Evening Star Newspaper, April 9, 1898, Page 1

——— THE EVENING STAR. aS SS Se PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 3161 Fennsyivania Avenue, Cor. 11th St, by i Com: Te Sn EAGreMatn Freee New York Office, 49 Potter Building. ‘The Evening Star is served to subscribers tn the eity by cirriers, on their own account, at 10 cents Per week. or $4 cents per month. Copies at the getter 2 certs each. By mafl—anywhere in the United States +r Canada—postage prepald—50 ccnts per month. Saturday Quintuple Shect Star, $1 per year, with foreign postage added $3.00. (Entered at the Po t Gffice at Washington, D. C.. @s second-class ma’l matter.) £7 All mail subscriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of advertising made known on applicstior. No. 14,074. WASHINGTON, D. ©. SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 1898-TWENTY-FOUR PAGES. TWO CENTS. The regular permanent family circulation of The Evening Stat 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. THE RESOLUTIONS Conferences at the White House aS 0 Their Character, ——-+_——_ NOT YET DETERMINED UPON No Change Made in the President’s Program. RUMORED ARMISTICE DISCREDITED England and Russia Certainly Will Not Interfere. DISPATCH FROM WOODFORD It was stated in diplomatic circles that Spain was considering the proclamation of en armistice in Cuba. The administration helds that an armistice not having in view the withdrawal of Spain from the island weuld not avert war. It is said that the President will desig- nate Lieut. Gen. Schofield, retired, as a military adviser in the event of hostilities. A report was circulated that the U. S. Fern had b<en blown up at Havana, but a special catiegran: from The Star's corre- spondent stated that everything was quiet. The naval subcommittee of the Senate @ppropriatiors committee decided to add several harbor defense ves- sels to the naval bill. Minister Woodford has not been recalied, but has been given discretion to govern his movements by events at Madrid. The Spanish minister has not received in- structions to leave and has made no prep- arations to go. Conferences were held at the White House in regard to the resolutions to be reported to Congress. Preliminary conferencés to the important work of next week were held at the White Heuse today, but in point of changing the situation or revealing any new develop- ments they were of no extreme conse- quence. All of the President's visitors say pointed- ly that there is nothing from Madrid to indicate any change in the position of the Spanish government. Nothing is known by this government of the proposed armis- tice to be immediately granted by Spain. Minister Woodford has sent no informa- tion indicating such a step by Spain. It is said that a message was received today from Minister Woodford, briefly giving the state of affairs there. This telegram is not understood to have held out any hope of Pesce in any direction. Assistant Secretary Day, who engaged in the longest conference of the day at the White House, said that General Lee would leave Havana today. No Postponement of the Message. ‘The many rumors during the day of an- other postponement of the President's message could not be verified. On the other hand, information direct from the Presi- dent was that nothing of the kind was contemplated. Judge Day went to the White House about 10 o'clock, and was there for two hours. Senators Hanna, Aldrich and El- kins of the Senate republican steering committee arrived soon afterward and Joined in the conference. Representative Cousins of the House re- publican steering and foreign affairs com- mittees and Representativ2 Boutelle of the naval affairs commiitee were the next ad- Gitions io the conference, which took place in the library. Senators and repres:nta- tives who called during this conference were not admitted. At was stated by several of those engaged with the Presid:nt that there was no dis- cussion of pending or prospective news from Havana or Madrid. Most of the time was devoted to the character of the resolution for intervention to be passed by Congress next w2ek. An endeavor is being made to have a perfect understanding between Con- gress and the Presiient. The International phases that may be presented in the futursa by the resolution to be passed were ‘con- sidered to @ large extent. The Resolutio: Prior to this extended conference the President talked on th2 situation with indi- vidual callers. Among these were Senators Clark, Pritchard, Cullom and Burrows, and Representatives Canncn, Dolliver and Piere2. Senator Clark of Wyoming has been a etrong advocate of the passage of resolu- tions recognizing the independence of Cuba. He is still in favor of independence, but says hs is now willing that that shall come sfter intervei tion. He fs anxious to have something done as quickly as