Nebraska Newspapers

    I
THE OMAHA I DAILY BEE.
ESTABLISHED JUNE 19 , 1871. OMAHA , WEDNESDAY MORNING , .l. 0 , 1898-TWELVE PAGES. LNGLE COPY FIVE CENTS.
IT WILL COME TODAY
President's Long Looked Per Document
Will Bo Given to Oongreta ,
T MEETS APPROVAL OF THE CABINIT
Eeccmmends Armed Intervention , but Sets
No Time.
OrPOSES RECOGNITION OF INDEPENDENCE
foes Not Gall for Immediate Action
Except in Eo'.iof.
CHIIF AIM 13 TO STOP HOSTILITIES
It Will StiKircut Hint Thl * Government
SupervUe the AITulm of the
lulu nil Until 1'fiico U
Fully Hefttored.
WASHINGTON , April 5. That the presi
dent's message will go to'congrcss tomorrow
io the best Iniotmatlon obtainable In Wacti-
Ington this evening , though the kaleidoscope
of International events appears to be moving
BO rapidly at Madrid as to make possible
some now and possibly remarkable change
In tbe aspect of affairs that will prevent this
statement holding good.
The message la. ready , makes about 7,000
words , and has been approved by the cabinet.
It recommends armed Intervention ( but so
far ae known wlihout stating that tills should
be Immediate ) , by tbo United States to prevent -
vent hostilities , and succor for the starving
people.
It makes an argument against recognition
of Independence at this time , and makes It
clear mat In the opinion of the administra
tion It la the duty of this government to
supervise illie affairs of the. Island until In
the ll&lit of fuller Information a stable gov-
eiument can be established.
The day has been prolific of reports of
mediation on the part of the European pow
ers , but a summary of all news on this point
la that the powers of Europe cannot agree ,
and that their Interference would be unac
ceptable to the government of the United I
States.
The safety of General Leo and of consuls
and other Americans In Cuba Is a matter ol
concern to tbo State department , but adv'ces '
from General Lee Indicate that the trans
portation of all Americana from Cuba would
take some tlmo and apparently showed tuiit
ho did not ahare fully In the apprehension
felt here.
Throughout the day nusiml activity wit
manifest at the foreign < mblej au'l ' lega
tions representing the great powers ol
Europe. These representatives are the BritIsh -
' Ish ambassador , Sir Julian Puuncefote ; th <
French ambassador , M. Carabon ; thoGermar
ambassador , " Dr. von Holleben ; the Itallar
charge d'affaires. Count Vlncl , and the Aus
trlan minister , Mr. von Hengenmuller. Theac
officials were kept fully tiuvUed and it wat
expected that a concerted movement -nouk
bo made almost any moment. nc
AMBASSADORS CONSULT.
. 'About midday the British ambassadoi
went * to the French embassy and conferred
with M. Cambon on the situation. Again al
5 o'clock it was understood that the FrencT
ambassador and .Austrian minister conferred
with Sir Julian at the British embassy.
But while the conferences were thus golnf
on , and apprehension was keen over an an
tlclpated move. It could not be learned ui
to a late hour that any actual offer of mcdl
atton had eventuated.
The German ambassador , Dr. von Hello
ben , appears to bo { he only one not actlvel ;
participating In the conferences today , bu
there Is reason to believe he Is kept full ;
advised on the sentiments at Berlin concern
Ing the Spanish situation.
Accompanying the diplomatic comment
wes an undercurrent of suggestion that de
velopments In Cuba were not unlooked for
and that the pressure of the powers and th <
pope on Spain might yet bring about' Hi
armistice In which both Spain and the in
surgents would participate.
Viewed from an official standpoint here tli
time for that has gone by and there Is lltt :
likelihood that the Insurgents could bo ti
duqcd to lay down their arras even for
time.
The Spanish minister , Senor Polo y Bei
nabe , did not take part In any of the dlpli
roatlo conferences , nor did he have occaslo
to v'stt ' the State department during the da ,
If the negotiations have taken any nw d
rectton , It has been Minister Woodford ar J
the authorities at Madrid , and not at Was !
ington.
At the capltol today tremendous effort wj
nwlo to have congress support the outllni
policy of the president. A general ballet w.
expressed , when the house adjourned , that
majority of the house committee on forcli
affairs was ready to support Mr. McKlnley r
plan , and the impression prevailed that
resolution In Hue with the recommendatloi
of the president would be reported from tl
committee.
There Is a great dm ! ? uncertainty regari
ing the senate committee.
An Important conference of conservatii
senatom wan held during the day , when
was determined that'in case the foreign r
lationa committee did not , report in accori
anco with the president's recommendatloi
there would be a long debate on the resi
lutlon , and unanimous action by the sena '
could not be expected.
General 'Miles ' said toJay that the on
regiment thus far ordered to Chlckamaiij
was the Twenty-fifth regiment of colored I
fantiy , and so far as the present lutentloi
are concerned they are to slop there on
temporarily on their way to Key West ai
Dry Tortugas , to which place they we
originally ordered about ten days ago.
KEEPS IN TOUCH WITH LEE.
There was no cabinet meeting at tt
White Houeo today , but several of the men
bora spent the evening with the , preside )
nd Mrs. McKlnley. There were present Se
rt-tarr and Mrs. Bliss , Judge Day and Mr
Day , Secretary and Miss Long , Attorm
General Grlggs and Secretary Gage. Repr
tentative Cannon and Charles Emory Srnll
called In the course of the evening.
