Evening Star Newspaper, April 7, 1898, Page 1

THE EVENING sTAR, = SS YUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDiNGS, 7iC) Fenreylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th St. by y i or She Bring Serene Kew York Office, 49 Pottor Buildin, ‘The Evening Star ts served to subscribers In the ‘ty by crrriers, on thete own account, at 10 cents per week. or 44 cents per month. Coples at the ccunter 2 certs each. By mail—anywhere n the United States «r Canada—postage prepald—50 cents per mon Saturday Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foreign postage added $3.00. (Entered at the Po t Office at Washington, D. C. jase ma'l matter.) 7 All mail subscriptions must be pald fn advance. Rates of advertising made known on applicetion . Che Lvening Star. - No. 14,072. Representatives of Six Governments at the White House. TALK WITH THE PRESIDENT Sir Julian Pauncefote Gives Expres- sion to Their Views. WR. WRINLEY'S = BRIEF REPLY Little Hope of Any Change in the Situation. as, MESSAGE UNCHANGED siege day Representatives of six of the European powers called on the President this morn- Ing and expressed the hope that negotia- tions between Spain and the United States would lead to the maintenance of peace. The President replied that he hoped the necessary guarantees would be afforded for the re-establishment of order in Cuba. H Representative Wheeler introduced in the House a resolution extending the thanks of Ccr gress to Gen. Lee. Mr. Quesada, representative of the Cuban republic, made a statement before the House foreign affairs committee this morn- ing on the nature of the Cuban government. Intervention without recognition would be a virtual hostile declaration against the Cubans Honore Laine, a newspaper correspond- ent, was given a hearing py the Senate for- ions committee. te agreed to adjourn until Mon- eign rel: The day. The House debated the Hull army reor- ganization bill. A report was received from Consul Gen- eral Lee that all was quiet at Havana and that 200 Americans had left the island. Compared with the excitement of the few days, thy White House was today a haven of rest and a palac Orly two events of real inte during the day. One was the call of the representatives of the six big powers of Europe, and the other was a quiet stroll President McKinley too alone through the White Horse grounds. The powers reoresented in the conference with the President were England, France, Germany, Russia, Austria and Italy, the Fespective representatives being Sir Julian Pauncefote, M. Jules Cambon, Herr von Holleben, Mr. de Wollant, Baron Hengel- muller, Cocnt Vinci. The six representatives, with the excep- tion of Sir Julian Pauncefote, walked to the White House, attired in street dress They were ushered into the blue room, where they were soon joined by the Pres- ident, who had been in consultation with members of his cabiret. It will probably never be known exactly all that passed in the famous blue parlor. Not even an attache of the house was present. Sir Julian Pauncefote is under- stood to have presented the joint note of the powers, agreed upon at a conference of the same representatives a few days ago. Sir Julian's Remarks. Sir Julian Pauncefote spoke as follows: “The undersigned representatives of Ger- many, Austria-Hungary, France, Great Britain, Italy and Russia, duly authorized in that behalf, address in the name of their respective governments, a pressing appeal to the feelings of humanity and moceration of the President and of the American peo- ple, in their existing differences with Spain. They earnestly hope that further negotia- tions will lead to an agreement which, while securing the maintenance of peace, will afford all necessary guarantee for the re-establishment of order in Cuba. The powers do not doubt that the humanitarian and purely disinterested character of this representation will be fully recognized and appreciated by the American nation.” The Preside Reply. ‘The reply of President McKinley was as follows: “The government of the United States recognizes the goed will which has prompt- ed the friendly communication of the rep- resentatives of Germany, Austria-Hungary, France. Gr Britain, ltaly and Russia, as set forth in the address of your excellen- cies, and shares the hope therein expressed that the cutcome of the situation in Cuba may be the maintenance of peace between the United Siates and Spain by affording the necessary guarantees for the re-estab- lishment of erder in the island, so termi- nating the chronic condition of disturbance there, which so deeply injures the interests and menaces ihe tranquillity of the Amer- fcan nation by the character and conse- quences of the struggle thus kept up at our doors. besides shocking its sentiment of humanity. “The government of the United States appreciates the humanitarian and disinter- ested character ui the communication