Evening Star Newspaper, April 14, 1898, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. pootielimcaat bh aS PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 3101 Feansylvavia Avenue, Cor. 11th 8t, by ee Honing Oe ee Wew York Office, 43 Potter Building. ‘The Evening Star is served to subserfders im the thetc own account, at 10 cents month. Copies at the sy _mail—anywhere in the ited States «r Canada—postage prepald—60 ccnte c.. an see nd-class ma'l matter.) EF All mail subscriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of advertising made known on applicstior- Star. No 14,078. WASHINGTON, D. ©, THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1898-FOURTEEN PAGES. ACTION BY SENATE A Vote on the Resolutions Hoped for Today. ———— EFFECT OF COBAN RECOGNITION ——— President Would Veto Independ- ence of Republic. —. - MAY BE A RECESS The President, it is stated, is satisfied with the Cuban resolution passed by the Hicvse yesterday and prefers it to the Sen- ate resolution. Postmaster General Gary issued a state- nent that employes who enlist will be given leave without pay, their positions to be held for them. Senator Turner in a speech in the Senate en Cuba charged that the delay in sending the President's message to Congress last week was due to the President's waiting the result of papal mediation. Negotiations are in progress in regard to buying the Atlantic liners Paris and New Yerk. The Navy Department will give out no more information regarding the movements of warships. Spanish Minister Polo has made prepara- tins fer departure as’ soon as Madrid in- structs him to leq’ Phe French ambas- Sador will care for Spain's interests. Senator Hoay made a speech in favor of peace. It is said that if a resolution goes to the President recognizing the present Cuban government he will veto it. There is a very strong hope that a vote may be had on the Cuban resolutions in the Senate today. This is, however, con- upen developments yet to come, i is involved in urcertainty. One man get the floor and hold it for a two speech. Sech an act would be re- Sarded as perfidious by many In tke Sen- ate. and ft is difficult to convince any one ing universal condemnation in this way; yet the fact of ability to do this cannot be ignored in calculating on the outlook of the day. The Senate Resolutions. The general expectation is that the Sen- al resolutions will the ones finally adopied—that is, the resolutions reported by Senator Davis. This expectation is indulg- ed in by nearly all the democrats in the House and by the many republicans who have been insisting on radical action. One of th> members of the republican commit- tee appointed some time agg to press for radical action, said this morning that the republicans whom this committee repre- sent agreed to the House resolution for the purpose of hast2ning action, and taat if the Davis resolution was adepted by the Senate these republicans would vote to accept it and it would become the resolutions of Cengress. There are jections to the form of the House resolution eniertainéd by all those Who are eager for immediate action and the expuision of the Spanish from Cuba. It was accepted by them as a basis of action, but their feeling 1s that too much latitude is given the President and that the resoutions are not as skillfully drawn be as are those reported by the majority of the Senate committee. The few senajors who bh been designated as the “peace- @t-airy-price” men are doing their best to orga: a delay. it is doubtful whether they will be, to any considerable extent, successful, in the face of the strong senti- ment they have to contend against. Sentiment for Recognition. In both houses (nctwithstan lirg the vot> in the House yesterday), but especially in the Senate, the sentiment is in favor of the recognition of the Cuban repubiic, and at this hour :t is insisted that the Senate will probabiy insert that recognition as an amendment to the Davis resolutions. If this is done, however, and the resolutions gC to conference, the belief is that the conference of the two houses i agree upon the Davis resolution as re- ported to the Senate. and both houses will agree to this. . A& Possible Veto. It is claimed that there is the authority of the President for the assertion that if either the House resolutions or the ma- jority resolutions of the Senate are sent to him he will sign them promptly and exe- cute them immediately with the use of the army and navy; but that if the recog- ritien of the present republic of Cuba is inserted he will veto the resolutions. It is said that the foreign relations com- mittee are aware of this purpose of the President. ‘The President fv quoted as explaining his position on this proposition to gentlemen who called on him last cvening. He is rep- resented as saying that sympathy, even of England, would be forfeited by this gov- errment if