There have been no further communlc
tlons with Madrid , but tbe president hi
kept in touch with General Lee and Gener
Woodford.
Atslatant Secretary Day was present , ar
messages passed , but of their source or ten
nothing was given out.
The administration confesses anxiety i
to the situation In Havana , and consta
communication Is kept up with General L
la fear of a possible outbreak. It is thoug
vwr 1.000 Americana will be eager to lea' '
Havatxi tomorrow. To care for thta crowd
there arc the Fern , the Bache and the Man
grove , all government vessels , and the pas-
senior steamers Ollvetto and Maecotte.
Whether any armed versel from the Key
'West squadron will be at hand tomorrow
when the exodus begins could not be learned ,
but it was Raid at the White House : "Alt
Americans wilt bo well cared for. "
It wes definitely stated by the cabinet
officers tonight that there was no thought
of delaying the president's mccsage beyond
Wednesday.
DIFFERENCE OF OPINION.
A debate which occurred In execu
tive session of the senate this
afternoon would Indicate that no mat
ter what was the character of the resolution
to come from the committee on foreign re
lations , It would cause a serious and per
haps prolonged discussion.
It emphasized the fact that there are two
elements in the senate. One for Intervention
with Independence , ahd the other for Inde
pendence alone , and these two factions will
fight for their Ideas.
The rotations of the United States with
Spain were the uppermost topic In the exec
utive session , and constituted the subject of
many conferences among senators. The activ
ity was due to the announcement ( hat the
president's message would recommend the
adoption of a policy looking to Intervention
In Cuba on the part of the executive branch
of the government , rather than the recogni
tion of Independence , and to an effort to
make smooth the way for reception of such
a report.
The executive session was devoted to a
general discussion of the policy to bo pur
sued toward Spain , and developed the fact
that much opposition would be made to the
acceptance of a policy In line with the pres
ident's desires.
Senator lAJIen made a long speech pre
dicting much dissatisfaction In the country
at largo with a policy on the part of the
executive that did not go to the extent pt
giving the Cubans their entire Independence
from the mother country.
Senator Allen was followed by other
speakers In the same line , and the fact was
made evident that If the committee on for-
clzn relations should bring In a resolution
merely complying w.ith the president's re
quest , and stopping short of a declaration
for Independence , there would be an effort
In the senate to amend it so aa to accom *
pl'sh ' this end.
Indeed the announcement was made b ;
more than one senator that he would offei
such an amendment , and by many that the :
would suppoit an effort In the direction o
adding the Independence declaration to i
resolution providing simply for Intervention
URGED NOT TO YIELD.
The committee was therefore urged note
to yield to the wishes of the president , bu
to stand out strongly for complete action
Tbe policy of the president for executive In
tervcntlon only was criticised as one whlcl
would place the entire question In the hand
of tho-president , and thus lea've the matte
where It now Is , except that It would be
voluntary rellnqulshment of the right of cor
grees In the premises the right among otti
ers to declare war.
The greater part of the speech making wa
In opposition to the executive , and no on
attempted to outl'ne the probable action' c
the committee. There was also a recurrene
to the Intention of the president to wlthhol
the Cuban.consular report , and a suggestlo
was made that It this matter was of
character too Inflammable to permit Ita boln
made public , it be given tbe senate In oecrc
session.
A resolution was offered that tbe entli
Cuban question be considered behind close
doors , because of the probable utterance
which would afford Information to the enera ;
This wan debated but without reaching
conclusion.
While the senate was In executive Bessie
a formidable element of the senate was coi
sldeclng what should be done In case rea
lutlons should be reported providing for rei
ognltlon of Independence. This faction we
composed of wbat was known as the ccnsei
vatlve clement on the republican side of tl
senate.
IThe conference was held in Senati
Aldrlch's committee room , and among thci
present were Senators Hanna , Platt , Spoone
Halo , .Fairbanks and Aldrlch. Senatcc All
son was also there for a brief time.
A general purpose was expressed to o |
peso the adoption of a report rc-ommcndlr
ho recognition of Cuban Independence ai
which did not confine luelf to the suppo
of the president's recommendation for Inte
ventlon only. This position was taken b
cause of the generally expressed tonvlctlc
° "
among the senators present that In caie <
m war with 'Spain and the triumph of tl
armies of this country this country shou
be left free to dispose of Cuba as It mlgl
see proper.
LACK CONFIDENCE IN THE JUNTA.
Many of them expressed dlesatlsfactl (
Cj ( I with tbe present Cuban administration ai
as the opinion was broached ihu the rccogn
a tl'jn of Independerce ai th's ' time would bli
3U the United States to the support of tl
> 8 Cuban administration and to guaranteeing I
bonds , giving to the Cubin junta a posltli
of influence and power , to which It was nc
n3
he In their opinion , entitled. ' Hence a dcclsti
was reached to labor w'lth ib.5 committee i
a- foreign relations not to rcpcrt a resolutli
with a double purpose , and the Intention w
cxpic.'ised on the part of fion.c to oppose 1
. . a'Joptlun if reported.
In accordence with the action of thin met
Ing , Senators Allison , and Aldrlch bad
prolonged conference later with Senate
ns
Davis , Fryo and Lodge of the commit !
on foreign relations. These members of t
e
foreign relations committee were able
. aeeure the others that no effort would
made to report the resolution tomorrow ,
ga the same day on which the message shou
n" bo received ; but they could not give t
same assurance as to the character of t
resolution.
