Nebraska Newspapers

    OMAHA "DAILY BEE
ESTABLISHED JUNE 10 , 1871. OMAHA , WEDNESDAY MORNING , MABCH 30 , 1898 TWELVE PA.GES. SINGLE COPY FIVE CENTS.
' SPAIN STANDS PAT"
i DOBB Not Inclined to Make Any Further
Concessions.
| WILL NOT PROMISE TO TERMINATE WAR
' Long Cabinet Council Held to Cons'dar
Situation ,
MAY RELIEVE STARVING RECONCENTRADOS
Will Accept America's Co-operation Tinder
Conditions.
W1L NOT RECOGNIZE BELLIGERENCY
Brntenmen In Madrid' ' Still Cherloh the
, Fond Idea of Intervention by
Some of the IJuropvati
t\
Power * .
( Copyright , ISM , by Press PublliMnic Compnny. )
MADRID , March 29. ( New York .World
Cablegram Special Telegram. ) A long cab
inet council was held late this afternoon ,
lasting well Into the evening , to consider the
reply to bo made to the United States gov
ernment , through Minister Woodford , to the
two notes scat last week by President Mc
Klnley.
I can state on high authority that although
no final response has yet been made , the
Spanish ministers can make no definite
to terminate the war In Cuba. Spain
"will premise to relieve the starving recoo-
cei.trados to its utmost ability , and will ac
cept the co-operation ot American relic !
committees If official and not accompantci
by a naval demonstration that will encourage
( he Insurgents.
Spain Is aUo willing to make home rule in
Cuba more complete as an encouragement to
peace , but the government cannot assenl to
any armistice which Implies passive recog
nition by Spain of the belligerency of the
Cubans nor negotiate publicly or officially
with the rebels , nor enter upon any discus.
Ion leading to the sale of Cuba or tbe Inde
pcndcnco ot the Cubans.
' *
SHAKY FINANCES.
The financial newspapers , In viewing the
panic In the Madfld and Barcelona stock
markets , speaks frankly and boldly today
about the outlook. Without doubting the
patriotism ot the nation or its willingness
to make frcih sacrifices , they coolly and dc-
llbera.ely pojnt out the frightful cense
quencca to Spain ot war with the United
States. Spanish 4 per ccnta nave already
fallen to 49 cents on the dollar. Gold la at
a premium of 42 per cent. The note circula
tion ot Spain Is within 150,000,000 ot the max
imum limit fixed by the Bank of Spain char
ter. Spain has already pledged the moat
valuable sources of national revenue to carry
on the Cuban war. In such straits the best
financiers , although tcy ! : will not be quoted ,
declare that war must be averted and peace
promptly bo restored In Cuba by themoat
drastic sacrifices , sooner than cripple the
finances and posterity of the nation for years
to come. Spanish consolidated bonds have
already fallen from 64 to 66 , "exterior debt"
fromJ8 to 70 , Cuban bonds from 94 to SO and
< vBank of Spain shares from 404 to 375 par
Security holders are forcing their hold-
pgs on the market and there are no pur
chasers. Unices the situation Improves
within two day.i an unparalleled money panic
In Spain.may bo expected.
The financial papers show A strong Inclina
tion to part with Cuba If two conditions can
bo scoured first. If Spain can escape being
addled with the entire Cuban debt , while
at the ame time losing tbo Invaluable Cuban
markets and revenue ; second , If & solution
can be found compatible with Spanish honor
and pride.
But the moneyed Interest * In Spain , as In
the United States , weigh but ( Ittlo in the bal
ance against the politicians , tno press and
the people , now almost united for \\cr against
the United States.
BETTER FIGHT IT OUT.