the republic were recognized. The expression “stable and independent government,” he is represented as saying, has been carefully considered and found acceptable, bui that Sir Julian, she British ambassador, has represented to this gov- ernment that the recognition of the pres- ent republic would be regarded by Great . a well as by the other powers, ng encouragement to malcontents among the colonies and possessions of for- eign governments in this hemisphere to revolt, relying on the United States to recognize their independence, however, weak they mght be, if they set up the claim of having a republic. * Would Encourage Revolts, Though no fear might be entertained that this goverrment would encourage such re- volts intentionally, or that dt would give the recognition sought, the fact of recogni- ticn being given to Cuba in advance of in- terventicn might furnish sufficient encour- agement to start revolts in motton. The President is repiesented as saying that he has given assurances that no such recognition will be given, and as declaring that he will veto any resolution inciuding Fecognition of the Cuban republic. The statement of a threatened veto is qurrent remor. The details compiled with the statement, as given above, comes on ‘authority which is gocd, though not abso- Iutely unquesticnable. It is given sanc- tion by the existence of the general belief that the President would not sign a reso- committee Iution of the sort he is quoted as saying he would veto. Members of the majority of the Senate foreign relations committee have been making a canvass of the Senate, and ex- press confidence that the Davis resolutions will be adopted without the Foraker amendment. It is proposed not to have an adjournment, but it is said that there may be a recess so as to permit senators to at- tend Senator Morrill’s birthday reception, he being the father of the Senate. This recess suggestion has not yet taken posi- tive form, and there is a strong sentiment in favor of a continuous sess'on until a vote is had. A Republican Senatorial Cancun. Preparations are being made for a cau- cus of the republican senators to be held today as soon as the situation In the Sen- ate admits of their withdrawing for that purpose or a recess has been taken. A number of conferences have been held by the ultra-conservatives, looking to the adoption of the House resolutions by the Senate. The fact that senators like Elkins and Hanna, who have been for peace at all cost, are urging the acceptance of the Hovse resolution, has excited suspicion of the resolutions among the ultra pro-Cu- bans, and inclined them, almort as a body, to adopt the objections that have been raised by individuals who have made an analysis of the resolutions. It ts sald by members of the House that if there is any doubt or chance for quibble in the House resolution that they would prefer the Senate form, and that the re- publicans of the House committee would not have been unanimous in their support of it if the d theught it subject to evasion on any point. ‘The purpose of getting the repubiicans in caucus is to consider this genersl ques- tion and also the question of time for a vote. Some of the pro-Cuban republicans have warned ths witra peace men that if mpt to delay or to force the House n it will have the opposite effect of that intended, and will result the adeption of the most radical resolution preposed. They say that the peace men had better rest satisfied with the Davis resolution 1f they do not want to embarrass the I’resi- dent with something*less to the liking of the administration. CRITICISE THE METHODS. Yet English Newspapers Acknowl- edge the Right of Intervention. LONDON, April 14.—The afternoon news- papers today print long comments on “the evil of leaving the issue of peace or war in the hands of Congress.” Not one cf the papers, however, questions the duty of the United States to intervene in Cuba. but they are disposed to criticise the meth- eds proposed. The Westminster Gazette says: “The scene fn the House and the Senate's in- sulting report in regard to the Maine are hardly edifying, but they are the inevitable result of the peculiar provisions of the Con- stitution, which disarm the executive and compel the last steps in a most perilous crisis to be taken in blazing publicity. It is impossible not to sympathize witht the indignation of the Americans, and the solemn lectures which some of the British Lewspapers are administering to America are ridiculous. Still, there is a feeling that the two countries are marching to an avoidable calamity. The Pall Mall Gazette expresses the cpinion that the resolutions of the Hous? ot Representatives were the “logical and practical corollary of the message,” add- ing: “The scene in the House was not pretty; but it was quite human. On the eve of War it is natural that people should be exclied.” Referring to the comments