevent them. It is peinted out that there is a lofty mag- nanimity in this government assuming that the Spanish government is incompetent rather taan criminal; and in including the Maine disaster with the other inhuman censequences of the struggle in Cuba, the best possivle escape that this government can afford Spain is offered. ————-—»——_ KNAPP IN COMMAND. Naval Lieutenant Who Will Bring Over New Torpedo Boat.