now made on behalf of the powers named, and for its part is confident that equal apprecia- tion will be shown for its own earnest and unselfish endeavors to fulfill a duty to hu- manity by ending « sitvation the indefiaite prolongation of which has become inzuf- ferable.” Called at the State Department. When the -n.crview was concluded the British atsbassador went nome in bis zar- riage. The sive others wasked from the White House to the State Department. The call, evidently, was by appointment, for they were a: once shown into the divlo- matic ros: gi the State Department, where they were wined by Secruary Sherman and Asctst they were The Omen S left the White walzed cut * He strolled vseied behind closed coors. representatives had just House when ine President front door, unaccompanied. 2 the walk an‘ then entered the grounds. After walking around a few mint for a Treath <f tres air he re turned to his oifee. No visivors had called in the meantime The circumstances of the call were im- pressive, the ambassadors being accompa- nied by their secretaries, making in all a group of twelve or fifteen of the most dis- Unguished officials in the diplomatic serv- ice of those countries which to a large extent control the destinies of the world. The ambassadors and ministers had agreed upon a line of action at a meeting at the British embassy Tuesday, as was nt Secretary Daz, with a Stewart L. Woodford, Minister to Srain. steted exclusively in The Star yesterday. Early today there were evidences of great activity at the foreign establishments, and while the customary official secrecy was observed, yet no further effort was made to question or deny the fact that the am- bassadors and ministers had agreed upon a concrete form of action. It also devel- oped for the first time this morning that Russia had joined with the other five pow- ers, Mr. de Wollant, charge d’ affaires, pending the arrival of the Russian ambas- ator, acting for Russia. During the morn- ing it was stated at the embassies that while secrecy was imperative for the mo- rent, the entire subject would be made known in an official manner within a few hours. ‘There are evidences that this conference teok a wider range and went considerably outside of the address delivered to the Fresident. While the diplomats were at first received together, they soon separated into groups, with the apparent purpose of - views of their several gov- British amba: lor, the trian minister and the Italian charge were the first to retire, coming away to- gether. The Russian charge was the next to leave. The German ambassador and his secretary then had a private conference with Judge Da: At its_conclusion the French ambassador and his secretary in turn had a conference with Judge Day. These conferences lasted for about half an hour, the several leaving sep- arate hortly after this Judge Day left for the State Department, ning to say mere than to refer inquirers to the address ssadors, and the reply of the ent at the White House. Was to Have Been Done Yesterday. “The action of the powers in presenting the joint note to President McKinley was to have occurred yesterda but was d ferred by delay at St. Petersburg. It was not until 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon that the Russian government cabled its charge instructions similar to those already given to the other representatives. At 7 o'clock last night a meeting was held, and the joint note formally signed, it having been prepared at the meeting at thé British embassy the night before. The note is in French and bears the signatures of the representatives of the six powers. The original note in French was pre- sented, and in doing so Sir Julian Paunce- fote stated to the President that it was given to him in this language with the sig- natures, as French is the diplomatic lan- guage of the world. An English transla- tion not bearing the signatures accompa- nied the original note and it was this Eng- lish translation which Sir Julian Paunce- fote read. The President's unswer was not reduced to French. An inquiry at the several embassies and legations shows that the reply of President McKinley has created a most favorable impression among the ambassadors and ministers. It was cabled immediately to London, Paris and all the other European capitals. The declaration of the President that in the interest of humanity this war- fare must stop, and his indirect appeal ‘o them to exert their influence in the name of humanity, found a sympathetic reflecticn in the sentiments of all the ambassadors and other representatives. Effect of President’s Utterance. The President’s reply to the European Tepresentatives is considered by all as a formal notification to Europe that this government wiil have nothing short of its demands for Cuba. It is also considered a forerunner of a war message next Mon- day. It is believed that the representatives