They did not conceal from their vlsltc
the fact that the committee already h
agreed upon a resolution providing both 1
Independence and Intervention , and that
might bo difficult to change the recommend
tion. But on uhla point no one could spe
definitely until the committee could con )
cand the visiting senators were compel !
to withdraw without receiving any very e :
Ufactory assurrances.
The prevailing opinion among senators
th that the committee will recede from Its j
tltlon both from independence and Inti
avention , and report a resolution In accot
a * ance with the prcttldent'e recommendatl
al for intervention alone , but tliU Is not ci
tain.
ad Of the three member * seen , all classed
or pro-Cubans. Senator Fryo announced hi
self as satisfied with intervention. Anoth
as Senator Foraker , announced that he woi
nt not favor the change ; a third , Senator Day
ee refused to commit fclmself. Senator Led
bt had previously said he would support I
V * presided' * posUioi
SETBACK FOR MEDIATION
England Declines t ) Be a Party to Any
Bach Bchtme.
GIVES CCLD SHOULDER TO PROPOSITION
Considered to Put a Qnletns on the
riiuiM of the 1'otrerii Ileuly
of Greut llrltnln Is
Definite.
LONDON , April 5. The move of the pow
ers of Europe for a Joint offer of mediation
between the United States and Spain linj re
ceived a sevcro and probably fatal rcbult In
the form of a definite refusal upon the part
of Great Britain to participate In It.
Many conflicting and crroneoua bints re
garding this scheme -to brlug the Spanish-
American quarrel within the Jurisdiction of
the "concert of Europe" have been tele-
giathed from the different European capi
tals. From the highest authority the Asso
ciated Press bas obtained an outline of the
details of the movement , as learned by Lon
don diplomats. The project Is distinctively
of Spa tilth origin aid was set on foot by
two Influences , official and personal , the
former requesting the good offices of the
chancellors to prevent wai1 , while the queen
regent attempted personally to Influence the
sovereign.
HOME , April 5. It Is authoritatively said
that the pope's proposed terms arc such as
cannot bo accepted by Spain and supported
by the United States minister , General
Woodford , In forwarding them to President
McKlnley.
The pope's Initiative ID based wholly on
the fact that Spain , when it asked for the
good offices of the powers , also asked for
the pope's good offices. The Interposition of
the pontiff has thus far been confined to
efforts to bring about an armistice between
Spain and the Insurgents.
NO SUCH PROPOSAL MADE.
WASHINGTON , April u. Regarding the
intervention of the pope between the United
Statey and Spain It can be again reiterated
that no such proposal has been made to this
government , and that If there Is to be papal
mediation It must bo between Spain and thu
Insurgents , and that any suasion the Vatican
can exert should bo directed at Madrid.
Archbishop Ireland was in Washington last
week and Informally , knowing no formal and
direct proposition would beat all acceptable ,
personally , as stated by the Aoaoclated Press
last Friday night , urged tbe president tc
adopt as pacific an.attitude as possible , bul
as stated , did not go beyond this.
Archblatiop Ireland came to the State de
partment at 12:30 : o'clock. He evidently had
arranged for the call beforehand and was ex >
pected , foe1 he was shown at once Into As
sistant Secretary Daj's room. To reporter *
who asked his mlreion Archbishop Irelani
was evasive and said he slinpiy cumo t (
pay his respects. Assistant Secretary Da ]
catd at noon that there had ) een no media
tlcn or Intervention of other powers , materla
or moral.
It Is understood that the tenor of thesi
communications was to the effect tha
European Interests are tb-cateaed by wha.
Spain terms "the pretensions cf the Ualtec
States to the right to Interfere In coloala
matters. "
AUST1UA AVOULD CAL/L OFF SPA1X
a
Attempt to > Make- the Proud CtiHtlllnn
Come to Time.
( Copyright , 1S98 , by Tress Publishing Company ,
BERLIN , April G. ( New York World Ca
_ Megram Special Telegram. ) Great Intcres
Is excited.In . diplomatic circles here by
well authenticated report tonight that th
emperor of Austria Ia.cxcrtlng every effoi
to bring precsuro to bear on Spain to acced
to the American demand all along the ilni
and hope Is not altogether abandoned <
Spain finally yielding. The Austrian coui
assured Spain that In the event of war tli
Spanish dynasty would be wrecked. A !
though expressions of sympathy for Spal
find utterance here. I can state positive !
that the German foreign office Is purauln '
a lice of the strictest neutrality. There- i
no truth in the allegation that papal media
ttcn was Initiated by Germany. Papers ti
night are warm In their expressions of at
miration of McKlnley'a statesmanship.
ROME , April 5. ( New. . York World Cabli
gram Special Telegram. ) I learn from hlg '
authority that the pope's Intervention w <
brought from a latent personal Idea Into a <
tuatlon by suggestions from the emperor 1
Austria , and the proposal of a Cuban armii
tlce was urged by the pope'a nephew , Camli :
Peccl , whosj wife is a wealthy Cuban woma :
The pope now realizes that an armistice
almost Impossible to arrange with the gue
rlila warriors and the conditions concernlr.
It proposed by Spain , namely the withdraw ,
of American wen-of-war from < Cuban wate :
and a momentary abeyance of the question i
Cuba's Independence , will certainly bo r
Jected by the United States. He Is accon
Ingly down-hearted.
