Evening Star Newspaper, April 1, 1898, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. Peete ar PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 3101 Ferrsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th 8t,, by The Wn Earrganne Freee Few York Ofice, 49 Potter Building ‘The Evening Star is served to subscribers in the sity by cr rriers, on thezc own account, at 10 cents Ber week. or 44 cents per month. Copies at the cetuter 2 certs each. By mail—anywhere in the United States «r Canada—postage prepald—50 cents Per month. Saturday Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foreign postage ‘added $3.00. (Entered at the Pot Cffice at Washington, D. C.. ‘4 second-class mal matter.) E> All mail subscriptions must be pafd jn advance. Rates of advertising made known on applicstior. No. 14,067." WASHINGTON, D. C., FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 1898—SIXTEEN PAGES. IT MEANS WAR Spain's Reply is Very Dnsatisfactory. ————— CUBAN INDEPENDENCE IGNORED No Promise Made to Evacuate the Island. ATTEMPT 0 POSEPONE ACTION These Questions to Be Referred to Autonomist Legislature. ia’ A MONTH’S DELAY pe Spain's reply is unsatisfactory. It makes no promises of independence to Cuba or of Spanish evacuation of the island. body not yet in existence. The only progress made is in se- curing a promise of Spanish relief for the released reconcentrados, the evident purpose of which promise is to weaken our ground of interven- tion for humanitarian purposes, and to relieve Spain as far as possible from the barbarous position which she would occupy if, refusing herself to relieve her starving subjects, she should decline to permit American intervention to save their lives. Briefly Spain's’ proposals are as foliows: She will revoke the reconcentra- tion orders. She will appropriate three million pesetas ($600,000) for their relief. She will leave the question of peace to be determined by the Cuban au- tonomist legislature, which is to be elected this month and which meets in the first week of May. In the interval she will grant an armistice if it is asked for by the in- surgents. There will be no further negotia- tions, and the President will send a message to Congress Monday. The following is an abstract from the telegram received from Gen. Woodford on the evening of March 31, 189S, on the gen- eral situation in Cuba: He informs the government of «he United States that Gen. Blanco has revoked the bando relating to the r2corcentrados in the western provinces of iba, Which are understood to be the provinces of Matan- gas, Santa Clara, Habana and Pinar Del Rio; that the Spanish government has placed at the disposal of the governor gen- eral the credit of three million pesetas ($600,000) to the end that the country peo- ple may return at once and with success “to their labor. The Spanish government will accept whatever assistance to feed and succor the pecessitous may be sent from the United States in accordance with the plan now in operation. _ He proposes to confide the preparation for an honorable and stable peace to the insular parliament, without whose con- currence the Spanish government would mot be able to arrive at the final result, being understood that the powers reserved by the constitution to the central govern- ment are not lessened or diminished. As the Cuban chambers will not meet enti the 4th of May, the Spanish govern- ment will not, on its part, object to a sus- pension of hestilities if asked for by tne insurgents from the general-in-chief, to whom it will belong to determine the dura- tion and the condition of the suspension. The President will communicate with Congress as soon as he can prepare a mes- sage. ‘The foregoing, including the last para- graph, was made public immediately after the cabinet meeting. An Important Cabinet Meeting. The cabinet were unusually prompt in arriving. Before they had assembled some of them had not been acquainted with the mature of the latest note from Madrid, save through the press dispatches, and re- most important cabinet meetings held for ® long period. Secretary Bliss was the first comer, arriving a quarter of an hour earlier than is customary, and Assistant the room where the cabin2t was in session. He stayed not more than three minutes It postpones even thej consideration of these questions for over a month by referring them to a Secretary Day followed him. Secretaries Alger and Wilson came next, and before 11 o'clock every member of the cabinet was in his place in the cabinet room. A Significant Conference. One of the most significant events of the dey at the White House was the action cf the President in sending for the members of the naval board of strategy to appear before the cabinet. The officers sent for vere Capt. Barker, naval aid to Secretary I«<ng: Commander Clover of the bureau of intelligence, and Commander Crownin- shiel€, chief of the bureau of navigation. ‘Tkey were with the cabinet fer more than a half hour. While they were present Senator Davis, chairman of the Senate committee on for- eign relations, who had also been sent for, arrived. He, too, was escorted at once to and then drove back to the Capitol. Captain of the Wrecking Outfit. Following