of the Times on the situation, the Pall Mall Gazette says: “The committee was not meaning Feace, nor is President McKinley. He has Gone all he couli to that end, end in a way which should secure his fame, but he knows where s.atesmanlike r1noderati_n and tact become weakness.” ‘The other afterncon pepers have but lit- Ue patience with the sermon of the Times. They freely acknowledge that the Amer- icans have shown “extreme patience under the mcst terrible provocation,” eulogize the ervsade against Spanish cruelty, end refer to the newspapers which criticise the United States as being the safe “wito supported the Turks against Armenia and the slave owners against the slaves.” —— PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATIONS. A Local Justice uf the Peace Among the Selection: The President today sent these nomina- lions to the Senate: Frederick Von Baumbach Of Minnesota, to be collector of internal revenue for the district of Minnesota. “To be receivers of public moneys—Wm. J. French of Oklahoma, at Alva, Oklahoma; Thomas P. Kenaard of Nebraska, at Lin- coln, Neb. Luke C. Strider of the District of Colum- bia, to be justice of the peace in the Dis- trict of Columbia. Pay Director Edwin Stewart, to be pay- master general and chief of bureau of sup- pies and accounts {m the Navy Depart- ment. 2 THANKS TO GEN. LEE. Resolution Commending Hix Serviges Introduced in the House. Mr. Ogden has introduced the following concurrent resolution in the House: “That the thanks of the Congress of the United States are due, and are hereby ten- dered, to General Fitzhugh Lee for the un- tiring patience, admirable skill and un- daunted courage with which he discharged the trying, difficult and at times dangerous duties of consul general of the United States at Havanaeduring the pest two years, and the signal succgss with which he protected the interests and rights of American citizens throughout the Island of Cuba and upheld the honor of his country and her flag in the face of-Spanish arro- gance, intolerance and deceit. “That the conduct of the consular force of the United States In Cuba merits the highest praise, and the thanks of the Con- gress of the United States are hereby ten- dered them for their unswerving devo- tion to duty under the most trying circum- stances.” + 2+ ___ Arming Seacoast Fortifications. Genera! Flagler, chief of th> bureau,of erdnance of the army, is bending every e'! to economy in Adjutant der discontinuing further allowance of ammunition for tion of light batteriss of |POLO READY TO GO The Spanish Minister Awaiting In- structions From Madrid. TO ACCEPT NO MORE INVITATIONS View of the Situation by the Diplomatic Corps. WAR DEEMED INEVITABLE —————— The Spanish minister, Senor Polo, has made final preparations for his departure from Washington, but no actual step in that direction will be taken until specific instructions are received from Madrid. Up to the present time th2re have been no such instructions and no intimations that they were about to come, but the preparations fer removal have been completed in view of the obvious condition of affairs. The of- ficial archives, which constity:> the most impcrtant possession of the Spanish lega- tion, have been sealed im readiness to be placed in charge of the French ambassador here. The archives fill a doz-n or more large cases, each protect2d by heavy wire- screened doors. The doors are now sealed up by means of heavy cords s2cured by wex, bearing the official impression of the legation. The transfer of these documents has not been ordered from Madrid, nor hag the foreign office at Paris instructed M. Camboa to r2ceive the archives and act temporarily in behaif of the Spanish gov- ernment. At the same iim2 a call by the French ambassador at the Spanish lega- tion, and a return call by Senor Folo at the French embassy, brought about an under- standing as to what steps would be takan in the event of the retiremen: of the min- ister. Will Accept No More Courtesics. Until today the Spanish minister has continued to accept the social courtesies extended to him, these being numerous, and including the hospitality of caninet officers and others high in the government wervice. In view, however, of the reports of the foreign committees in Congress and of the grave trend of affairs, he has de- cided not to accept further courtesies of this character, as it necessarily involves his coming into close personal relations with publi¢é men who may have partici- pated in the severe, and, in his judgment, unwarranted, denunciation of Spain in offi- cial reporis. It ts the feeling in diplomatic circles that under ordinary circumstances the action in Congress—the report of the two foreign committees and the passage of resolutions by the House, and the character of the de- bate—would make ft incumbent on the Spanish minister to leave without awaiting further events, which