MADRID , April 5. ( New York Worl
Cablegram Special Telegram. ) Even Spai
Ish papers now publleh telegrams from Ron
fully explaining that the whole scheme i
mediation originated In an exchange i
views on tha subject between Cardinal Ran
polio , Delegate Martlnelll , In Washlngtoi
as and Archbishop Ireland , the latter two leai
Ing the pope to believe the president wou
perhaps accept his mediation It exerclst
to Induce Spain to make a concession t
the basis of such assurances aa the pope ma ?
> rs
officially on Sunday. Tbe suggestion of mi
diatlon was at once accepted by the rcgei
e
and her ministers and then the Vatican dre
°
. up the official mediation , which was sent
e
Madrid Monday , but has. not yet been r
. . ceived by mall. At the eame time Instuctloi
were sent by Cardinal Rampollo to Inelai
and Martlnelll to sound the disposition <
the president with a view to overt the ru ;
ture that Is Imminent and gain time to seu
aj ( a suspension of hostilities In Cuba tlirouf
, the eft or to of the insular government w !
Qr
the Insurgent chiefs and with the full aase :
la _ of the Madrid government. The P9pe seen
alj to have Imagined that If a suspension of ho
cr tllttles could be thus reached both Spain at
ej ( the United States would approach tbe cxar
lt _ inatlon of a settlement of all the issues
the Cuban question in a more conclllato
spirit.
Tbe characteristic feature In this- nov
stage of tbe crisis la the spread of tbe idi
d- among all closvca that Spain Is e teri
don thus Inevitably upon a revolution to prcpa
public opinion for a very radical settlemet
of the Cuban question. This would have fir
as popular and patriotic feeling a year ago , b
does not excite now In the governing class
er , or even In the molKes tne tame Tnterei
ild A great Caitlltan statesman once told me ;
lo , "Our race bas more dignity and /ielf-pc
session than other Latin nations and o
Moorish Invader * left io our people son
hat of lb eastern ( kt Uip
proud countries view'wKh stolctun that
which could not be belped.f
rrhla applies to tbe prcsrnt situation won
derfully In some jupcclifi though Herado ,
El Liberal and republics * papers are be
ginning to try to fan p' lralar and patriotic
feeling against mediation if It were calcu
lated to lead the "way In the direction Advo
cated lately by the bishop of Barcelona , the
personal friend of Cardinal Rampolta , who
coolly admitted the po-telulltty of the ccsulon
of Cuba. ARTHUR E. HOUGHTON.
MUCH AXXIKTY EXISTS IX MAUUID.
All Seem to Pin Their Fnllh to Pnnnl
Mediation.
Copyright , 1S98 , by Frew rub'.lihlng Company. )
'MADRID. ' April 5. ( New York World Ca-
' .egiam SreJ o ! Tihgram. ) Independent pa-
eis having the largest circulation , Hcraldu ,
mpirclal , Liberal , ha e again today broke out
gainst the government on patriotic grounds ,
ttemptlng to make oit ) that some members
if the cabinet are disposed to go farther In
onccsj'lor.s ' than their collcagues , especially
ho war mlnlatcr. All military men and
popular wntlment would consent to the cull
'or immediate and energetic resolutions , they
having arrived at the pqlnt where they will
ndulgo In no more Illusions , a ? mediation
s meaningless In the eyes of America. An
rmlstlce Is condemned by all competent
authorities as detrimental to the Spanish
cause , and a mere ttepplng , stone to more
humiliating conceesloriyor more dlsad\an-
: ageous conditions. They give the pope to
understand that his good officeo are una
vailing unless favorable ; to Spanish vlewe.
Pessimist Impressions are dominant to
day , both In political and official clrclca ,
and the press this evening Is In visible un
certainty and more anxiety than yesterday ,
because everybody feels uneasy about the
line of conduct of thoi president and the
Amerloan congress. Ministerial papers ad-
VE > B people to expect nothing fresh until to
morrow.
The French , Austrian and German ambas
sadors today held long conferences with the
minister of foreign affairs , ho nuncio alac
today celebrated conferences with the prin
cipal ambassadors. The government Is mucl
pleased to hear by Marshal Blanco how th
Cuban autonomist provisional governmcnl
has sent a message of peace to the Insur
gents , Inviting them to suspend hostllltlct
and holding out such ample promises of ex ;
tension of home rule , both meeting with tht
full approbation of tho.home , cabinet. Ii
financial circles there laj great enthusiasm
The monejed classes and speculators are ar
dently wishing for the iJi/cccFS / of mcdlatloi
fo the best plan for pajlng t'ho ' way to i
tettlement cf the Cuban ijuci'tlon on a Ibasli
that will put a stop to further sacrifices Ii
money on the part of Sp-iln and rid her o
the burden of Cuban debt.fhlfted by media
tlcn or diplomatically upSn the aluuldera o
Cuba herself or her patfons. Seldom hav
financial circles and thb moneyed classc
bsen so plain spoken in bxprcsstng a deslr
trf ho rid of the drain" ' In the way of cxpendl
turo upon Spanish fTnances. Four per cent
were quoted today at fr'cm 57 to 69.25 ; ex
terlor from 67 to 72,50. Cuban bonds loa
4 points. Exchangee re , weaker and Parl
drdpped 1 point. * * *
AtlTHUIt E. HOUOHTON'- '
cnuisEns Aiutiyab A-IS POHTO nice
Vlicuya tina * 'Oiineitdo , Shhw Un n
.Spnlii'M Other iHlnud.
( Copyrlghti JS98 , by 1'reia Publishing Company.