all this came Captain Hum- phrey of the wrecking outfit of the Boston Tugboat Company, which has been at work on the wreck of the Maine in Havana har- bor. He was adimitted to the cabinet room. On coming out he is quoted as having said that he had been asked how long it would take him to get*his machinery out of Ha- vana harbor. This, of course, was equivalent to noti- fication that war would soon be declared. Secretary Long later denied that this was, ccrrect, saying that he wanted to see Cap- tain Humphrey about the purchase of a Piece of machinery. Cabinet to Mect Again. The cabinet met at 11 o'clock and di¢ not adjourn until neerly 2 in the afternoon. Tken the members separated to reassem- ble at 5 o'clock. Reed Called to the White House. Speaker Reed has been called to the White House to consult the President on the Cuban situation. At a late hour this afternoon it was an- nounced that the situation is so serious that the cabinet wil! meet again this after- reon at 5 o'clock. It is positively known that cabinet officials regard the situation as dark, but they Will not say a word. A Message to Congress Monday. It is declared to be the program that the President will not address another note to Sfain, and will throw the whole burden of the matter upon Congress in the message he is now preparing. This message will go to Congress Monday, and will probably contain the entire correspondence to date, together with the consular reports. ‘The President will be busy from now untii Monday in preparing this message. The ad- journment of th> Senate is supposed to be in harmony with the President's desire that everything be left quiet until Monday. Summed up in a few words, it means that the President has abruptly ended negotia- tions with Spain, equivalent to a rupture of the relations of the two countries. Prob- ably the next step will be the recall of Min- ister Woodford, if the President should car2 to go that far in advance of the probable action of Congress. If he does not care to do this Generai Woodford will be left at his post until the work of Congress makes the situation too hot for him to remain. longer. ‘The burden of bringing on the war will now be left to Congress, unless Spain in the meantime takes up the negotiations again between now and the messuge of the President on Monday. SSS Se FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE. A Strong Sentiment for a Declaration of War. The Senate committee on foreign rela- tions again today was slow in getting 1.0 werk, and notwithstarding the meeting was called for half-past 10 a quorum had not been secured at 11 o'clock. This ap- psrent lethargy was due to the fact that the committee was for the present inclined to wait entirsly upon the executive and they felt that much would depend upon the cabinet meeting today, and that noth- ing could be done until the purport of de- liberations wes mede known. A‘strong sentiment has developed in the committee for an absolute declaration of war when the time comes to act, and it is on account of the belief that this course may be adopted that the Maine catastrophe is being so thorovghly exploited. The ad- vocates of this course think that the proof of Spanish instrumentality in the explosion is so strong that it could be made to justi- fy a most radical declaration. ‘The more conservative element, however, is disposed to be guided in the form of the Geclaration by the wishes of tne President. In any event the facts in the Maine affair will be used to support the position taken, and the committee is disposed to make much out of it in justifying its position. The foretgn relations committee remain- ed in session until 12:25. The reply of Spain was communicated to the members. After the adjournment of the committee at noon Senator Davis, chairman of the committee, Jeft the Capitol and it was un- derstood went to thé White House. The members of the cummittee were even More non-committal than usual after this session, and all of them indicated by their grave countenances and general demeanor withir thirty minutes if called upon to do so. Still they did not expect to report to- day unless Mr. Davis should be assured by the Chief Executive that it was his wish that they should do so. ——__-o-_____- To Blow Up a Dereliet. SAN FRANCISCO, April 1—By order of the Navy Department, the monitor Monad- nock will proceed to the scené of the wreck of the Helen W. Almy, six miles from the heads, and blow up the derelict and thus remove a menace to navigation. A supply of dynamite for that purpose was sent down from Mare Island last night and placed cn board the monitor, and it is ex- pected the Monadnock will start on its mis- sion of destruction this morning. —_————_—_ Gen. Miles at the Capitol. Maj. Gen. Miles returned from a business visit to Cleveland last evening, and was before the Senate military committee this morning. ———_____-e-______- Local Bills Reported. The House bill-841 to define the rights of purchasers of the Belt railway was this afternoon favorably reported to the Sen- ate from the committee on the District of Cclumbia, with amendments to make it conform to the igton and Soldiers’ Home railway bill, which was also favora- that