are new regarded as unavoidable. But against this it is known that the Spanish government will not, either by the withdrawal of the minister or any other conspicuous step, place itself in a position of having invited a recourse to war. On the contrary, the entire policy at Madrid is to remain passive until the United States not only makes the tender of war, but executes it by unmistakable overt acts. - Spain Will Resist. It has further been developed, as the un- mistakable policy of Spain, that she will resist armed intervention in Cuba as an attack upon her sovereignty. Although un- official suggestions haye appeared in the Inspired press of Madrid that a protest might be made aguinst»that feature of the President's message suggesting armed in- terventicn, no such protest has been made, nor is there any present probability that it will be made. The only certain feature in this regard is that the Spanish cabinet resolved to yield to no pressure, no matter how great, toward American inter- vention in Cuba, but to accept such act of intervention as meaning war. Cardinal Rampola’s dispatch from the Vatican to the foreign office at Madrid, stating that a peace settlement was still likely, is known to have been made on advices sent from Washington two days ago, which in po way reflect today’s con- dition of affairs. ~The advices were sent by Archbishop Ireland, who, at the time of the*dispatch, belleved that the tendencies were more pacific. This, however, was be- fore either branch of Congress had acted. What further views the archbishop has ecmmunicated; if any, to meet-the changed condition of affairs, is not known, but the fact of his advices to the Vatican two days ago are known with circumstantial detail. Prospect of Foreign Intervention. The prospect of European intervention on much more definite lines than has here- tofore been taken Is again assuming tan- gible form. It has not yet advanced to the point of a joint policy, either among the ambassadors and ministers at Washington or at the capitals of Europe. It is indi- caied, however, by the same signs which preceded the recent joint action of the Powers in presenting to President McKin- ley a mild note expressive of the hope of -| peace. Thus far, however, no exchange of notes between the powers has begun, and ‘this will be am essential requisite before the ambassadors and ministera here can act. = At the same ume extendéd dispatches have been sent from the embassies and le- gations reporting the situation here, and there would be no surprise if this led to an exchange of notes between the powers very speedily. It is stated, however, in the highest diplom&tic quarter, that the ex- change wil probably await a-further ap- peal from the Spanish government, similar to the appeal wisich induced the recent ac- tion of the powers. The nature of this ‘ap- peal, it is pointed: out, would be to show that Spain's recent concession, granting an armistice, was made on the joint request of the powers, and taking the ground that as the powers had brought about this ao- tion by Spain they should lend their united influence in seeing that time was allowed to try the efficacy of this concession. It is the belief here that Spain will make this appeal, and that it-may possibly meet with favorgble response, but word has not yet come that the step has been taken. -_- Sentiment Among Diplomats: - The sentiment at the embassies and lega- tions today was that the action In Congress mqde war inevitable, and that little or no’ Petige nar tinge poy at. the. | egn. se as far as it is target practice with the 82 ie0 Geni eae ghancé.remained'to escape from tt. | fhe: 6 to the sevetal foreign offices of Europe, and that it will serve in shaping the action there. At the same time the leading for- eign diplomats express themselves as fully conscious of the. extreme delicacy, and possible harmfulness, which may -attend ary further action by the joint powers ef Europe. They say that while the case was in the hands of the Presidént such action was consistent, but that uow that the case is in the hands of Congress it is dif- cult for any representation to be. made, or to be given effeet, in Congress. It is appreciated also by the leading men of the diplomatic corps thet Congress is extremely sensitive against foreign in- fluences, and that any step by the powers at this time might impel Congress to re- sent such action and to proceed to ex- tremes instead of serving as a check. These are the difficulties regeiving serious consideration, both here and abroad, and they are of ruch a character that the ac- tion of the powers canpot be foreshadowed. Change in England's Position.