have by this time cabled to their respec- tive governments the firm tone of the Pres- ident’s note, and accompanied their mes- seges with a warning that war is hardly to be avoided unless Spain herself pre- vents it by concessions to the fullest ex- tent. The President's response is certain, it is said, to Le gratifying to thoce men who have predicted that he would take a firm stand in the face of the world. Minister Woodford’s Cablegram. A cablegram was received at the White House today from Minister Woodford con- taining information concerning yesterday's cabinet meeting. It was not made public. It had been eypected that the gabinet meeting at Madrid would be an important cne, and that its ection wouid be highly significant om the diplomatic situation. Genecal Woodford, however, wired that there was no important action taken and that it had adjourned without accomplish- ing any material step that would lead to any change in the status or throw new light on the situation. Its tenor was some- what diseppointing in view of the expecta- tions. Ne Change in the Situation. Cabinet officials say today that they see (Continued on Second Page.) A WARLIKE OUTLOOK The Prospect More Threatening Thao at Any Other Time. NAVAL VESSELS HAVE THEIR ORDERS Diplomatic Relations With Spain Suspended. a EFFOR’? OF THE POWERS ne The withholding of the President's mes- sge from Congress has not, it is claimed, lessened the strain between this govern- ment and Spain. Whether it will have the effect of securing the safety of Americans in Havana is uncertein. Statements that quiet had been preserved there up to the Hour of the latest communication were re- assuring, but there is apprehension that any hour may bring word of trouble. It may be, though there is no expectation of the sort now entertained in Washington, that Spain will avail herself of the inter- vening time between now and the sending in of the message to Congress to grant freedom to Cuba, but no advices from Madrid have yet been of a character to in- dicate an intention on her part to go that far. The declaring of an armistice or any other step short of freedom for Tuba will not affect the position taken by the United States. ‘Phe President Spoke Frankly. The President is declared to have spoken with the utmost frankness to the. members of the House and Senate of all parties whom he summoned to the White House yesterday to consult n the subject of with- holding the message. He held out no hope of peace to these gentlemen, and gave no intimation of expecting a communication from Madrid. His representations resated entirely to the Lee dispatch, disclosing the dangerous position of Americans in Cuba, and his whole anxiety was to preserve ine lives of these Americans. It is assvmed that if he had a less threatening reason for asking delay he would have given that in- stead of the one calculated to aggravate the already intense war spirit in Congress. But, on the contrary, the communication was of a character to seemingly preclude all idea of avoiding some hostilities. Diplomatic Relations Suspended. The statement is made* on authority which has never been misleading, and which has never been available except where information was positive, that not only have negotiations between Spain and the United States been broken off, but dip- limatic relations have been suspended. T suspension of diplomatic relations should be followed at once by the withdrawal of the Spanish and the American ministers. But it is explained that in this instance the two ministers continue their residence at the capitals of the respective nations for the reason that Spain and the Unitea States are equally anxious for the safety of Americans in Cuba, and desire that they shall be got safely off the island before a public announcement of the suspension of diplomatic relations is made. Some cir- cumstantlal confirmation of this statement is furnished by the Madrid dispatches, which represent communications with Min- ister Woodford as being conducted through foreign ambassadors, and not directly from the Spanish foreign office, as would ordi- narily be the case. This suspension of dip- lomatic relations will become an actual breach if Spain does not yield in the mean- time, after the President’s message has been transmitted to Congress. The state- ment is made that immediately on this message being made public, the Spanish Minister here will ask for his passports, and Minister Woodford will be directed to Jeave Spain. Orders to Our Warships. The assertion is made that the battle ship Texas, which has just arrived at Hamp- ton Roads, will be ordered to stand be- tween the Spanish cruisers at Porto Rico and the course taken by the San Francis- co and the New Orleans, now on their way to this country, and to give battle to these cruisers if they leave Porto Rico in a dl- rection to intercept the New Orleans and San