possible. ‘There was much talk about independence at the White House during the day. The President is positively against any recog- Bition of independence in connection with the resolution. It is said he will hint strongly in his message that independence should be the outcome, but will oppose its being granted at this time. Neither he nor his advisers believe that the position of this government would be strengthened in the eyes of Europe by @ recognition of in- dependence. The President does not in- tend, however, to be arbitrary in the mat- ter. He is entirely willing to make conces- sions to the feeling of Congress. It is doubtful if the exact nature of the resotu- tion to be offered Congress on Monday by the foreign relations committees wil be ‘determined upon before Monday -norning. Further conferences will follow on the sub- ject. All day tomorrow the leaders will have their heads together on the subject. Stand by the President. Senator Pritchard today presented to the has practically President a telegram from Charlotte, N. igeed by the mayor and a large num- Ler of prominent business men end bank- ers, most of them democrats. It was as follows: “Assure the President that fully 90 per cent of our people most cordially indorse his course and ask him to stand firm for peace uniil ail honorable means have been exhausted.” Representative Pierce of Missouri saw the President this morning to obtain his consent to having one of the new battle ships just authorized by the House named in honcr of the state he represents. The President is willing, Secretary Long is favorably disposed and the name Missouri will be bestowed upon one of the ships. A cable message from Minister Wood- ford just translated at the State Depart- ment wes taken to the White House this afterncon. Q At the Capitol. Very few members of either house were at the Capitol today, and ali seen either at the Capitol or about town said the same tkimg—that they knew of no change in the situation and did not expect any. The pos- sitility Qf Spain making some furtier dip- Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, From Portrait by C. Ayer Whipple. a Icmatic move was discussed, but generally on the theory that she might simpiy do scmething for the purpose of stre ing her own position im the eyes powers, but nothing that could i th fon en No suse be bo now gover ion was made that war could on any plea except the complete of Spain. Reports were started and then a the day that Spain ad decided to back down, but ali knowl- edge of such a thing was denied by those who would be apt to be in possession of the uring information if it were true. Suggestions of peace possibilities proved short lived. The fact that the stock market was stronger today excited some comment and questioning as to the reason. Everybody is in an attitude of waiting, with entire confidence that there will be no delay of ac- tion by the President after noon Monday. What Will Satisfy Spain. The universally accepted view that there will be war has left little open for discus- sion in adminstration circles but the length of the conflict. A leading member of the House, who has frequently conferred with President Mc- Kinley and cabinet officials, said today that it is thought the shedding of a small amount ef blocd, as in a French duel, will suffice Spanish honor and pride. The de- struction of an American ship or two, the bombardment of some seaport and a demenstration in several quarters will be sufficient for the Spaniards. They will then let Europe know they haye had enough, and Europe will ask us to quit. This is believed to be the Spanish program. It will be sufficient to compensate for the loss of Cuba and won't cost much. The national defense fund now being rais- ed might be sufficient to pay the bill. Position of the Powers. The representative spoken of says he kuows positively that both England and Russia have indicated to this country that they will do nothing to interfere with our dealings with Spain. Russla has not becn stpposed to have been as cordial in her sition as England and was considered as likely to join France in aimost any kind of advances. Now the assertion is made that Russia has given this country to un- erstand that she sympathizes with us to a large degree. As evidence of this fact it is now pointed eut that Russia was the last of the Euro- pean nations to join in the presentation of the note of the powers a f2w days ago. She was apparently reluctant in joining in even a little Easter greeting of the sort tendered President McKinley. Russia, it is averred, has interests too near us to want our ill- will at this or any other time. ————— NEW COMMANDERS SELECTED. Latest Orders Inaued by the Navy Department. The following naval orders were issued today: Commander Richard Rush, detached from the navy yard at