SAN JUAN DB.PORTO HICO April 6.-
( New York'.World Cablegram Special Tele
gram , ) Th Spanish cruisers Vizcaya an
Almirante Oqucndo-which called from Ha
van a last Saturday , arrived here toda ;
Their oflU-ers were much surprised to hea
that the Spanish torpedo flotilla , duo 'aoi
tomorrow , had been .turned back to the Car
Verde Islands by storm. Spanish officers ai
secretive. It Is ibellcvedthere that the tw
big war ships were to act as convoys fc
the torpedo fleet and tlmt both would ba\
attacked the United States at or near 'Kc
West.
Active preparations arc going on here. Tli
place Is being fortified. No .American Is j.c :
mltted near the forts or war ships. A coi
respondent named Halstead has been a
rested , charged with beln'g a spy In the ex
ploy of the United States. He was caugl
'B photographing the fortifications. The cat
looks black. The English consul Is tndl
l"
fcrcnt. Halstead was required to select
lawyer for defense from a list of officers pr <
senteJ by tha Spanioh "authorities. ThU
a customary SpanUrh method. Halstead r
B'
fused and appealed again to the British coi
eul. Halstead may bo transported or Ir
13 prisoned In a distant Spanish colony. Tl
p" censorship of dispatches la very rigid.
01
GEORGE BRONSON REA.
3-
3n. ! o MISSIOX OP couirr is FIMSHEI
n.
n.Is Xuvy Ueimrtment , Autliprlrf n It * Uli
WASHINGTON April 5.2-The last chapt *
al in the history of the courj of Inquiry , whlc
Investigated the loss of the battleship Malm
of was written at the Navy department toda
in the form of a letter to Captain Sampsoi
i- commanding the North tUlantlc squadroi
notifying him that , the department had K
further Instructions to give In regard to tt
worls devolvlnc upon thd court and authoi
izlne him at his discretion to dissolve tl
court and thus end Its onTclal existence.
3I y Yetet' the O'HlKfrln * .
( Copyright , 1898 , by 1'rcsa Publishing Compans
NEWCASTLE-ON-TYp E. April D. ( Ne
York World Cablegram < 3trc-U Telegram. )
The O'HIgglns , the Chilian cruiser , has be (
taken over tonight by thChilian naval cor
mlttee without undergoing epeed or gt
trials. A tempting offep from Command
Brownson Is l.elng considered. The vcss
nt ma ? but ls not exPectea' . sail immediate !
Communications are passing between tl
. Chilian agent In Parh. Adn-lral Urdlban
and Commander Browruoa , and It is bellevi
by the Chilian oayal comu.Ieslon here th
Us acquisition by the Uji'ltod Stales Is en
a question of price. The hjlian govcrnme ;
Is understood to be also treating with Sral
playing off one government against tl
other. I
Troona Held ta.f
qHEYENNE. Wya8 M rll. 5. ( Special Te
egram. ) The commacdfDg officer of tl
Eighth United States Infantry , station
ad here , receive ! cipher 'orders tonight to ha
the'reglment ready to move upon the recel
of additional orders. The
of. * , nececsary stor
ry and rations have been Issued and the ref
ryel ment la Ui readiness to leave the post shou
el orders bo issued in a few hours' time.
ea - Government VemeU at Havana.
r
* HAVANA , April 5. The Bache and t
Blake arrived thla morning front Key W <
to take American citizens to the Unit
ed IStatea who desire to leave tbe Island ,
ut now appears that the yellow fever prol
ee bltlons are modlfled In Florida only so {
St. aa American * ' are'concerced.
Frrnch 'Aaabassador at Work.
MADRID , April 5. The- French ambati
ur dor , M. Patenotre , has hail a long cond
ence with the mloUter of foreign affal
PLENTY OF MONEY FOR WAR
National Treasury la in a Pirat-Olags
Condition >
COUNTRY'S ' VAULTS FILED WITH GpLD
Condition * Xow AreViiftily Improved
Ultou What They Were nt the
Tluie of ( lie Onthrenk of
the lleliL-lllon.
\YASHINGTON. April 5. "While the
Navy and the War departments have neces
sarily been much In evidence In the making
of preparations for the posvlbly Impending
conflict between the United States and
Spain , " said Assistant Secretary Vanderllp ,
"the Treasury department has not been be
hind In giving clorc attention to what Is
quite as essential nj battleships , namely , the
national finances an they relate to war.
"Recently ex-President Harrison said : 'The
Treasury department Is the steam plant
from which all other departments get their
power. ' i
"While battleships are being overhauled ,
repaired and made icady for action , the offi
cials of the Treasury department have been
going over -power-generating establish
ment of the government , looking Into the
history of past conflicts , seeing what Its
organization Is capable of , mcasuilng new
conditions and generally making complete
preparations for speedy action In case of ne-
cctslty. When war cornea new Influences
operate upon the public revenues.
"Tho flrt't boom of cannon Is a call for In
creased resources , and Is likely to be fol
lowed by sharp decrease In ordinary receipts.
Fortunately at no time since the civil war
lias the United States treasury occupied BO
strong a position as It does now , with the ex
ception , pceslbly , of the turplus days of
1883-90.
" 'Tho circulation statement of the depart
ment Issued April 4 shows that we have an
cnormouD stock of gold In the country , al
most $730,003,000. Of this the United States
treasury holds $176,000,000 net gold. We are
$75,000,000 above the traditional reserve
maintained for the redemption of the United
States notes and the notes of 1890 , and the
tendency Io toward an Increase at the rate
of $200,000 a day. About 10 per cent of the
customs receipts are being paid In gold.