Francisco. If word comes that the Spanish cruisers have left Porto Rico, it is said, a fight will be expected. It is further stated that Commodore Schley has received orders to put to sea at once upon receiving information that the Spanish torpedo flotilla has left the Cape Verde Islands, and that he shall intercept the flotilla and its escort with the flying squadron and give battle on the high seas. All the best authorities agree that the cutlook is, if possible, more warlike than at any time before. i Only One Offer Acceptable. Tt 1s, of course, within the power of Spain, as it has be2n during the past sev- eral weeks, to settle the matter by granting the freedom of Cuba. But this government is not commun- icating with Spain, nor expecting com- munications directly from her, and no proposition of a temporizing character, it is declared, will be received, and no media- tioa accepted. The communications be- tween the foreign ambassadors and the Spanish representatives, both here and in Madrid, are explained on the ground that neither the Spanish minister here nor the American minister at Madrid js in a posi- tion to hold any communication with the government to which he 18 accredited. Senator Elkins, on coming from the State Department, ssid that the representatives of the six foreign powers were to call at the White House this murning, and that a proposition from the Qucen Regent of Spain for an armistice was expected. Senator Elkins’ statement does not re- ileve the situation unless the foreign am- bassadors go to the President with a propo- sition for ihe iuGependence of Cuba. There is the best of authority. for the announce- ment that no proposition for a mere armi- stice wiil be considered, and it is said to be certain that the representatives of for- eign governments will not persist in any course cgntrary to the wishes of this gov- ernment. The Presiden Significant Reply. The character of the note presented to the Presid2nt this morning by the represen- tatives of the powers and of the reply by the President dispels in the minds of the Jeaders in Congress all idea of any direct offer of mediation or any intarference by the powers. The President's reply is re- garded as exceedingly strong and signifi- cant and has done much to dispose of doubts and anxieties many members of his 4 party in Congress ware troubled with. The. formerly discontented aré quieted today aad are convinced that the B‘titude asscm- ed by this government: wll be maintained. ‘The press news from Madrid is regarded as making war inevitable, but the satis- faction felt in congressional circles is founded on a conviction that the President is firm and will maintain Bis demand for the freedom of Cuba from the disorderly Spanish sovereignty. Cabinet officers and others are quoted for the declaration that the President's mes- sage will be sent to Congress in exacty the form which had been given it when it was expected to be sent in yesterday—that it will recommend the freedom of Cuba from Spanish’ control and armed intervention if necessary to secure this freedom. The sit- uation is calmer, because it seems more clear and certain. War fs regarded as al- most at hand, but fs anti¢ipated with com- placency and a confidence, that everything consistent with the dignity of this govern; ment and the rights of humanity has been done to preserve peace. IN THE DARK AT HAVANA Wondering Why President's Message Did Not Go In. City Remains Tranquil—Gen, Lee Praises the Authorities and People for Their Forbearance. Special Cablegram From a Staff Correspondent. HAVANA, April 7.—This morning every- thing is quiet. Holy Thursday is being celebrated with much patriotic fervor. PEPPER. HAVANA, April 6.—In Havana it is not understood why President McKinley did not transmit his message to Congress to- day, but the city is quiet. Consul General Lee says that -he does not anticipate any disturbance, and he praises the authorities and the tranquillity of the people. All Americans will have an opportunity to leave during the remainder of the week. The newspapers here believe that the de- perture of Americans by official notitica- tion of General Lee is a certain sign of war. All exhort Spaniards to maintain their rights. Washington telegrams are published in which armed intervention and recognition of independence are discussed. The people are prepared to receive nows of either in- tervention or of recognition. Oné newspa- per says even if Spain should lose Cuba the Americans would not succeed in making the ,island theirs, because European pow- rs would prevent. There is much activity among alll classes. The committee which receives troops is preparing boats to recelve the first division of squadron destroyers and torpedo boats, which it is said will arrive soon. Tomotrow and day after tomorrow are church holidays, and there will be many patriotic manifestations. The news from Madrid tn which it is said that the queen regent will arrange everything has not been confirmed here, and it is not known if these pacific ad- vices are correct. More information fs awaited. PEPPER. Concerned About Congress. HAVANA, April 6, via Key West, Fla April 7.