Portsmouth, N. H., and ordered to command the Armeria. Commander 8. W. Very, from the navy yard, Boston, and to command the Saturn at once. Commander B. 8. Richards, detached from command of the Saturn and ordered to naval hospital at New York for treat- ment. Commander C. H. West, to duty at once with the gunboat Princeton at League Island. Commander W. I. Moore, to duty as in- spector of ordnance at Lynn, Mass. Lieut. Commaader W. J. Barnett, from command of the Bache to special duty at the Navy Department. E. V. Armstrong and W. H. Burcher, appointed assistant surgeons from April 5. Mate John Kenyon, from the Franklin to the Vermont. L. E. Gregory, eppointed civil engineer from April 5. Passed Assistant Surgeon L. W. Sprat- Mng, from naval hospital, Philadelphia, to the Columbia. Passed Assistant Surgeon L. L. Von Wedekind, from the Naval Academy to the Mi neapolis. : Assistant Surgeon H. H. Haas, from the Vermont to the Texas. Ensign A. A. McKethan, from Ports- mouth navy yard to the Saturn. Ensign O. P. Jackson, from the Ports- mouth navy yard to the Saturn. Lieut. J. W. Stewart, from the navy yard, Portsmouth, to duty as executive officer of the Saturn. WATCHING FOR SPIES Extra Vigilance Maintained at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. DOLPHIN 18 NOW READY 70 SAIL Ward Line Officia's Will Char- ter British Ships. BIG ORDER FOR POWDER see NEW YORK, April 9.—Extraordinary precautions were in force at the navy yard, Brooklyn, today, respecting suspicious persons. In consequence of orders received from Washington, the officer of the guard was ordered to cause the arrest of any person seen taking notes and to allow no photographers to enter the yard. Three newspaper men were arrested today while sianding near the Mayflower examining the vessel and taking some notes. They were taken to the captain of the yard, Scmmer, and then before Admiral Bunce before being discharged. Admiral Bunce, in company with Naval Constructor Bowles and Ensign Bayne, as- sistant to the captain of the yard, made @ tour of the navy yard today, commenc- ing at 7 o’clock. The boats of the mos- quito fleet were especially inspected. The admiral was not satisfied with the progress that had been made in the work of altering the craft and he ordered that more speed should be used. Dolphin Ready to Sail. The engines of the dispatch boat Dolphin have at length been satisfactorily adjusted, and she will sail today to join the fleet at Key West, carrying an extra cargo of am- munition. Two boats of the mosquito fleet, the Sioux and the T mseh, were also or- dered to put to sea before evening to follow tke Dolphin. The Uncas has been ordered to be ready t> depart 02 Tuesday. Great difficulty has been experienced in enlisting able seamen aboard the Vermont, and in consequence the advisability of of- fermg a bounty of $309 to $500 for seamen is now under consideration. Recently a beard, appointed by the Navy Department, made a tour of the New England seaboard, er yoring to obtain imen of the class needed. 1t succeeded in securing only four. Seventy-five mer have been recruited aboard the Vermont, and it was announced that fifty of the men me from the aux- ikary steamships El Norte and El Sol. The collier Saturn has been ordered to the Charlestown navy yard, Boston, to have the finishing touches put on her. Vessel for Consul Hanna. The shipping firm of Miller,Bull & Knowl- ton, general agents of the New York and Porto Rico Steamship Company, received a cablegram from Latimer & Fernandez, their agents at San Juan, Porto Rico, to- Gay asking permission to place the British tramp steamship Virginia at the disposal of the American consul, Mr. Hanna, and his family, and other Americans, to take them to St. Thomas, Danish West Indies. The New York agent of the steamship company telegraphed to the State Depart- ment at Washington that the Virginia will be placed at the service of the American consul without delay. Will Charter British Ships. The Ward line having withdrawn its own vessels, which fly the American flag, from service between here, Havana and Mexi- can ports, has chartered a British vessel to sail for Mexico on Wednesday next. 1t has not been decided yet whether this ves- sel will call at Havana. Should hostilities break out it is the in- tention of the Ward line to charter a num- ber of vessels flying the British flag for their Mexican business, and it may be that these boats will make regular stops at Ha- vana. WILMINGTON, Del., April 9.—The E. 1. Dupont de Nemours Company, it is under- stood, has received from the United States government a contract for furnishing $15,- 000,000 worth of powder, and the mills are being rushed to turn out the material as rapidly as possible. Most of the powder manufactured at the mills at present is red, and being more difficult to ignite than the black powder there are fewer explosions, and it can be produced more rapidly by the machinery. The company is building a new mill in the lower yard, and also a machine for the manufacture of prismatic powder, which is to be the largest in the world. The wages of the company’s employes have recently been increased. Launch of the Rowan. SEATTLE, Wash., April 9.