CONTRAST OF CONDITIONS.
"Contrast the condltlcn of the government
at the outbreak of the civil war. July 1 ,
1861 , the United States treasury had but
$2,862,000 In gold and scarcely any other
kind of money. Today our cash balance of
$226,000,000 Is 77 per cent in the yellow
metal.
"In 1861 , from August to November , the
treasury had to resort to the associated banks
of Now York , Pulladelphla and Boston. The
banks of these cities .held only a email
amount In gold"and they furnished practi
cally $150,000CCO In gold to the treasury.
'Tb - spverrrment'lheri ' 'began Its paper
Issues'and , these gilded to' the atraln on the
bonks' specie reserve , and resulted in the
Guspenslc-ia'cf specie payment by them in De
cember of that year.
"The sltuatkti between that period and the
present Ls in marked contrast. Of the great
stock of gold in the country , the national
banks alone hold more than $220,000,000 ,
Since the dloaster to the Maine In Havana
harbor banks throughout the whole country
have quietly pursued a policy which , with
out disturbing business , has made then'
financially strong , not less Important to th <
country's welfare than Impregnable fortifi
cations and coast defenses.
"Since February 19 , the week of the Malm
dlraster , the New York banks have reducei
their loan accounts by $50,000,000 and at th <
fame time t ° y have Increased their cpcck
holdings by $25,000,000.
"Tho contraction In the lean Item rep
resents to a considerable extent liquidation
at the stock exchanges , end the sale o
sterling exchange collateral , but back of I
all there has been the strong tendency ti
It fcrtlfy against the uncertainties of the fu
e MC3.
f- "What Is true of New York banks Is gen
a erally true of tanks throughout the country
Their policy for six weeks has been to pre
pare for a strain , and it would seem the ;
are well provided for all contingencies.
ADDITIONAL REVENUES NEEDED.-
"But notwithstanding he strong position o
the government and of the moneyed instltu
tlons of the country , there would , in an ;
sort of a conflict , soon bo a necessity fo
additional revenues. This has given gr.iv
concern to those charged with the admlnls
tration of the finances of the government
"Unquestionably if war should come ou
first duty should bo the placing of the na
ttonal treasury on a war basis. Expsdltloi
In this direction is of the utmost impor
tance. Wo have already noted the cxporienc
of a little delay In passing a tarlff bill
which resulted in abnormally heavy Importa
tlons to such an extent that no : until
month ago did the new tariff begin to gl\
promise , cl a' sufficient revocuo to supper
the government.
"Since , however , a resort to Increase
taxation is , when accompanied by the utmoc
expedition , rather a slow process , thcr
should bo some means existent whereby th
government could ralso funds more speedll ]
"A temporary loan for say $100,000,000 , t
'bo ' made In the form of treasury notea , lire
in Ited to a time not longer than one ytar , t
hear interest at the market "ate , might io : c
great benefit to the government in an enter
gency. Such authority was asko-l tor by th
president when ronnre i convened. Th
treasury boa ample facilities and egencles fc
financing such a loan. V/ttU tae recett-ar
authority a loan for that amount would b
subscribed , it Is believed , with rapidity.
"Ita \ believed by the best authorities th :
a long tlmo loan could be negotiated amen
our own people for an amount as large c '
$500,000,000 , eay at 2 per cent. In the preset
state of finance such bonds could be. neg (
tlated among our own people at par.
INCREASE REVENUE TAX.
"Loans of these kinds , to take the plac
of the necessarily slower means of raisin
money by taxation , might be followed b
some Important Increases In interenal revc
nue schedules , os well as some additions t
' ' * the items of the cuatome tariffs.
Id
"We have been looking into the operatic
of the Internal revenue act in force in 1861
It produced during that fiscal year revenu
he to the amount of $310,000,000. Of course
et IB not probable at all that there would be
ed return to the heavy taxation of those time ;
It We would not have to make the effort note
Liar to raise $310,000,000 a year that was mad
ar la 1SG6. We have doubled our populatlo
since then , and more than doubled In wealtl
"The Internal revenue schedules In fore
a- at this time subject to taxation dlatllle
aT
T- spirits , fermented liquors , tobacco and enul
oleomargarine , filled cheese , opium an
playing cards. These Iteme t e VM.t JUci
UUP Today.
.Mediation.
.Money for War.
by Spain.
1 ! Clilnn l.lnMe < > Co11nt e.
Hot Ciiliitn llebnte In ( hi * Senate.
Sltnlin StiiMVM Sinn * Of CrnMflnlilnir.
n The * HeeV Speelnt XelmiJikn \ < MVH.
Itenrn * from .MintU'lpnl Klectlonii.
Supreme Ctinrl Slt Today.
Iloleomh Won III Succeed Holeonili.
Affair * nt South Oninlin.
4 Kdltorlnt ntul Comment.
B Senor PoloYenrnn for 1'eace.
Affair * or the Grit nil Trunk. |
'
( I Council III u IT 'l.ocnl ' .Mutter * .
( Jeiiernl lonn Xe Item * . I
7 Xe from ( he Further Went.
Decker Will Come ( o Omitlui.
H Imtenl Xetrw of ( hc > i\iioj : nion.
I'roeeedliiK * of ( he- City Council.
O Itctlcw of Current PiihlleutloiiB.
1'ort Arthur Hoiite mill llniiilin.