—What Congress may do {8 the subject of intense concern to the Spanis authorities. The community here knows nothing of the distinctions between execu- tive and legislative branches in tae recog- nition of the independence of a country. It has some understanding that a, formal aeclaration of war must be made through Cengress, but if war comes no one thin it will follow the regular course of proce- cure. However, Blanco and his officials are making extraordinary efforts to prevent any overt act coming from their side. They are trying vallantly to carry out the in- structions frcm Madrid under which Spain may be made to appear before the world as an injured party, who is resenting the aggression of a powerful neighbor. So it 1s possible Cuban independence may be recognized without precipitating immedi- ate hostilities. Nevertheless, it remains true that the only safe course for the United States is to be ready to follow up any evelopment of policy by instant armed jntervention Spanish Well Informed. Both the official classes and the popu- lace know Congress will not only support President McKinley's administration, but that it may travel ahead of the executive. Few lines have been permitted publication tkis week telling that Cuban independence was under discussion in the Senate and that many resolutions recognizing inde- pendence had been introduced. While all congressmen except those who have been Spain's apologists are classed as jingos, it has ‘inally come to be known among the Spanish classes that Congress represents the determiration of the American people snd that the influences which have here- tofore held it in check are now powerless. That understanding is so thorough that no action which may be taken will come as a surprise to either Blanco or the shadow of the autonomist government that re- mains. They are prepared for what they call “the worst,” even to the naming of a cemmission to visit Gomez and the in- surgents in the field. Until the course of Congress is definitely known nothing furth- er can be said. PEPPER. A Quiet Holy Thirsddy. By Associated Press. : HAVANA, April 7.—Theré is no excite- ment here today, and no reason for any, so far as it is possible to seé. Thé weather is cloudy. Holy Thursday is being”observed in a quiet manner. The Mascotte is expected to-return here today and leave for Tampa ‘tonight. The Olivette will be here, and the Bache and Mangrove are ready int the harbor to take any passengers Sesiffnated by the United States consul ger The latter has not decided when- he" will send the American citizens away. —— ae To Establish Cab Servides. Mr. McMillan, in the Senate today, called up the joint resolution to allow railroad ccmpanies to establish cab services in the District of Columbia, this me1sure having passed the House a few days ago. The measure was opposed by Messrs. Vest, White, Tillman,. and others.“Mr. Tillman claimed that the joint gtion gave to the railfoad companies that they could now if they wish to do so. measure was passed ov. The Army A favorable yASHINGTON, D. 0... THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1898-FOURTEEN PAGES. DELAY’S ADVANTAGE Satisfaction Expressed Over the Presi- dent’s Decision. AMERICANNS IN CUBA PROTECTED == Arrangements for Bringing Home Our People. ——-- SAFETY OF NEW SHIPS =e In official circles today there was general satisfaction expressed over the decision of the President to delay taking any action that might possibly piunge the country into war until existing arrangements have been completed for the protection of the lives of Americans in Spaia and Cuba and Porto Rico. These efforts have not been confined to the Americans in the vicinity of Ha- vana, but are on a much more extensive ale and include the protection of our citi- zens at other places on the Island of Cuba. While the majority of our people on the island were assembied at Havana for transportation to the United States, there is also a comparatively large number con- gregated at Matanzas, Sagua La Grande and other Cuban ports. The arrangements for the care of the peopie ar these latter ports have been nearly as complete as those made for the relief of the Armericans at Havana. Arrangements Completed. According to an official of the State De- pertment today, the arrangements for the heme bringing of all Americans in Cuba are as ample and complete as could pos- sitly be made in the limited time permis- sible under existing conditions. Consul General Lee has been clothed with ample authority to take any stcps he may di em as may be available in making the trip to Florida. ‘The naval v “fn, Mangrove and Bache are in the