they considered that the crisis had arrived. They refused to reveai any of the pro- ceedings of the seseion, but some of them stated that the committee could report bly reported by the committee today. IN SECRET SESSION The Senate Discusses Purchase of West India Islands, NEEDED FOR STRATEGIC PURPOSES War Regarded by All Who Spoke as Inevitable. TILLMAN CAUSES A SCENE The Senaie -vent into executive session shortly after meeting today on motion of fenator Lodge, member of the committee on foreign relations. The purpcse of the secret session is the consideration of the resolution yesterday reported from the committee on forelgn relations for the acquisition of the Danish West India Islands. The reason for consideration of the mat- ter behind closed doors was the belief that our relations with Spain would necessarily be discussed and that information might be divulged that would-be of advantage to that country. The session is not strictly an executive session, but is a secret legislative session. Senator Lodge opened the proceedings in the secret session with a general statement concerning the advantage of controlling the Danish Islands. He argued that this coun- try should own them because of continguli- ty to our own shores and for strategic purposes, going over much of the ground covered in his report of yesterday. Senator Gray replied, in opposition to this policy, basing his antagonism on the ground that it was contrary to the policy of the United States to acquire territory outside of its continental lines, and saying that the possession of the islands would inevitably involve us in international entanglements which would be troublesome and might lead to complications at any time, which could be avoided if we did not have the islands. If we should acquire the islands for strategic purposes their fortification would be a necessity and that would in- volve a great expense. Furthermore, if there was an idea of utilizing them in case of war with Spain over Cuba it should“not be forgotten that we had in our own pos- session at Key West territory nearer Ha- vana than either of the Danish Islands. The Center of the War. Senators Frye and Lodge both replied to this latter point. They stated that it was evident from the developments so far made that Porto Rico rather than Havana would be the center of our war with Spain, anc’ that in that event the Danish group would be of inestimable.advantage to us. Indeed, they considered it almost essential to an early ending of the war. They asserted that Spain’s coal supply at Porto Rico was extremely limited, and that it could be practically controlled by us if we should own the Danish possessions in that quarter. ‘They also stated it to be the earnest desire of the administration to control the islands. Senators Cockrell and Pettigrew also op- Pcsed the resolution. Mr. Cockrell con- tended that it would be a great mistake, frcm a naval point of view, to acquire that island, and Mr. Pettigrew claimed that the islands would only make additional terri- tory to protect in case of war with Spain over the Cuban question. Senator Cockrell said that in case of war with Spain Porto Rico could be taken more cheaply than the Danish Islands could be defended. War Inevitable. All the senators who spoke, including members of the committee on foreign re- lations; spoke of war as inevitable, basing all their arguments for and against acqui- sition upon this theory. Senator Morgan favored the resolution, and in doing-so dwelt more or less upon the outlook for war. He deplored the destruction of the Maine, expressing the opinion that it was.due to Spanish treach- ery. Senator Tillman interrupted at this junc- ture to say that any child would know that the vessel was blown up from the. outside. What he wanted to know, he. said, was “Who did it?” If the committee knew the Senate should, he said, be informed and the committee should not pursue its usual course of keeping important developments from the Senate. This intimation was made in a brief speech in Senator Morgan’s tinfe and cre- ated quite a scene. Senator Gray, a member of the commit- tee, demanded that Mr. Tillman should give names when he made charges. The South Carolina senator was proceed- ing in the same general lines when Mr. Morgan, who had grown very impatient, asserted his right to the floor, commanding Mr. Tillman to take his seat. This he did, and the incident was ended for the time, allowing the general debate to proceed. Senator Pettus supported and Senator Caffery opposed the resolution. SAILORS FOR SCHLEY’S FLEET. Great Activity Manifested in Getting Ready to Sail. FORT MONROE, Va., April 1—The steamer Yorktown of the Old Dominion line Janded forty-five seamen here today, thirty of whom were assigned to the cruiser Co- lumbia and fifteen to the Minneapolis, which is expected here this evening. Lieut. Brainard of the Brooklyn has been relieved and assigned to command one of the ‘mosquito fleet” tugs. The Columbia n painting this, morn- ing, and, while her excess of free board over the other members of the squadron will necessitate a longer time to complete the work, her officers expect to have it dome by morning, when she wil run up to Newport News for a full.complement of coal. ‘The-first move of the flying squadron un- der Commodore Schley’s orders was .made shortly after noon today, when the Massa- ehugetts and the Brooklyn came down Hampton Roads and anchored off Fortress Monroe. The Columbia, after join-them. ‘he addition of the : will make a formidable’ array of fast fight- ing vessels, exclusive of the Massachusetts, WILL ACCEPT NO ARMISTICE Authoritative Statement of the Position of the Cubans. Gonzulo de Quesadn Declares Spain's Answer. Recognizes Cuban Bellig- erency and Admits Befent. ~ “Spain has answered off the lines of its traditional policy,” said Benor Gonzalo de Quesada, when made -acquainted with Spain's reply. 