SchllfK Will Itullil a. TheiKer.
11 Commercial mill Plnnnelnl New * .
12 "The Tent , " liy P. Y. Itlake.
Teuiiiernture lit Oinnhiii
Hour. IK-tt. Hour. Dew ,
5 n. in 27 1 p. in : m
O n. in I'll 2 11. in
7 a. m 27 a | i. in : il >
S n. m 2T 4 ] i. in
n. i 211 n ii. in : t
10 a. m : ti : i p. in an
11 a. m. . . . . . 'in , 7 p. m : tn
12 ill U7 N | i. in IIS
n p. m. . . . . . : t7
year produced $167,000,000 In revenues. An
addition of $1 a barrel In the tax on beer
would add * 25.000,000 a year to the public
revenues. A slight Increase In the tax on
tobacco , and a return to the system of spe
cial taxes and licenses In vogue a few years
0 would contribute much to the revenues
without greatly adding to the burdens of
anyone.
"A stamp tax on Ibank checks acid drafts ,
mortgages , deeds , receipts , etc. , would not
bo greatly felt. The Internal revenue re
ceipts amounting to $310,000,000 In 1866 In
cluded $73,000,000 In round figures from In
comes. The balance was made up by taxes
on articles and occupations which Include 1
almost Innumerable items.
"But without the necessity of resorting tea
a great majority of these It Is probable that
the government revenues , In addition to the
aid from Internal revenue sources , might be
sufficiently augmented by small taxes on tea ,
coffee and spices. These Items might easily
be made to raise $35,000,000 per annum.
BEER TAX MOST AVAILABLE.
"Tic most available tax for Immediately
Increasing the revcoue , however , would bo a
tax on beer. The government machine In
this line Is so well organized that It an
additional tax of $1 a barrel on foeer were
to be authorized this afternoon , tomorrow
morning the government would begin the re
ceipt of the additional tax. It would mean
simply the placi-ag of two stamps on the
barrels , where now there Is only one.
"I mention these things In nowise offi
cially , &nd without the Intention of convey
ing the idea that any one of them , or all
of them , will be resorted to , 'but ' merely to
show that the engineers of this big steam
plant , the Treasury department , have been
measuring the capacity of Its engines for
future effort. Its bearings arc lubricated
and when the strain comes you may bo sure
It will be found towork - without a Jar. "
With respect to prospective legislation In'
creasing the tax on beer and other article !
t Is said that fortunately legislation can be
so framed that brewing Interests will not tn
able to anticipate an increase in tax by hcavj
purchases of stamps prior to the actual pro
duction of the beer.
The trouble of the department about the
tlmo of the passage of the Dlngley tariff
which repealed the provision of the old law
3 providing for a rebate of \ < < per cent or
stamp purchases , will not bo repeated , bui
advantage. It Is tuld , can easily be takci
'rom that experience to frame leR'slatlon E <
that the additional tax will accrue on beei
to Ibo stamped on and after the day any ac
might S3 Into effect.
In anticipation of th's Increased tax , brew
ers In different parts of the country havi
already made application for large suppllei
cu * < bccr stamp ? , but in all oases these re
quests have been refused and tbo departmen
will sco that any legislation is so framed ate
to meet attempts to evade the increased tax
IIALFOUU'S STATEMENT I WEAK
( /annex Dlnniiiiolnlment in the HOIIHI
of CoiiimoiiK.
( Copyright , 1603 , by I'rcss Publishing Company.
LONDON , April E. ( New York World Ca
blcgram Special Telegram. ) Arthur Bal
four's statement of 'British ' policy on the fa
eastern question in the House of Common
this afternoon caused profound disappoint
ment. There was a crowded house , ever ;
embassy except the Russian being represen
ted In the diplomatic gallery. Balfour's an
nounccment , feeble In manner as matter , wa
received with marked coolness by the support
era of the government , who listened with un
concealed humiliation to the long tale of Rus
elan diplomatic triumphs , unrelieved by
single substantial advantage obtained fo
England. The fact that Balfoup's tone I
speaking of Rurala was consistently hostile
showing a deep cense of Injury and apprchcn
slon of future aggression , only accentuate
the weakness of the 'British ' government 1
making no adequate counter move for the oc
cupatlon of Port Arthur and Tallen-Wau.
Sir Charles Dllko put the case In a nutshe
when he said : "This policy of leasing Wei
Hal-Wei was only adopted last Wednesday t
throw dust In tbo eyes of the public and cat
isfy critics of the government in the mlr
iBterlal press. Wel-Hal-Wel Is valueless ui
less garrisoned and fortified and Curzon neve
answered my question whether the goverr
ment proposed to garrison and fortify It. Ate
to the assurances of China In relation to th
Yangtee valley , they are equally Illusory , a
the valley has no frontier and could not I :
"
defended It Russia chose to descend upon It ,
The lmportantfeaturo _ of Balfour's stati
ment considered by politicians to Indlcal
possible future developments was his appc :
to the commercial nations of the world , tli
„ United States , France and Germany to Jol
„ England In preventing Russia absorbing Cb
3. ncse trade , but the belief Is universal thi
the government so far from being rehabll
0
tated , has been still further seriously weal
encd by 'Balfour's ' general outline of their tt
eastern policy.
Conclude Purchu e of Four Shlpi.