—The United States torpedo boat Rowan, the first war vessel built in the state of Washington, has been successfully launched. She was christened by Mrs. Edward Moole, wife of Lieut. Edward Moole, U. 8. N. It is ex- pected to have the Rowan ready for service within two weeks’ time. The Rowan is 170 feet longyand 17 feet wide. Her normal draught is 5 feet and 6 inches. She is a twin screw and has two triple-expansion engines. Her combined in- dicated horse power is 3,300. Her contract speed is 26 knots per hour. Topeka and Somers Sail. WEYMOUTH, Eng., April 9.—The United States cruiser Topeka (formerly the Di- ogenes), Lieut. John J. Knapp in com- mand, and the United States torpedo boat Somers, commanded by Ensign C. W. Hazelton, sailed this morning for the United States. “ Fifteen firemen for the Topeka were ob- tained from the American Line steamer St. Paul at Southampton. All the men on board the St. Paul were eager to join the cruiser. The firemen were taken to ‘Weymouth on a tug by the United States consul, and were put on board the Topeka at 6:30 o'clock yest y evening. Adula’s Charter Canceled. KINGSTON, Jamaica, April 9.—The char- ter of the Atlas Line coasting steamer Adula, which was engaged to take Ameri- can citizens from Baracoa, Manzanillo and two other places in Cuba, was canceled to- day, under instructions from the State De- partment at Washington, through Consul General Fitshugh Lee, at Havana. ——— ‘The West Point Chapel. GEN. LEE LEAVES TODAY, TO DRIVE OUT SPAIN A War of Conquest Not Now Con- templated. American Interests at Havana Tarn- ed Over to English Cengaul. Special Cablegram From a Staff Cortespondent. HAVANA, April 9—Consul General Lee leaves late this afternoon by the Fern for Key West. He has placed the consulate in charge of Mr. Gollan, the British consul. Mr. Barker, the consul at Sagua, and the correspondents will accompany him. This morning Gen. Lee took leave of Captain General Blanco. There fs much interest manifested in Mc- Kinley’s message. City is tranquil. Gen. MERELY THE FREEDOM OF CUBA Lee hi3 sald he does not know when ne| No Immediate Assault on Other will re-urn. PEPPER. . @°CIET REIGNS AT HAVANA. Colonies. Gen, Lee is Ready .to Leave at Any Time. fe 5 = Special Cablegram From a Staff Correspondent. CRUSADE FOR HUMANITY HAVANA, April 8.—The: in Havana The day has passed without excitement. Amer.cans continue their preparations to embark, and tomorrow w_ll leave by vessels which are waiting for them. Consul General Lee has arranged all official matters and can leave whenever he wishes, PEPPER. ———.__ SITUATION AT MADRID, ough calm r-igns As understood in military and naval cir cles, the policy of this government does not involve a war of conquest against Spain. As the President told the representatives of the six great European powers Thurs- day, the sole purpose of this government is to earnestly and unselfishly endeavor “‘to fulfill a duty to humanity by ending a situa- ticn the Indefinite prolongation of which has become insufferable.” Taking this censervative utterance as a cue, it is be- lieved to follow that his message to Con- gress Monday will recommend prompt and vigorous measures for the relief of the de- plorable state of affairs existing in Cuba as a result of the inhuman methods of war- fare adopted by the Spaniards for the sub- jugation of the insurgents. So far as known the President's plan primarily in- volves immediate armed intervention in the interests of peace. Congress, the executive and the people are in perfect accord in the matter and it is confidentiy expected that the represen- tations which will be made by the Preasl- dent in his message Monday will result in the prompt enactment of legislation which will authorize him to employ the entire military and naval strength of the govern- ment for the restoration of peace on the island. Such a course of action will un- doubtedly result in a serious clgsh of arms between the forces of the United S Ss and Spain. It is not expected that Con- gress will declare a general war against Spain and its colonies, but will confine its immediate action to giving authority the employment of the army and navy f the alleviation of the terrible conditions on the island and the resumption of commer- cial relations with the outside world. Not a Policy of Vengeance. Without considering the case of the Maine in this connection, our grievance against Spain has this extent—no more. The Maine disaster is a thorn in our side, but it fs