3 “She will not answer directly, but always by dilatory and evasive. replies so as to gain time, which is the ‘ally, as Philip II used to say, of her diplomacy. “The Cubans will accépt under no con- sideration, except after the previous recog- nition ‘ef the independence of the Cuban re- public, any armistice whatever. There-will be no suspension of hostflities on our part until our freedom has been assured. “The next months,” he gentinued, “are the favorable ones for gur-operations and w2 will pursue them vigorously, while at the same time disease will wipe out half of the starved, disgruntled amd discontented remnants of the Spanish army from the is- land. : “The mere fact that thé-Spantards are willing to ev2n consider the idea of sus- Fending hostilities with us,” he concluded, “is proof positive that they’ recognize not only our belligerency, but that they know they are already defeated.” . — Pe THE STANDISH HERE. Movements Reported of Other Ves- sels of the ‘N a Another n3val vessel ed at the Washington navy yard this morning. It is the U. 8. S. Standish, ‘attached to the Annapolis station. She *breifght @ number of guns from the Maryland, which are to be overhauled and put in serviceable con- ition at the Washingjon gun factory. ‘The Standish is under ordérs $@ go to Nor- folk and tow the practice ship Mononga- hela to Annapolis. , 2 The fleet at Hampton Roads has been in- creased by the arrival, of the gunboat Vicksburg, fresh from a erujse in the Gulf of Mexico, and the revenue cutter Win- dom, which is to be immediately trans- formed into a ship of wat» Tiley will both Bo'to Norfolk. The ‘coact defense ship ‘Monterey arrived at San-Francisco this morning and the gunboat’ Wheeling arrived at Seattle yés- terday. : The crulser Minneapolis’ left’ League Island, Philadelphia, this morning to join the flyig’squadron at’ Hempten Roads. The gunboat Newport, whith was em- Ployed by the Nicaragua canal: commis- sion and surveying-party, left“Port Tampa this ‘morning for Key Vest.""The future moveniei.ts of this vesseli ate uncertain. She may be immediately t te Caps. Sampson's squadfon-:near *Kéey West ‘or she may continje “her criitge north to Hampton: Roads or New York: = The gunboat Annapolis, Which has just concluded. a practice ,cruise in -the-West Indies, left Port Tampa this morning for ‘Tompkinsville, N, Y., wheré she will itake on_ammumttion supplies. this morning for Key West. This vessel wes formefly attached to the European ‘squadron and was at Lisbén when ordered home. t —___-e+_ + THE ECKINGTON'! ROAD. Amendments to the House Bill Made by Senate Comniittee. The Senate committee onthe District of Columbia held a meeting this morning and acted favorably on several‘local measures. The committee decided to make a favor- able report on the Eckipgton and Soldiers’ Home railway bill, as pissed by the House on March 14, with sevcral amendments. A section is added to the Bill giving the Eck- ington and Soldiers’ Home*and all other railroad companies in the :District of Co- lumbia power to lease'or purchase any in- tersecting line, while the DFovision that a single track only be run on 3th street be- tween G street and New Fork s.venue, un- less the roadway of the street be increased to a width of 44 feet, is stficken from the bill, and the double track is allowed to re- | main there. The House provision giving the Commissioners power to fix the amount of stock, bond or trust deéd issued by the amendment is inserted providing that a majority of the stockholders shall deter- mine the amount of stock and bonds is- sved, but the additional ‘issye of such bonds and stock shall nut in the aggregate ex- ceed the amount necessary for effecting any such purchase, lase.or acquisition, and for the construction, reconstruction and equipment aforesaid. ** The company is also Authorized to change its name to.City and«Subyrben Railway Company by a majority véte of its stock- holders. yr An attempt will be made gt an early day to have the Senate act,on this bill. A favorable report was glso ordered en Senate bill 2926, to vest the Commis- stoners of the District Columbia con- trol of street parking in ‘the District of Columbia; also on Senate pill 3816, to ex- empt Mary J. Cranston frém the operation of the law restricting ownership of real estate in the territories American citi- zens, and House bill 8602, ‘granting similar relief to Charlotte J. Gottwals. ——_——-+-____ LOCAL SUBMARINE {DEFENSES. A Beard to Be Formea to Plant Mines im the ‘tiver. The electrician of te! Capitol, Mr..Gleim, has -recetved notification from an official source that his services will be required to jemctinlgnn > gene tric system to be used in the'submarine de- f2nses of the Potomac #ivér. A board is to be formed of electrigal experts to act in conjunction with thé military authorities who will plant the mines, amd the electri- cians wilt connect them Wwith'the shore bat- Strengthening the‘ Sersey Naval Re: TRENTON, N. J., 2.