WASHINGTON , April 5. The Navy di
partment this morning concluded the put
chase of four of the ten eblpg contractc
for yesterday. The four vessels selected an
which are now the property of the goverr
ment are the Morgan line steamers El III
El Norte , El Sol and El Sud. No orders bo
OB yet been sent to tbe naval authorities i
New York as to the disposition of thci
vessels , but It la understood that tbe wet
of preparing them for duty ai auxlllai
wll ) b gla lmm dlaUIj >
SPAIN BUYS MINES
Orders Them for the Defense of Harana
Harbor.
PURCHASE THEM OF A LONDON FIRM
Eighty Bought in 1890 by the Spanish
Government.
POWERFUL ENOUGH TO WRECK A WAR SHIP
Pivo Hundred Pounds of Guncotton Placed
in Each Ono.
MANUFACTURERS GIVE THE INFORMATION
Turn In Their Hook * nnil Ilend th
Detail * of Spnln'H Order Amer
ican OllU't-r l.ookliiK the
iMlitter Up. , "
( Copyright , ISIS , by I'rcsn PuliUshlnir Company , >
LONDON , April 5. ( New York World Ca
blegram Special Telegram. ) The World to
day ascertained the true history of the pur-
chano of submarine mines which were laid la
Havana hirbor. Lieutenant Oolwcll said In
reply to a question , "I have no Information
further than that a number of mines were >
bought In England by Spain In 1896 from the
firm of Latlmcr & Rhoades. Muirhead. These
were the most powerful of their kind , such ,
as might account for the destruction of th
Maine. I have reported the matter to the-
State department and am doing more about
It. "
The World next called-on the Westminster
Engineering company , which took over th
buslnccs of Latlmer & Rhoades. Muirhead ,
In 180C. Mr. dlrdlestone , managing director ,
afforded every assistance In tracing the his
tory of the mlno transaction by a refcrcnco
to the firm's books. He said :
"Spain's first transaction with the Latlmcr
firm was In 1885 , when eighty mines wcro
purchased , and In 1836 the Spanish govern
ment expreosed themselves eo well pleased
with tbe way the first order was filled that
they gaye a repeat order. I luvo here , "
re/erring to hla letter book , "an cstlmato
glvttt by Latlmer on January 24 , 1896 , to
Uao Spanish naval commission In Lpndon ,
for forty submarine ground mince In square
cases for use In shallow water , each con
taining a change of 500 pounds of guncotton ,
also forty floating mlne.i with all attachments
for electrical discharge , also with BOO pounds
charge of guncotton. These are about the
mosl powerful mines .used xand the casca
guaranteed to withstand a countermining
charge of 600 pounds of guncottcn within a
distance of fifty-five feet. Shortly after this
cstlmato given Latlmcr's business was
turned over to the present company and ow
ing to some delay the order was transferred
to Messrs. Slertens Brothers , who filled It
on Latlmcr's estimate.
"These mines , as well as the original or
der In 1885 , were of the J. P. Gibbons
patent. He was formerly In the submarine *
mining department of the royal engineers ,
from , which corps ho retired to Join the Lat-
Imcrs firm. Ho had long ceased to have
sny connection with that firm before Spain's
1896 order had been received and ho never
had anything to do with laying the mines.
Wo only deliver mines on board chips at
London. They are laid by tbe engineering
department of the purchasing government.
Thin order for eighty mines was last placed in
England by Spain and they constitute a very ;
formidable defense for Cuban harbors. The
mines would last for yctirs. "
CO.VKIKMED 11V A HAVANA STOHY.
Mine * Evidently Pltinteili In' ' the Ilnv-
lior by SpnnlHh Authorltle * .
( Copyright , 189S , by Pros * Publishing Company. )
HAVANA , April 5. ( T7ew York World Ca
blegram Special Telegram. ) Careful Inves
tigation proves that buoy number four was
not used during two months prior to the
Maine's arrival 'n Havana harbor. The as
sistant superintendent of the harbor commis
sion went to the/arsenal for a mine deton
ating cable about a month before the Maine's
arrival.
Before the Maine's arrival here the mam *
moth floating dock of the harbor commission
was dredging In the place /or emplacement
and operation. The last two weeks the work
was day and night. An electric light was
needed and the assistant superintendent In
charge of the dredgers asked the local elec
tric light plant the cost of furnishing the
same. The answer showed very great ex
pense for a long submarine cable necessary.
The superintendent well knew the Spanish
arsenal , its contents and their uses.
Ho said : "Would a mlno cable do ? "
Ho was answered In the affirmative. Ho
then said there was plenty of that In tbo
arsenal. The next day ho told the electric
light people that all such submarine cable
had been used up. So a small electric plant
was put upon thedrcdgo Itself and night
work went on without ehoro connections.
Had there been a submarine cable In the
arsenal It Is very certain It would have been
forthcoming , for a loan only was asked. It
was the government's and time was precious.
Where was this cable used ? At buoy num
ber four. When the Maine was moored to
It it bad been shunned for months. Captain
Rouse's letter noting the fact printed in the
World was true. It has been later corrob
orated by printed testimony before the board.
I have seen almost every European captain
touching In the harbor since the Maine dis
aster. All say the same. I do not use their
names , because If Spain continues here and
the captains resume regular traffic things
would bo made very hot for them. Spanish ,
pllotfa refuse absolutely to epcak of the af
fair. They even will no explain why the >
Maine's pilot gave the navigating officer one
number as proper for the buoy while tbe plat
ting of harbor charts showed tta location to
bo much nearer another eectlon.
I can produce sworn ttetlmon/'to the factf
here stated. gYLVESTDU