In course of a conversation a liberal statesman -
man thoroughly acquainted with the opinion ,
ot tbe members ot the cabinet assured me :
"Undoubtedly many Spaniard * would 'be glad
to get rid of Cuba by sale , but no great
ctatenman or party would dare at present
to incur national displeasure by suggesting |
It. In the same way they could not accept
the idea of an armistice or any official
negotiation direct with the Insurgents as
suggested by American diplomacy. We all ,
feel we are hopelessly drifting' Into war with
America , but that U , after all , the best way
to get out ot a crisis honorably. We know
we may bo beaten and Cuba blockaded , but
our fleet and privateers may give the United
States much trouble and when the fortunes
war go against us , Europe , for fear of com
plications and to tave our monarchy , Is sure
to itep in , aud after the struggle , If van
quished In a fair fight , wo might listen to
suggestions we cannot think of entertaining
ow. We bare really reached the extreme
limit of concession * . "
Official telegram * announce the result of
the Cuban elections : twenty-one autono _
i ; nine Spanish party elected. Tbo latter
of tbe colonial authorities and au-
not having given them the prom-
( y ti d proportion ot seats and will abstain from ,
the Insular elections In April. Among
.
thirty Cuban representatives there are only 1
fourteen natives , the rest are well known
Spanish politicians , Journalist * , military
tnen. Puerto Ilico returns have not been re-
eelvid. ARTHUR E. HOUGHTON.
UOOKB LIKE A SETTLEMENT.
MADRID , March 29. A conference wai
keld at tbe presidency this afternoon , at
which Senor Baiaata , tbe pretnUr ; Senor
OuU a. UM forebja MlaUter ; Senor Moret ' ,
for tfc * CotcnlM. and General !
&gJg *
afternoon. United States Minister Woodford
seemed pleased with the report and every
ndlc&tlon points to a settlement.
IPI.MO.NS < JIIAMJ > ix
Vnrj-liiMT Iileim Kxpremiod on the
C ii Jin ii Mlliintlon.
( Copyrlnht , 1O8 ( , ty Press PulilKilng Company. )
BRUSSELS , March 29. ( New York World
Cabfcgram Special Telegram. ) Qraux , for
mer minister of finance and an Illustrious
authority on International law , takes a graver
view of the situation than heretofore and
says : "Tho absence of partlclpctton by the
Spanish government In the Maine disaster
n no wlso relieves them of responsibility ,
f the dlsafiter be traced to a Spanish oubject ,
DUt It does reduce the question to one of
mere damages , which may easily be settled
by arbitration. The real danger lies In the
ntcntlon of the United States to send finan
cial assistance to the Cubans. No state
could honorably allow such an Interference
under the clonk of humanitarian motives
which do not exist In the rules of warfare
under which Spain is dealing with the In
surgents. To render any assistance , finan
cial or otherwise , constitutes a casus belli. "
Thcso views are Indorsed In the main by
'ount Goblet , who added : "The more univer
sal opinion here Is that the Alabama claims ,
presenting greater difficulties than thu
Maine , were settled by arbitration. The
present action of the American people Is
merely a pretext to force the hand of the
president. "
BERLIN. March 29. ( Now York World Ca
blegram Special Telegram. ) German pa
pers , although endeavoring to steer along a
neutral line between Spain and the United
States , cannot altogether suppress a certain
amount of sympathy for the former. The
National Zcltung , representing the Industrial
Interests , Is probably the fairest In Its treat
ment of the questions at stake , says : "Tho
report of the commission on the Maine dis
aster contains a remarkable contradiction.
It professes not to have formed a definite
opinion from statements of the divers , al
though It Is evident that the members formed
opinions solely from this source. It the dis
aster was really from the outsldo Spain Is
undoubtedly liable to make good the loss.
The position of the Maine was settled by the
Spanish port authorities and these were In
duty bound to eco that their foreign guests
ran no danger from submarine mines. "
Other papers believe that If America
presses for compensation the whole thorny
subject of the possession of Cuba will be
unrolled and war Is Inevitable. The Lokal
Anzclger , the most widely read paper In
Berlin , Is hostile to the United States , but
"docs not believe that the state of Spanish
finances will permit that country to proceed
further than bombast. "
The Berliner Tageblatt is also hostile , In
sinuating , "that the members of the Maine-
commission brought their report ready made
from Washington. "
The Vosalsche Zcitung cays America should
accept a proposition for a disinterested ex
amination of the remains of tbo wreck , as
her statesmen must suspect tbat the report
of tbe commission Is not absolutely re
liable.