undcrstood that the administra- tion does not consider it in itself as a casus belli, ani it 1s authoritatively stated that the war policy of the United States will not be one of vengeauce on that ac- count. The killing of the 266 Americans on that ill-starred vessel, whether the re- sult of treachery or neglect on the pari of Spanish officials at Havana, has un- doubtedly had much to do in shaping the policy of the administration for the over- throw of Spanish sovereignty in Cuba. There is authority for the statement, how- ever, that no effort at retaliation will be made, except as it may become necessury in the execution of the plans for the res- toration of peace in Cuba. Inasmuch as the ultimate independence of the Cubans will be the inevitable result of successful intervention by the United States in their behalf, and. as Spain has announced its purpose of defending her sovereign rights on the island to the bitter end, the issue is clearly drawn and a conflict at arms is inevitable. To Drive Spain Out of Cuba. The primary aim and rurpose of the Uniied States, therefore, will be the ending vf Spanish sovereignty on the island, and our future military and raval cp rations will be predicated en that policy. ‘The con- Visit of the Ambassadors Varlously Interpreted by the Press. MADRID, April 9, 11:30 a.m.—The politi- cal situation is unchanged. The opinions expressed by the news- Papers are contradictory. Some of them hold that war is inevitable and others hope for peace. The Correspondencia de Espania says the Intervention of powers has produced at Washington an effect favorable to Spain. It adds: “Spain can accept the friendly counsel of the powers to solve the ques- tion, where she cannot recede in front of the American demands.” The Pais is publishing a series of rabid war articles, the wording verging on delir- fum. On its front page today it has the representation of a Spanish lon guarding the Cuban flag, with a@ pig overlooking a partition forned by th> American flag. Un- der the cartoon is printed the remark, “If the grunter wants the flag, come and fetch This sensational paper again announces in startling headlines that there has be2n an attack upon the Spanish embsasy at Washington. As a matter of fact, the Span- ish minister at Washington, Senor Polo y Bernabe, has telegraphed denying the af- fair had any importance, and adding that th2 facts were simply that a few roughs had hooted in front of the legation. —_._. TO TAKE THE FIELD TUESDAY. New York National Guard Expects to Be Called Out. ALBANY, N. Y., April 9.—The impress- sion prevails in the adjutant general's de- partment that the National Guard g€ the state will be under arms by Tuesday next. The department, accordingly, "Js, qarking with that end in view. It is the intention of the adjutant genera] to keep his office open tomorrow. Z As the result of the dispatahes tecelved from Washington yesterday, Col. Griffith, the private secretary of Governor Black, left this morning for Washington. It is said that he will inform the President that in the event of Congress passing a bill au- thorizing the President to call for volun- teers, New York state would furnish the full strength of its National Guard, over 13,000 men. Every organization in the guard is in readiness to respond on twenty-four hours’ notice, and every member of it would vol- unteer for service in the United States army, either at home or abroad. This would permit of the enrollment of all the New York state troops and allow them to retain their present re; ental formation. sos RUMORS asuvur FALSI: THE FERN. Widely Circulatcu aeport That the Vessel Had Been piown Up, Secretary Long this morning put a prompt quietus on the widely-circulaied report thac the Fern had been biown up in favana harbor. He said in response to an interro- gatory that he was very giad to repori that the rumor was incorrect: Subsequentiy 1. was asceraaned that in- quiry on the subject hud becn maue vi Assistant Secretary Hooseveli, and that he replied by telegraph that it was a mete foolish invention. Naturaiiy the story com ing as it did so soon alter the expiosion o1 the Mame created consideraole aiarm, anu it was with a iceling of relief that the cfficia:s learned the tact in the case. Ac- cording to tne latest reports received atl the Navy Depurtiment there are now two naval yesseis at Havana, the tug Fern and the coast survey steamer Rache, both of which will pe used to convey any Americans from Havana to the United States who cannot be accommodated on the regular steamers, ‘The expectation is that they will all leave Havana today or tomorrow at the very latest. The United States then will be without any naval representation in the harbor of Havana. Senor Polo, the Spanish minister, said that he had received no news of any dis- aster to the Fern, and regarded