—Adjt. Gen. The gunboat. Helena left*the Bermudas; company is stricken from the bill, and an, MANY CONFERENCES Suppressed Excitement Among Gov- eroment Officials. IN THE BIG MINTARY BUILDING Interest in the Whereabouts of the Spanish Flotilla. MANY UNAVAILING REGRETS The fact that the cabinet met today, at which Spain’s answer to the proposals of the United States were under consideration, served in a great degree to make the White House a greater center of interest than, usual. In consequence there were fewer callers at the State, War and Navy Departments than has been the case for some. time. Still there were. enough to Keep the officials busy, and especially the Secretaries up to the hour for departing for the cabinet meeting. There was an air of suppressed excitement everywhere around the big ‘building in which the three great departments of the government, which are ™most concerned in the present emergency ore located. This was augmented by the receipt of telegrams and resulting hurried conferences between the officials. Center of L jerent. The State Department, perhaps, was a greate> cénter of interest than™those of the war and navy, as it was expected that some statement would be made by the officials giving the purport of Spain’s answer to the American proposition. Secretary Shern.an was early at his desk, as was also Assistant Secretary Day, noi however, before the latter had made a hurried visit to the White House and had a few moments’ consultation with the Pres- ident. Secretary Sherman teft the State Department a few minutes before 11 for the cabinet meeting. Shortly before 11 ‘o'clock Assistant Secretary Day left the State Department for the White House, returning soon efter. In less than half ean hour later, in re- sponse to a telephone message, he again went to the White House,, remaining some time. Before Secretary Long's departure "to the White House he saw a number of Bureau chiefs and also Senator Hansbrough and Kepresentative Handy. Secretary Al- ger gave an interview to Senator Proctor and Representative Crump. The increasing tendency of the officials not to impart to the public news of the Prospective movemenis of ships and other details of an impcrtant character, was responsible for the apparent scarcity of news. It is felt by the officials that too much publicity should not be given to smary ef: these matters, as it might in cases seriously interfere with the arrange- ments and intentions of the department. The Spanish Flotilla. Probably no other matter is so engross- ing the attention of the officigis as the prospective approach of the Spanish tor- pedo flotilla which is now on its way from the Canary Islands to Porto Rico, and some news of the sighting of the ships compos- ing the:fleet is anxtously awaited by the officials. Opinions differ somewhat as to the time at which the flotilla should arrive at Porto Rico, wkich is understood to be its primary destination. The date ef their “| arrival will depend very targely on the condition of the weather encountered in the passage across the Atiantic® It is sug- gested in-some quarters that strong trade winds prevail at this time, which, if-en- countered by the fleet, will seriously :m- pede its passage. But if the conditions are favorable in all respects, it is belleved-nt the Navy Department that the arrival of the fleet at Porto Rico may be expected about the 4th or 5th of the present sont». if, on the other hand, bad weather has been experienced, and the ships have been put io very severe usage by the elements, there may be a delay of some days before reaching. Porto Ricq Considerable damage may result to the ships in the course of their paseage, and if this is the case it may take several weeks to again put then condition for sei vice. Regret of Naval Officers, Naval officers generally concede that there is a decided element of danger in the presence of a torpedo fleet near our shores, and many of them regret that it has been permitted to come so far. Their light draught and rapid speed makes them especially dangerous, and it was suggested today that they might be able, after leav- ing Porto Rico, to run, unnoticed, into Havana harbor, where they would be a maftrial addition to Spain’s naval strength. Officials generally decline to say whether any representations were made to Spain with a view to delaying the departure vf the fleet, or whether any action has been taken by our governmen: looking to its in- terception while en route, Even if such steps had been taken, the officials say, to make them public at this time would be a very unwise step, as it would interfere with any program the government had in hand. Even should the government desire to in- tercept the vessels while on their way to Porto Rico, it is