- It has become evident within the last few days that the repressive influences at first exercised by Great Britain were no longer being urged. On the contrary, Great Britain is at present in the same attitude as France and Austria in holding the view that Spain has made such large concessions that the United States should grant time for their trial. From the Brit- ish standpoint a peaceful settlement is easily poscible, unless the United States insists upon going to war. FIGHTING STILL GOES ON Armistice in Ouba Seems to Have Little Effect. Havana Papers Expre: Deep Resent- ment at the President’s Message —Other Charity Scorned. HAVANA, April 14.—In spite of the Span- {sh decree suspending hostilities in Cuba, it is officially set forth today that “several skirmishes of no importance” have taken place in the provinces of Santa Clara and Santiago de Cuba. A British small craft, gamed the Arrow, was captured some timexago with the five men composing her crew, meag Santa Cruz, by the Spanish cruiser Depen@ient, it being alieged that she was loaded with contra- bend of war. But, owing)to the represen- tations of the British comsul, an order for the release of the vessel’ has gust been is- sued. Advices just received here from the city of Santiago de Cuba say many families have combined to charter a British steamer for the purpose of transporting them to Jamaica until the relations between the United States and Spain become more set- tled. The steamer San Augustin, which,is leay- ing for South American. ports, will have among her passengers many people who are going to South America in-erder to be out of the way should war break out. The American steamer Vigilancia arrived here yesterday and continued on her way to Mexico, No American yessels reached this port,today. Comment on the Message. | The Diaro de la Marino today, comment- ing upon President McKinley's message says; : “It can be termed a pill which McKinley has given the Yankees to swallow, sweet- ened oy intervention powdets. The general topics touched upen are nothing less than entirely inert matter.” Referring to the reconcentredos, the Di- aro de ta Marino remarks? “They do not nced Uncle Sam's help any more, Spain having devoted 3,000,000 pésetas to their assistance. Besides this, the Spaniards of Mexico have given $1,000,000 for the same Purpose. “McKinley should know that Gen. Blan- co has revoked tne reconcentration orders and that all the reconcentrados are going to work in the country and are joining their familics. Then, why this charity dis- play? Is it not to make fools of us? Hu- manitarianism does not set! well on a peo- ple accustomed to read ‘Uncle Tom's Cab- in’ without shedding tears for the negro slaves.” The Diaro de la Marino also says it does not believe there is any {ruth In the “‘ex- tracts from the message wired by Senor Angule, the agent of the autonomié gov- ernment at Washington, quoting President McKinley as saying he considered annexa- tion would be a great crime.” Want No More Charity. The Union Constitucional, touching on the same subject, says: “Do not trouble yourselves about sending any more des- sicated beans.” Referring to the depar- ture of Gen. Fitzhugh Lee from Havana, the Union Constituecional expresses the opinion that he “will not return, because @ man of character, when he determines upon anything, lives up to it.” The French warship Fulton arrived here today from the Island of St. Thomas. Her commander, Capt: Silans, immediately call- ed on the authorities here. The non-arrival of the ateamer Mascotte at this pOft has, it is said, caused a gen- eral feeling of disatisfaction and indigna- tion, it being alt ‘that in failing to ccme she has jated the international pestal*treaty, 3 Commercial houses here, it4e rnnounced, have cabled to Europe 4n omfler to make arnanigements for’ GermagFreach and Ital- jan steamers to britig mailg and rrovis- fons to Havana. FLEET AWAIT ORDERS. TWO CENTS. IN CONSULTATION An Important White House Confer- ence This Morning. SENATORS SENTFOR BY THE PRESIDENT The Latter Prefers the Cuban Resolution. ————— AN EFFORT TO SUBSTITUTE House The positive statement was made at the White House by a caller today that Presi- dent McKinley is satisfied with the resolu- tion adopted by the Hause yesterday, and that he prefers to have that resolution be- ccme the one to which he will have to at- tach his signature. The man who made the statement as to the President's pref- erence rays that Mr. Adams, temporarily chairman of the House foreign affairs committee, told him (also a member of the committes) that the resolution passed by the House was satisfactory in every way tothe President. Mr. Adams, he said, in- timated that the approval of the President had be2n obtained before the resolution was proposed In the House committee. Conference With Senators. An important conference was held at the White House this morning, and the sub- Ject Is believed to have been the question of the Senate and House resolutions. Those engaged were Senators Gorman, Faulkner and Gray, democrats, and Aldrich and Al- Uson, republicans. They had been sent