ROME. March 29. ( New York World Ca
blegram Special Telegram. ) Guldo Bacclll ,
tbe celebrated scientist statesman and
Crlspt'6 right band man , said : "I have an
enthusiastic admiration for America , but
that country ought not to bo rash. Many
European nations thtak her sympathy for
Cuba Is mainly political. In case of war , the
first class powers will endeavor tomake
pacific Intervention , being resolved not to
allow Spain the risk of being entirely
crushed. Regarding the Maine explosion- ,
outsiders have hitherto no evidence of Spain's
responsibility. Spain will , make a plucky
fight. If Cuba , aided by American volun
teers , could by fighting obtain independence ,
all Europe would applaud the fait accompli ,
as It did for Italy. "
The Marquis Vlscomte Venosta , foreign
minister , refuses to commit blmsetf , but
said : "I consider a conflict difficult to avert
end It Is likely to Involve other powers. "
Opinion , the ministerial organ , considers
the suggestion for a Spanish armistice wltli
Cuba an excellent and honorable- expedient
to ward off hostilities. Meanwhile , active
measures by America would be unjustifiably
high-handed.
Fanfulla , the conservative organ , eayn If
tbo Spanish government stubbornly persists
It will be guilty of parricide , weakening
Spain and ruining her national Integrity.
Sccola , tbo great radical newspaper , says :
"A conflict between the land of liberty end
Spain has been preparing for nearly a cen
tury and Is Inexorably Inevitable- owing to
Spain's Infamous colonial administration. "
The Italian squadron is mobilized ready
for North American waters In case of an
emergency ,
VIENNA , March 23. ( New York World
Cablegram Special Telegram. ) Austrian
politicians seen In the Rcfchsrath today
think America's demand that bloodshed In
Cuba bo stopped most dangerous because
offending Spanish pride. Its good sldo la
laH
being made In humanity's name. Tbo powers
may attempt friendly Interference cud per-
haps succeed In avoiding Imminent danger.
The American policy has succeeded in plac
ing Spain la a most perilous dilemma. They
all tblnk American chances of success are
such tbat the temptation Is greater than
can bo resisted , since success always gains
approval in the end.
The Frelo Precee says Spain Is not In a
position to attempt war with the Union
with any chance of success , almcat bled to
death as It Is from war wild the Insurgents.
If the Union Interferes in Cuba by force
of arms Its protests made In tbe name of hu
manity will seem pretexts.
Neurcs Wiener Tugbiitt says from an Im
partial point of view Spain should be advised
to renounce Cuba for a high Indemnity , alnco
SjunIdh dominion cannot last long ,
A diplomat In high standing says European
mediation Is out of the question at present ,
when d conflict In eastern Asia threatens
and tbo Interests ot European powers clash
with those of tbo United States so that medi
ation could take noeffect. .
PARIS , March 29. ( New York Wcrld Ca
blegram Special Telegram. ) Flgar > saya :
"The United Stated' Maine report ! not an
irrefutable document. On the contrary , be-
twten the fact * It lajs down and the con-
clcs'oni It draw * from them there Is a hiatus
calculated to keenly Imprest wl/sc and Inde '
pendent minds in Europe and the United
State * . This opinion of 'OptlnUtlc American
officers concerning the condition at affairs
board the Maine at tbe time of ths explosion
la biased because a professional question la
Involved , and the court of Inquiry In refusing
to form a definite opinion bated on ths evl-
denco of diver * rejects the paulblllty of a
contradiction. On the other hand , there la
nothing to show , M the reports aMrnu , that
there was no fault oa tbe part of tbe atv.
It 1 iKpcwtM * far tk United State * v.to
1' * * * ' ' ' " * * uJ'to Kji.tr ni
SIGSBEE REPORTS FOR DUTY
Maine's Commander Botnras to Washington
in Goad Spirits.