said, it could not con- sistently do so in time of peace, as ‘would be manifestly an unfriendly act. The naval officials are also watching ‘with much frterest the movements of the Spanish fleet, which ts now rendezvoused at Cadiz. This is composed of five ves- sels, two of which, the Cristobal Colon and e ia Teresa, left Carthagena the other day. It was stated*today that there Was no information at hand respecting ‘made public. Views of the Strategical Board. Secretary Lorg said this afternoon that their arrival at the latter place is now a matter of only a very few days. “Even should the United States decide to send the flying squadron to intercept them, it is not likely that this could be accom- | Plished, as the torpedo fleet is probably hearer to Porto Rico than Commodore Schley’s squadron or even the ships of Capt. Sampson's ficet. Consequentty it is questionable whcther it would avail any- thing under the circumstances to dispatch either the squadrons or the ships from the Sulf fleet on a mission of that kind. How- ever, should a decision be arrived at in the atsence of a declaration of war, the inter- ception of the fleet would be an entirely arbitrary matter on our part. “Yes, the distance from Porto Rico to Ha- vana is about 1,200 miles in a straight lin? and about 1,500 by the sinuous route which would have to be taken in the sailing of the fleet from the former to the latter place. At is true that there is add2d danger to us from the presence of the fleet at Porto Rico, but my opinion is that we could suc- cessfully resist its approach and take care of our interests.”” PEACE TALK SILENCED. Universal Belief at the Capitol That War is Inevitable. Talk of peace is silenced at the Capitol today. The reply of Spain is universaily accepted as settling it that war cannot be avoided. Those who would do almost any- thing to have it otherwise simply acknowl- edge that they have no control over situation and see no hope for peace. Two questions, first, whether Congress would accept anything short of independ- ence for Cuba; second, whether Congress was in a temper to grant further delay, were asked of members of the House of Representatives indiscriminately as they The regular permanent family circulation of The Evening Star in Washington is more than double that of any other paper, whether published in the morn- ing or in the afternoon. As a medium for unobjec- tionable advertisements it there- fore stands unequaled and un- approachable. END OF CONCESSIONS Spain Announces She Has Done All She Cau. HOPE FOR PEACE EXPRESSED Gen. Woodford, However, Regards the Situation With Foreboding. See DEMONSTRATION AT THE OPERA the} A Million Pesetas Raised at Last Night’s Performance. Were met in the corridors of the Capitol | PAROXYSM OF PATRIOTISM and on the street, and every one answered that nothing but independence of Cuba would be accepted, and that delay would not be agreed to. Not one of a great many of whom the question was ask any different opinion. Among those questioned was = tative Lorim2r, who organized susrcaban movement which resulted in the confer- ences and the appeal to the President to act. He said that it was evident that noth- ing but the independ accepted by Congress. The sentiment of the House was easil: there was no mistaking it. This sentiment not only was for independ=nce, but also for ‘Pgempt action and opposed to granting any more time to Spain. Congress would be willing to wait only as long as n2cessary for this government. Representative Mann of Illinois expressed a similar opinion. Representative Arnold of Pennsylvania said that in his opinion Congress would ac- cept nothing short of independence. Mr. Ellis of Or2gon and Mr. Northway of Ohio said that speedy action and the inde- pendence of Cuba were in their opinion what the sentiment of the House de- manded. These are all r2publicans atid their an- Swers represent the answers made by all Others, democrats or republicans, who were Questioned. Mr. Curtis, repudlican, of Iowa, express2d a similar opinion and added that he thought the opinion was held by four- fifths of the House. ——_--.______ THE CRISIS AT HAND. It is the General Opinion of. Leaders in Congress. Early in the day the information was spread among members of the Senate and House that the response from Madrid was Unsatisfactory, and intense feeling was ex- cited, It Became known that the response Was not only unsatisfactory from a con- gressional point of view, but that it was equally unsatisfactory to the President and his advisors, and that a categorical an- Swer would be required from Spain, to be in the hands of the President brobably within thirty-six hours and be of a satis- factory character or diplomatic negotia- tions would be broken off and intervention resorted to. The possibility that Spain, when con- fronted by this imperative demand, would make any more satisfactory reply than that received last night seemed so remote that it was not entertained, and whatever lurking hope had been held by the most conservative cf a peaceful settlement was abandoned. No Promise of Pence. It was said that the reply, being of the character it was, no opportunity was of- fered the President to communicate it to Congress as the promise of a peaceful set- tlement of the question. it made evident that Spain is merely seeking delay without the intention of ree ognizing the independence of Cuba, and the declaration was made by men of responsi!