the report as calculated to inflame public opinion. ‘The officials of the State Department are awaiting with much interest today dis- patches from Consul General Lee at Ha- vana which will tell of his ‘safe departure from that city for United States sail. While they do not outwardly manifest amy uneasi- ness, it is apparent that faverable news from Gen. Lee will relieve their minds to a considerable extent. Evidently the story of the blowing up of another vegecl 4m Ha- vana harbor had not reached Bevaga, for at 10 o'clock nothing had been jhear@ fronr Gen. Lee, either as to the rumor @F con- cerning his departure from the . MORE CONCESSIONS PO @SRMANY China Grants Right for »Maljway— Russia Coins Silver. TACOMA, Wash., April 9,—The Griental quest cf Spain anc her co.cnies (cuisile of Cuta) is not 8 contemplated, and the ag- vessive action of this government will end, said, with the term! n of Spanish in Cuba. With that a_comp shed the p.olongetion of hostii ies will cep nd en- trely up.n the futu.e course of tp. Unkss zubsequeat eve..ts should render it necessary, the United States will not wege a gencral wer agvinst Spain nor at- tempt to invade its territory, central or colonial. Ccnsequentty, there is no likelihcod that the Lnited States will initiate hostile oper- aticns against the Spanish colonies in the Fhiippiaes, the Cinar.es or even at Porto Rico, unless such a course becomes neces- sary by the events of the future as a con- sequence of its intervention in the interests of peace in Cuba. Capture of Cuba. It is an open secret that the deliberations of the strategic experts of the army and navy have been mainly directed to secur- ing control of the Island of Cuba as a nec- essary preliminary to the amelioration of existing conditions. This has proved a most troublesome war problem, inasmuch as it involves the subjugation of the Span- ish forces now in control of all the Cuban ports, and the subsequent disposition of an army of 100,000 soldiers in case of their surrender, to say nothing of the care and sustenance of the concentrados. So far as known, the plans of campaign contemplate the seizure of Cuba and the interception of any and all Spanish fleets that may be dispatched to that island. The Philippines, the Canaries and Spain Itself are not factors in the plans except as they may be brought into it by subsequent events. The capture of Cuba has been devolved upon Capt. Sampson’s large fleet now ren- dezvoused at Tortugas and Key West, and Cgnstituting the most powerful aggregation of warships that the United States has as- sembled at one point since the wer of the rebellion. The duty of this squadron will be to invest the island and bombard all porte where resistance is offered. The main portion of the fleet will be devoted to the Japan. 5 capture of Havana. That place is strongly eae a He, oonaees Sp. te. ares fortified and the harbor is a ‘work of say . ie Te bt is fi: - eeisooaattine eS besides way | mines, but no doubt is felt as to its subju- the interior, it would become necessary to serd a large army from the United States to bring them to terms. As prisoners of war, the United States would have to take cere of them until they were released and sent for by their own government. Work of the Flying Squadron. ‘While the main fleet is engaged in invest- ing Cuba, the flying squadron, under Com- modore Schley, will be sp2cially employed in watching and keeping off the Spanish warships at Porto Rico, Cape Verde tslands, Cadiz and other.p'aces. According to latest reports, the best part of the Spanish navy is on the other side of th> Atlantic. The Principal fleet of battleships and cruisers left Cadiz yesterday for the Canary islands, and the torpedo flotilla which has given us So much concern of late has rot yet left the Cap> Verde islands, so far as known. As these vessels are so far away they do not enter into consideration in the events of the immediate future in the vicinity of Cuba. The principal el2ment of danger in the proposed plan for the overthrow of Spanish rule in Cuba is in the big cruisers Viscaya and Oquendo, which were recently at Havana but are now at San Juan, Porto Rico, awaiting the arrival of naval rein- forcements from Spain. Th: flying squad- ron will look after these two vessels, and will probably experience no difficulty in preventing a junction in Cuban waters be- tween them and the flzet of Spanish war- ships. The Trans-Atlantic Vessels. As for the formidable fleets on the other side of the Atlantic no attempt will be made to molest them unless they undertake to interfere in the operations in Cuba, in which event they will find the United States navy fully prepared to give them a warm reception. Although the United States will initiate the war, so far as the-proposed termination of Spanish rule in Cuba is concerned, it will not