for by the President. They were with the President nearly an hour, and when they left hurried away in carriages to the Capi- tol. They were followed by Senators Han- na and Sewell. The senators admitted that an effort would be made to have the House resolu- tion substituted for that of the Senate when it is passed. They did not, however, Say that the President desired this to be done. Senate Resolution Opposed. That the House resolution is preferr2d by the administration is little doubted today. Several cabinet officials privately express the belief that the Senat> resolution is too radical and somewhat destitute of diplo- matic tore. They think that a little is yet due to the amenities of diplomacy, although admitting that the time for real diplomatic work is now past. Of cours, no criticisms sre made at this time with the purpose in view of obstructing speedy action by Con- gress. It is simply an expression of opinion as to the most suitable of the two resolu- tons. The House resolution, it is held, has hot the dictatorical tone of the Senate's pro- duction and will not grate upon the Euro- pean powers. ‘It fs held that While Its ef- fect is the same as that of the Senate, it is more diplomatic in language, leaving open a few small holes for Spain to crawl out before American guns begin to crack. The Senate resolution, it is further claimed, would be too offensive to Spain to permit that country to pull down her flag even if she desired. Conference With Secretary Long. The President and his Secretary of War walked out of the door of the White House at 12:30 o'clock and were about to enter Secretary Alger’s carriage when Secretary Long, accompanied by Assistant Secretary Roosevelt and Judge Advocate Lemly of the navy, drove hurriedly up. A few words were exchanged on the White House por- tico and the entire party, re-entered the Executive Mansion f6r a conterence of some time. It was stated that Secretary Alger was heard to say that he was about to take the President for a drive to Fort ‘Myer, presumably to witness some evolu- tions there. The conference continued in the White House for fifteen minutes, when the Presi- dent and Secretary Alger emerged and vaiked out of the White House grounds, going north by the west side of Lafayette Park. ‘Che carriage of the Secretary fol- lowed them. In a few minutes they re- turned to the White House, Secretary Long, after leaving the White House, said that he had been talking to the President about the steamers Paris and New York. “A report of the negotiations regarding these vessels was made to the President. a A Possible Veto. Should Congress pass a resolution direct- ly recognizing the independence of the Is- land of Cuba, as proposed in tlie Senate and House minority resolutions, it is strongly hinted that the President might veto it as interfering with his prerogative to do this. He would, it is intimated, con- sider it an encroachment upon his func- tions aid rights, President Will Act Promptly. It is said on good authority this afternoon that the President will promptly sign the intervention resolution of Congress. He will then immediately take steps to carry. out the instructions of Congress. Barring the unexpected, a calculation is made in official circles that a reasonable | program can be figured out leading up to the firing of the first gun enly a few days off. By Saturday night, it,is figured, the responsibility for further ‘movement will again be shifted to executive shouers, and the country will look to the White House instead of to Congress, Congress, it is universally conceded, will. reach an agreement by Saturday moraiag, and the resolution passed will reach the President by Saturday afternoon at the outside. If he signs it as promptly as be- ment. This notification will be an uitima- tum, with. the time limit yet. to be fixed. The time limit will depend larzely on what. Congress. is given Spain a big naval and military demor-straticn will be ordered by the Presi- dent. ‘The naval demonstration will be the most imposing and with the deepest motives in view. No-one thinks the President will order the bombardment of Havana before Spein delivers her answer. The Key West fleet, probably reinforged by that of Com- modore Schley, will be ordered to appear within fighting distance of Havana. There the fleet will await the final order to begin real work. ‘i It would now not be surprising should the fleet ake Its appearance before Ha- vena .by Monday next. Many people be- Neve today that the American flag will be floating over Havana within a weck. Writers on the subject of war say that it is perfectly right for the ageressive country to go to the borders of, or even within, the territory of the opposing coun- try, and await the answer of the latter to whatever demands have been made. Administration circles believe that Spain will not strike the first blow. She will