harbor of Havana, and will be utilized in the transportatioa of resident Americ to Key West. In cause of necessity th ill make two or more trips between the ports meationed. All Wili Be Safe Before Monday. ments have been made with th steamship line connecting with Kingston, Jam: to have their vessels touch at the various Cuban ports other than Ha- vana, with a view to the home bringing of the Americans not otherwise provided for. There is no recent information at the State Department showing the exact number of Americans now in Cuba, but latest esti- mates fix it roughly between 2,000 and 5,000. There is no doubt in the minds of the officials who have had charge of this matter that all the American citizens in Cuba who may desire to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the govern- ment will be out of Cuba and safely on their way to the United States before next Monday, the date arranged for the trans- mission of the President's message to Con- gress. Recently Purchased Ships. Another advantage that will accrue to the United States by a short postponement of radical action was pointed out at the Navy Department today. It involved the ques- tion of the safety of recently purchased warships, the delivery of ordnance material now afloat and the departure from what would be neutral ports of several other vessels recently acquired for the navy. The New Orleans, the cruiser recently pur- chased in England from the Brazilian gov- ernment, is now on her way across the At- lantie under convoy of the San Francisco, late flagship of the European squadron. These vessels left England on the th ultimo and are expected to reach New York Saturday or Sunday. They are proceeding leisurely, and it has been calculated that it will take them about fourteen days to make the trip. It is understood that these vessels carry valuable cargoes, the princi- pal portion of which are ammunition and general ordnance stores, articles that are now greatly in demand in this country. They would prove valuable prizes to the Spanish navy in the event of their capture on the high seas. The San Francisco is a protected cruiser and would give a good acount of herself in an engagement with any ship of her class. She would be no match, however, for any of the big armored Spanish cruis- ers, and might not be able to save her convoy in the event of meeting a Spanish fleet on her way across the ocean. Conse- quently the naval officials are somewhat concerned as to their whereabouts, and will be much relieved when they arrive at their destination. The battle ship Texas arrived at Hampton Roads this morning and will join the flying squadron. It is possible that one or more of this squadron may be sent out on a cruise in the paths of the trans- atlantic steamers in the nope of meeting the San Francisco and New Orleans and escorting them to New York. It is also expected that the crutser Di- ogenes and the torpedo boats Somers and Manly, recently acquired by purchase in Europe and at English ports at last ac- counts, will have cleared for the United States before Monday next, and so have put themselves out of the danger of deten- tion in ca’e of a declaration of war. AMERICANS LEAVING CUBA. Gen. Lee Telegraphs That All is Quiet at Havana. A cablegram from Consul Generai Lee, received this morning, announced that 200 Americans had taken their departure from the island, and that all was quiet in Ha- vana. The Spanish rainister has received a tel- egram from the governor general of Cuba to the effect that ell rumors of impending trouble in Havana are absolutely false. Assistant Sacrstary Day, after a confer- ence with the President this morning, said he expected Consul General Lee would leave Cuba by Saturday. He said the Americans on the islend were being got off rapidly, and about Saturday he believed the situation would permit General Lee to vacate his post and return to the United States. Representative Robbins of Pennsylvania ‘has introduced a resolution calling atten- tion to the cablegram.from Gen. Lee yes- TWO CENTS. squadron from Key West to Havana to mand the safe conduct of all the Amori- cens from the islard who desire to leave and for the squadren to bombard Morro H Cestle and close the port of Havana if the Spanish fai! to comply. It also directs that the Spanish govern- ment be notified by the President to with- ¢raw her army from the island and her navy from Cuban waters. Representative Wheeler of Alabama to- day introduced in the House a resolution extending the thanks of Congress to Con- sul General Lee for the courage, efficiency and good judgment he has displayed in the performance of bis duties as consul gen- eral at Havana. Representative Wheeler and Gen. Lee are Ifelong friends. The are both graduates of West Point and were at the Military Academy at the same time. Gen. Lee ts expected to be in Washington and to appear before the Senate foreign