continue hostilities beyond that point, unless they become necessary by the negressiveness of Spain. In the latter con- tingeney the plan of campaiga will un- doubtedly involve an attack on the Spanish pe sions in different parts of the world, including Porto Rico, the Philippines, the Canaries and possibly Spain iteelf. In mili- tary circles the general opinion, however, 1s that the war will begin and end in Cu- ban waters, and that both countries will cease hostilities when that question has been settled to the satisfaction of the Unit- ed States. eo A MILITARY ADVISER. Gen. Schofield, li in Said, Will Be Ap- pointed by the President. ‘There was an interesting story «float this morning to the effect that the President had decided to designate Licut. Gen. John M. Schoficid, retired, as a miltary adviser to the Executive, the Secretary of War and the commanding general of the army in the event of hostilit Gen. Schofie has been very actively eng: 1 of late in the work incidental to the organization of the national volunteer reserve, which wil! be ready for duty at the call of the Presi- dent. He is now in Washington, and has had several consultations with the Presi- dent and Secretary of War, the latter of whom has given his hearty indorsement to the scheme. By reason of his active ex- perieace in the late war Gen. Schofield would be especially qualified to aid in the conduct of the campaign of the land forces. There is nothing to prevent his assumption of such duties if he was requested to do so by the President. ———-o-—____. HARBOR DEFENSE VESSELS. Senate Subcommittee on Appropria- tions Favors Them. Secretary Long was before the naval subcommittee of the Senate committee on appropriations today, and in response to @ request for his opinion, recommended that three or four harbor defense vessels be provided for in addition to the other items of increase of the navy carried by the bill as it passed the House. He said he thought the vessels could be compleied for $2,000,000 each. The Secretary opposed the proposition to substituie these vessels for one of the three battle ships carried by the House bill, saying that if they were to be provided for at all they should be in addition, leaving the bill otherwise as it came from the House. The committee practically decided to add the defense vessels in any event, but the question of leaving three battle ships in the bill was left ir jefinite. Personal Mention. Mr. Michael Lebarge of Montreal, Can- ada, one of the old telegraph company pioneers of Alaska, and after whom Lake Lebarge is named, is in the city for a few days at the American House. The Rev. Bishop I. W. Joyce, who has just returned with Mrs. Joyce from a two years’ visit to the missions in China, is in the city for a visit of a few days with Dr. H. R. Naylor, 921 Massachusetts ave- hue. Mr. Wm. Carey Maupin of this city, who was in the southern army during the late war, has tendered his services to the gov- er.or of Virginia in the event that there is war with Spain. Melical Director Thomas N. the navy is at the Ebbitt. Lieut. F. H. Sherman is at the Army and Navy Club on waiting orders. Lieut. Lucien Flynne of the navy, re- tired, is at the Raleigh. Lieut. J. R. Findley, 6th Cavalry, is on a visit to the Soldiers’ Home. Mr. Walter M. Brenner of Princeton will pass the Easter holidays at the Ebbitt with his parents, Representative and Mrs. J. L. Brenner of Ohio. Ensign Horace Macfarland of Washing- ton has arrived in the U. S. 8S. Helena from Lisbon at Key West. Mr. Edward L. Katzenbach of Trenton, N. J., and a member of the sophomore class of Princ2ton University, ts visiting his classinate, Mr. Laurance Chambers, 1441 Q street. Senator Wm. E. Mason from Illinois and Mr. Henry A. Castie, auditor for the Post Office Department, will be guests of the Grand Army Club at Willard’s this evening. ——____-e-—______ Local Acts Approved. The President has approved the act of Congress appropriating $530,151 for the heirs of John Roach, deceased, for labor und material, dockage, etc., for the gun- Penrose of ee FOR AN ARMISTICE A Proclamation Being Considered by Spain. ee URGED BY THE EUROPEAN POWERS Unwilling to Grant What This Country Wants. THE SITUATION UNCHANGED > It is learned at one of the foreign em- bassi»s that the Spanish government to- day has under very earnest consideration the issuance of a proclamation deciaring an armistice in Cuba. The measure is be- ing strongly pressed upon the cons:dera- tion of Spain by some of the continental European powers, which have acquainted r embassies with the fact. It is the © of the powers urging this move that by means of this concession war might be averted, although it is realized that the United States may not regard the conces- sicn as adequate to meet the case. The Spanish government, it is said, holds to the position that