fol- low our steps and act entirely on the de- fensiv2, doing everything possible to gain the sympathy of Europe, the idea being to ultimately gain the aid of some of the Euro- pean countries, Troops Going South. While the naval demonstration is being made around Havana troops will be pour- ing to the southern seaboard for the pur- Pose of being put into Cuba so 30on as the navy has cleared the way, and tc also act in defending the fortifications of southern cities. it is probable that the militia of the va- rious states will be called into service on the very day that the navy is ordered to move. Of course any program at this time is based upon the present outlook. It is purely contingent, but the future appears to be so clearly visible that high officials speculate freely along the lines indicated. —-e+_____ HIGHWAY COMMISSION. Section Three Considered at Meeting Today. The highway commission met in the office of the chief of engineers of the army at the War Department this morning, for the pur- pose of hearing citizens interested in the plan of street extensions prepared by the District Commissioners, in section 3, being that portion of the District outside of the city mits and-west of Rock creek. The commission consigts of the Secretary of War, Secretary of the Interior and Gen. -Wilson, chief of engineers. Several co! munications were submitted. One was from Mr. Lancaster represent- ing the Citizens’ Association of the terri- tory aff2cted, making a general protest against the law under which the proposed munication proterted agaigat tone n: boulevard on the bluffs of the Potemen = Mr. Newlands made an oral argument in favor of a change in the commissioners’ p'ans by which the alternate side streets in the extreme northwestern section of the District might be temporarily om! tfom the plan in order that the blocks ‘fight be ca by the larger and on that account more pesed of. It was finally decided by commissioners to return the maps to th District Commissioners in order to allow them to consider Mr. Newland’s sugges- ticns before final action is taken, the GETTING READY FOR WAR. Orders to District Militia im Anticipa- tion of Early Call. In view of what is considered to be an impending crisis, Brigadier General Geo. H. Harries, commanding the District of Columbia militia, today decided to forth- with take possession of the Center Market Armory, although the building is rot in complete readiness to be occupied by the troops. In accordance with this emer- gency determination, orders were issued this afternoon for the 4th Battalion to as- semble this evening, take possession of the quarters assigned it, and move ite proper- ty to the quarters from the drill hall, where arms, accouterments and the like have been storeg since January 31. The remainder of the brigades, including the 24 Battalion. Sth Battalion, 6th Battalion, Bn- gineer Corps, Signal Corps, Ambulance Corps, Light Battery A, Band Corps of Field Music and general nen-commission staff, will move in tomorrow. When the armory at 446 L street was va- cated in January, the organizations men- tioned stored their property in the 9th street hall, where it has remained pending the re- modeling of ths arcade building for the use of the troops, which have been without a home in the meantime. This condition of affairs happening just at this time has proved particularly unfortunate, and a se- rious handicap to the guard, the and battalions being: unable to hold meet- ings or drills, or to make the necsssary preparations for a possible call to arms. ~ All that remains to be done before tas new armory can be pronounced complete is the placing in poeition of electric light fixtures and steam heating pipes in a por- tion of the structure and @ certain amount ot work in the way of plumbing. As it 1s believed the District National Guard will be performing active duty within a few days, it was thought best to. take pos- session of the armory at once, in order that opportunity and facilities may be had for placing the several commands without Gelay or a footing to take the field. Emergency directions were given this afternoon to hurriedly equip the armory with as many lights as possible, to fit the dcors with locks and to provide for other atsolutely essential details. Extra work- men will be employed, and notwithstanding the presence of the troops, it is hoped to proceed along the regular line and have the armory finished early nex: week. —_e—__. INTERIOR DEPARTMENT CHANGES. Reinstatements, Promotions amd Ap- pointments Anpounced. The following official changes have been made in the Department of the Interior: General land office — Reinstatements: Frederick.A. 5. Mechlin of the District ef Columbia and Thomas H. Carpenter of North Dakota, copyists, $990. sas, clerk, $1,600, to $1,900; Edward C. Fin- ney of 7. $1,200, to $1,400; Judah T. of Kansas, $1,000, 1o0~$1,200; Kanouse of of oft Jacobs" of - special 5 $1,300, to clerk, $1,400; Mrs. Millen Kr ‘Teer: _ The regular permanent Circulation of The Evening in Washington is more double that of any other paper, , whether published in the mort ing or in the afternoon. ? As a medium for unobjec-, tionable advertisements it there- fore stands unequaled and un- j approachable. sf eee SPAIN IS EXCITED The Action of Congress Yesterday - Wakes Up the Dona. NOW REGARD WAR AS INEVITABLE a. Cabinet Minister Declares Spanish Will Not Give Up Cuba. RIOTS AT VALENCIA —_ + —_— MADRID, April 14.