relations committee some time before Mon- Gay. It is thought he may be before the committee on Sunday. ——____-. MR. QUESADA’S STATEMENT. Intervention Without Independence Would-Be Hostile. The House committee on foreign affairs met again this morning. The committee had Mr. Quesada, representative in Wash- ington of the Cuban republic, before them for an hour. Mr. Quesada denied emphatically that the Cuban republic had issued $5,000,000 of bones. Only $1,440,000 of the bonds had exer been issted and less than $10,000 of these had been sold. Mr. Quesada was asked as to the govern- nent of the republic of Cuba which the ‘United States is asked to recognize, and he gave a full and satisfactory statement. He described the territory in possession of the insurgents, the government in Pverto Principe and Santiago provinces. In the former province he said there were 250,000 persons who acknowledged alle- iance to the republican government. Four hundred thousand dollars, he said, had been collected in taxes. The capital of the republic, he said, had been twice dis- lodged, but it was in working order. He explained the functions of the government. If the United States should intervene without recognizing the independence of the republic, he said, it would be a virtual declaration of war against the insurgents as well as the Spaniards. Mr. Quesada did not finish his statement. He will appear before the committee again tomorrow. Mr. Quesada said a deciaration of war against Spain by the United States would be a ceclaration against all Spain's sub- jects, and if not coupled with the recogni- I tion of Cuba or recognition of belligerent ghts would incluce the insurgenis, now regarded as subjects of Spain, m such Geclarations which would be agsinst Spain end all her colonies. Mr. Quesada thought this feature of the ccse needed careful serutiny. General Flagler of the bureau of ord- nance was called to state the condition of the fortifications and the preparations which had been going on. His statement was in the main satisfactory. He said that much had been done. While the situation was not what it should be, he said, mat- ters would improve daily. The ammuni- tion was increasing daily. Up to the last few days most of this had gone to the navy, but now the fortifications were get- ting their share. The telegraph connec- tions between the fortifications would en- able any port, when attacked, to receive reinforcements of men and ammunition frem the nearest fortification in the short- est possible time. “The fortification of sea- coast ports was arranged for and was pro- ceeding as rapidly as possible. Foreign Relations Committee. At 11 o'clock there was an informal meet- ing of the Senate committee on foreign re- lations, held for the purpose of hearing Honore Laine, the correspondent who claimed to have a copy of Weyler’s letter regarding mines in Havana harbor. Dur- ing the meeting the Associated Press Mad- rid bulletins were received and read with great interest. Mr. Laine repeated the story of the letter which he had heretofore published, pur- porting to have been written by Gen. We: ler to Senor Guzman, in which Weyler pre- dicted before the arrival of the Maine in Havana harbor that any American yes- sel going to the harbor would be severely dealt with. He was also questioned at length concerning the general situation in Cuba. The present arrangement in the Senate is to discuss the Cuban resolution in executive session, as it is believed there will be con- siderable difference of opinion as to the form of the resolution. —___-e—___ MIGHT ACCEPT ARMISTICE. If the United States First Recognized Cuban Independence. Tomas Estrada Palma, delegate of the Cuban provisional government to the United States, when asked this morning if he had any cominents to make regarding the statement in New York yesterday by Horatio 8. Rubers, counsel of the Cuban juna, dictated the following reply: “All I care to say is this: That the Cu- bans are struggling for absolute independ- ence. They have made tremendous sacri- fices for-achieving this purpose. They con- sider themselves already emancipated from Spanish rule, therefore they will resist all interference intended to compel them to pay anew an allegiance to the sover- eignty of Spain.” Asked what position he would consider it likely the provisional government would take in view of a possible armistice, he said: “If the American government ac- knowledges the indepeadence cf Cuba and recognizes the actual government of the Cuban republic, I think it would not be difficult for the government of the republic of Cuba to accept an armistice, with the purpose of a:suring the peace of the island.” —_—__o—___ PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATIONS. A Batch of Selections Sent to the te. The President sent these nominations to the Senate today: Jacob Shaen of California, to be assistant appraiser of merchandise in th2 district of San Francisco, Cal. War—First Heutenants to he captains—J. W. Watson, 10th Cavairy; 1’. ©. Trippe,10th a i | 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. —————=—=££— NO CHANGE OF PLAN paar Spanish Cabinet Decides to Stand by Former Decisions, IMPORTANT MEETING LAST NIGHT Result of the Conference Was Cae bled Promptly to Rome. nr WOODFORD DISAPPOINTED =a ee MADRID, April 7.