- bility in Congress, who are co-operating with the President, that there could be no delay beyond Monday, and that Congress would not consent, nor would the Presi- dent, to any settlement of the question which was not immediate and did not in- volve the independence of Cuba. It was said plainly by men who have not ex- pressed such opinion before that the situa- tion could mean nothing but war. No Farther Time. Representative Babcock, chairman of the republican congressional committee, 2 man of influence and conservatism, said this morning that the sentiment in ‘was such that he was thoroughly convinced that nothing short of the independence of Cuba would be accepted, and that Congress could not be induced to grant Spain further time than that now in contemplation. He added that he did not think the President ‘was ny more disposed than was Congress to accept a settlement which did not in- clude Cuba's independence. Congress, he said, would co-operate with ‘the President. He could noi predict what might happen between now and Monday, but thought it imprebable that there would be later than Monday or that the President's hand would be forced. ———— MADRID, April 1, 1 p. m.—According to ‘ed expressed | the best information obtainable today Spain has definitely resolved not to make any further concessions to the United States. The Spanish government, however, pro- fesves to take a bright view of the relations With the United States, and believes peace ts secured. The important newepapers 2nce of Cuba would be | comment on the note in this strain. But inquiries made last evening of the y discoverable and | United States minister, General Stewart L. Woodford, failed to secure anything con- firming the optimistic impressions prevail- ing here. He has so earnestly been the friend of peace throughout that his im- penetrable silence now,causes much anxie- ty in diplomatic circles. General Woodford was busy at the United States legation until late last night. The substance of yesterday's proposals of the Spanish government, the Associated Press correspondent learns, is: Text of the Proposals. 1. That th2 insurgents should ask for an armistice, and not the United States. 2. That the request for an armistice should be dealt with by the autonomist cabinet of Cuba and without the interven- tion or good offices of the United States, It is curfous to note how little interest the general public took in yesterday's im- portant conference. Only a few reporters witnessed the arrival and departure of the conferees. General Woodford was the first to emerge, and, smoking a cigar, he walked quietly to his residence. The ministers soon followed and drove separately to their homes. When informed of the proposed gover- ment measures for the relief of the recon- centrados, the queen regent announced that she would appoint a ladies’ committee, over which she will personally preside, to take charge of and educate the orphans of the war, both Cubans and Spaniards. At midnight a workman from Bilbao ar- rived at the box office of the Royal Opera Hcuse, where the performance to raise funds for the Spanish navy took place, and presented 500 pesetas as a subscription to the national fund. He refused to give hie 1ame, simply replying that he had fought in two Carl-st wars and the first campaign in Cuba. It is proposed to bestow the tilie of grandee upon this workman. According to the scheme for the national subscription, every well-to-do Spaniard is expected to contribute 1,000 pesetas and upward, ond it is calculated that a million Spaniards will subscribe the amount named. Patriotism at the Opera. The display of patriotic fervor at the Royal Opera last night was really thrill- ing. The whole assemblage, numbering about 3,000 persons, was profoundly im- pressed. The queen regent, who was ac- companied by the” Princess of Asturias and the Infanta Isabella, was the object of repeated ovations. Most of the younger ladies, especially those belonging to thé ranks of the aris- tocracy, wore ribbons of the national col- crs in their hair. When the orchestra played the national hymn a wave of in- tense enthusiasm swept over the assem- blage. The queen, the princesses, the min- isters, the grandees, every one, in fact, rose spontaneously and gave vent to a great shout of “Long live Spain,” followed by shouts of “Long live the queen,” “Long live the queen.” 4 Paroxysm of Patriotism. On the stage the chorus was composed of the leading singers of Spain, with whom were grouped the principal musicians, painters and artists of the country, while the orchestra was reinforced by military bands in full uniform. In the midst of the air two regiments of infantry marched in single file across the Stage and so appeared to be an. endless bedy of men, whereupon the national an- them was-sung again and the audience clamored for the national banner. ‘Then some one on the stage took down a flag from the wings of the stage, and it ‘was hoisted on high by a group of actors