—The newspapers here Tegard war as inevitable. The iast dis- patches from Washington have created profound excitement throughout Spain. The Spaniards protest against the “odious im- putation” setting forth that Spanish offi- cers were responsible for the loss of the Maine. It is asserted here that proof can be furnished to show that no torpedoes have ever been laid in Havana harbor. The Official Gazette tomorrow will publish a decree organizing a national subscription to increase the strength of the Spanish ficet. Campos Declines to Talk. Marshal Martinos De Campos, the for- mer captain general of Cuba, is quoted in an interview in the Liberal as having de- clived to express an cpinion on the situa- tion, owing to the fact that it might inter- fere with the course of events. He added that “intervention” and “requiring com- plete freedom" were compromising state- Tents on one side or the other. The gen- eral, however, ventured to describe the situation being most grave. ‘Will Not Surrender Cuba. LONDON, April 14.—According to a spe- celal dispatch from Madrid today a Spanish cabinet minister has declared in an inter view that “should President McKinley nor tify Spain to evacuate Cuba this govern- ment will immediately and emphatically refuse, and will add that it is fully pre- pared to take the consequences.” “The government,” continued the cabinet minister, “does not regret according the armistice, as it has thereby improved its Position from an international point of view, and has made it more difficult for the United States to intervene without put- ting itself completely in the wrong.” Dem tration at Valencia. Another dispatch this afternoon from Madrid says there was a big revolutionary demonstration at Valencia, capital of the Spanish province of that name, yesterday evening. Large crowds assembled, a red fleg was displayed and waved and the “Marseillaise” was sung. The police, it ts acded, dispersed the people who took pact in the demonstration and captured the req flag. Weyler to Lead a Revolution. MADRID, Aprf 10, via Bayonne, France, April 14.—The feature of the opposition press is the endeavor to bring Gen. Weyler to the front and rake him the champion of the cause of revclution, under the guise of a savior of the national honor. The general today undoubtedly hes numerous followers, and even the newspapers which, ever since his return from Cuba, havé violently denounced him, are now lauding the former captain general of Cuba as the one man who can save the situaticn. The Pais, under large head lines, reaf- ing “Great treasoh—Spain is sold,” saysi “It 1s in the atmosphere one ‘breathes. It is on all lips, it is sticking in our throats and palpitating in our hearts. When roo to fight, we have been vilely sold. Yester- day we were men, today we are women. But the country will avenge the treason.” Opposition Has Strength. Then the Pais turns to Gen. Weyler, after having been unfriendly to him for a 1 time, and exclaims: “Gen. Weyler is alone in appreciating the present dishonor. He is backed by numerous republicans, par triotic Carlists, the Robledo conservatives, which party is composed of many senators and deputies and the representatives of the provinces; all the loyal Spaniards in Cuba, with the volunteers, the leaders of the ermy, who blush under the stigma of the armistice, and he will have the support of the masses, who are only waiting for gtide and leader. Gen. Weyler is not al No general and no political personage has more followers today than he has. May, Gen. Weyler not disappoint the hopes of so many patriots.” - ‘The military press is divided in opinion on™ the subject, the Correo Militar admitting, however, that the dacision of the govern- ment to suspend hostilities has had “a la- mentable effect upon the army.” ministers derisively where they will go’ “after making every possible concesssion and yielding even the honor of Spain to McKinley.” A Kick for the Ministry. This causes the Correo to say, that it thanks the ministry “with a con- temptuous kick,” adding: “Our pen falls from our hand as we contemplate th: cow- ardice on one side and the villainy on the other. It is impossible to write of it riously. We must be governed by the Her- maphrodites of Athens, and must hid> tear which runs down the cheek while z § : is 5 i i i F Hil , | nti i i