—The cabinet ministers at their meeting last evening decided to appoint a committee to organize and su- perintend the national subscription to in- crease the sirength of the fleet. A semi-official note issued after the ad- journment says: “The cabinet considered every aspect of the situation, on the in- formation of the foreign and colonial min- isters, and especially in the light of the reports of che ministers of war and ma- rine. “The outcome of the deliberations was the adhesion of the government to all its previous decisions, without modification, and resolutions to that effect were adopted. “During the sitting the foreign minister made several visits to the palace.” It is explained that the decisions to which the Spanish government adheres, as en- nounced in the semi-official note, refer to those outlined at the last conference between Gen. Woodford and the Spanish ministers. Starts War Talk. After the cabinet meeting and the issue of the semi-official note, which “was regard- ed as a serious announcement, there was much excitement and bellicose talk in the city. The cafes were crowded with peo- ple, all eagerly discussing the situation, and generally approving the attitude of the cabinet. A general rumor was current that the United States government had presented an ultimatum to the government of Spain, demanding that the latter, within six hours, should modify the note presented @s a result of the .ast conference. This ru- mor is in no way confirmed by those who are acquainted with the facts in the case, but it found crederce throughout Madrid. The military papers today are very vio- lent in their utterances against the United States. Much Mystery Mai ained. There appears to be much mystery con- nected with last night’s events. It seems that after the régular cabinet meeting had adjourned and the premier, Senor Sagaste, had returned home, the papal nuncio, Mgr. Nava, in company with the minister for foreign affairs, Senor Gul- jona, arrived with a communication from Rome. This was considered of such im- Fortance that the other ministers were summoned and remained in consultation until 1:30 a.m. it is said the result of their deliberations was telegraphed to Rome, from which it was to be cabled to the United States. No explanition has been furnished of this procedure, but these facts are fur- nished on official authority. WHll Make No Concessions. It is asserted here that the communica- tion from Rome, which the papal nuncio and the minister for foreign affairs placed fore the cabinet after the regular meet- ing had adjourned last night, asked what ccrcessions Spain would make, The cabi- ret, it is further stated, decided to reply that the government “simply reaffirmed its former decisions already known to Prest- dent McKinley As previously intimated in these dis- patches, there is no truth in the rumor current last night in Madrid that the United States government had presented an ultimatum to the government of Spain, demanding that the latter modify within six hours, the note presented after the last ccnference. Rothschild Friendly to Spa The Paris correspondent of the Pais tele- graphs that he had an intervie with Baron Rothschild yesterday, who is al- leged to have informed him that he was purchasing a cruiser to present to Spain, that country having “his warmest love and sympathy.” Tie Pais, which announced the alleged zift' of Baron Rothschild, also furnished its readers with further startling informa- tion last night. It was to the effect that a mob had brcken loose in Washington, that the Spanish legution had been at- tacked, that the Spanish minister escaped by jumping through a window, and that the arms of Spain were torn down. A dispatch from Madrid dated 11:30 o'clock last night sa; A hitch has occur- red in the peace negotiations, and the Cu- ban armistice preclamation will not be ts- sted tomorrow (Thursday), as expected. Disappointment at the Hitec Great disappointment is experienced at the United States legation at the hitch, now pronounced to be serious, which seems to have occurred tonight (Wednesday). The Spanish cabinet met at 5 o'clock and was in session for several hours, but the meeting ended without an announcement that the Cuban armistice proclamation would be issued tomorrow (Thursday). The Austrian ambassador, Count Dub- sky, had another conference with Untted States Minister General Woodford late to- night. It is still hoped here, now that President TERETE {fall it i F t E H i