it will yield everything to avert war, save two things, independ: ence of Cuba and American intervention. It insists that if either of these latter moves is insisted upon by the United States as a sine qua non, and is carried into effect, Spain will regard it as an overt act, and as placing the United States in the attitude of taking the dirst and aggres- sive step toward war. It is because of Spain's refusal to yield on either the in- tervention or independence proposition that the armistice proposal is not regarded as assuring a change in the present look. Discussed in the Legations. The foregoing was the one ray of hope for the peaceful settlement of the Spa nisi situation, and even this could not defi- ritely and officielly verified from admin- istration sources. It was none the less discussed at the foreign establishments 9s the one element promising to break the Ceadlock now existing. While the State Department gave out no information on the subject, yet this was not construed as meaning that it was not acquainted with the peaceful trend of affairs at Madrid. On the contrary, there were intimations that the advices received by the foreign representatives, including some of those representing the continental powers, were along the same line as the information con- veyed tu the authorities here. It was the seneral feeling that the main center of interest had again shifted to Madrid, where all depended on the extent of the con- sions granted. This, however, was qual- ied by the view in the highest diplomatic quarters that an armistice granted at this time would come too late to alleviate the strain between the United States -and Spain, and, moreover, that it would be at- tended with difficulties in the way of se- curing the assent of the insurgents cal- culated to defeat the purpose in view. France Taking the Lend. In the pressure now being exerted at Madrid it is known that the British gov- ernment is taking no part. The extent of British influence, so far as it is observable bere, was exerted when the British ambas- sador joined with the other powers in the presentation of the recent mild note to President McKinley, expressing a hope for peace. Since then the ambassadors and ministers have not considered any further action to be taken at Washington, but all the foreign influence has been directed on Madrid. In this France has again (eken the lead, while at the same time the French ambassador at Washington, M. Cumbon, has been kept constantly ac- quainted with the steps taken by his gov- ernment through its ambassador at Mad- rid. Long cable dispatches passed late last night and early this morning between the French embassy here and the foreign oftice at Paris. Naturally, the nature of these is a profound secret. It is beyond question, however, that they related to the hoped-for solution on the basis of Spain's granting concessions, Minister Polo Silent. The Spanish minister will not discuss the reports of armistice. So far as can be learned, he has no official information. If a decree had been actually issued he would Coudtless be immediately advised. In all diplomatic quarters, up to noon to- Gay, information that the decree had been igsued had not been received, aithoagh it was expected almost hourly. The delay ia its announcement ied to some fear that the ministry at Ma(rid had not yet finally agreed to the concessions. As was stated yesterday, this question of armistice waa vrder consideration by the Spanish minis- ter Wedresday evening, with every pros pect at that time that a decree of armis- tice would be proclaimed, when Minister Woodford’s imperative note to Minister Gullon was received, causing personal of- fense, and for the time being checking the consideration of the armistice decree. Since then Mr. Woodford has withdrawn his note, and the continental powers have cpein pressed Spain to make the armistice, so that the present more conciliatory course of the ministry is doubtless caused by these considerations. ‘The authorities ere would not regard the situation as improved by any decree which failed to include the prospect of Cuban independence or United States in- tervention. There is no doubt whatever that the cuncessicn will not go to the ex- tent of even remotely suggesting indepen- dence or countenancing intervention. A Diplomat’s View. Even the ambassadors and ministers most friendly to Spain doubt whether an armis- tice can exert ary favorable influence at this late day. In one of these quarters it was stated to- day that an armistice was beneficial only when both parties accepted it. In this case, it was explained, the two parties were the Spanish government and the insurgents, 80 that the acceptance by Spain would still Icave the matter open as far as the insur- gents were concerned, with every indica- tion that they would reject it. In thst