CORDIALLY WELCOMED BY HOME FRIENDS
Cnn Ailil .VntlilnK New Concerning ; the
UUnNler SimnUh In Culto. lu-
tennelr Ilomlle to the
United Slnten.
WASHINGTON. March 29. Captain Slgsbce
of the wrecked United States war ship Maine ,
arrived In Washington this morning from
Havana at 7 o'clock. He was accompanied
toy Paymaster Jlay , Chief Engineer Howcll ,
Naval Cadet Holdcn and Dr. Heneberger.
The latter left at once for his home In
Virginia. The captain was Immediately
driven to his home , 1C32 Rlggs place. The
captain's neighbors on both sides of the
square on which ho lives had profusely
decorated their residences with flags and
bunting and many of his friends and fellow
officers had sent largo bouquets of American
beauty roses and flower designs of ships ,
anchors , etc. , as an expression of their friend
ship and esteem.
At 10:30 : o'clock the captain went to the
Navy department to report his arrival , and
In the course of a conversation he said tbat
he had not yet received any assignment to
duty , nor did he know what command would
be given him. He would bo ready , however ,
as soon as he could get bU wardrobe re
plenished , to go anywhere or perform any
duty that might bo given him. He had not
yet made any formal written report to the
department on the loss of the Maine , but
would do so as soon as ho had a little time
at his disposal. As to the cause of the
wreck , Captain SIgsbco eays that ho could
add nothing to his testimony before the court
of Inquiry which had already been published.
The Spanish officials were making an
Inquiry Into the cause of the disaster , but
what their conclusions were , If any had
been arrived at , he did not know. A few
divers under the direction of some noc-com-
mlasloned officer were working leisurely
about the wreck , but he had understood that
the court was paying special attention to
outside matters. They had found , he had
hoard , that there were no dead fish found In
the harbor after the explosion and also that
the explosion did not create such a disturb
ance of the water as might have been ex
pected had the force come from the outside.
However , this was only hearsay , ho having
no knowledge of their proceedings.
The captain said that , as everyone knew ,
the general feeling among Spaniards In
Havana was bitter against this country , but
he did not know whether the proposed send
ing of governmental aid -would meet with any
serious opposition. The captain said he
knew very little of'the general situation and
therefore had formed no opinion as to whether
this country was likely to become Involved In
war with Spalo. Residents of Havana , ho
said , knew little or nothing ot what was
occurring In Madrid beyond what Is reported
In American newspapers.
The captain seemed in good health and
spirits considering 'the Intense strain that
had beea upon hlm-durlng the last six weeks
and felt himself physically fit to perform
any duty which should be assigned to him.
CENTER OP INTEREST.
Captain Slgsbee expressed his willingness
to assume any duties that the Navy depart
ment wished to assign htm. He Is well
known at the department , having served as
chief ot tbe hydrographlc office , and his re
turn after the dramatic and tragic expe
rience ho has passed through , attracted the
greatest Interest of officials , subordinates ,
and the throngs of tourist * who just now
happen to be making the 'Navy ' department
the center of their observations.
A largo party of school teachers sur
rounded him soon after he entered tbe build
ing and each in turn 'was presented and re
ceived a handshake from the commander of
the Maine. Everywhere he was greeted with
expressions of the most affectionate charac
ter from hl& old naval associates.
He had little to add concerning the Maine
disaster and in fact there was a general de
sire among naval officers to give Captain
Slgsbee some relief from this subject.
Secretary Long was not at his office when
Captain Stgsbee arrived , s'o the latter re
ported to Assistant Secretary Roosevelt and
then talked with Captain Crownlnshlcld and
other bureau officer , ? .
Ho recommended that Commander Waln-
wrlght , the only Maine officer at Havana , be
'relieved ' at the earliest time practicable , as
the climatic conditions are against blm , and
moreover be has been , aa executive officer ,
under constant strain for the last six weeks.
He haa been In charge ot the wrecking oper
ations and this has kept him constantly on
the water , exposed to the fetid odors abound
ing there ,
HONOR FOR I.IKUTKIVAXT JENKINS.
United Stale * Troapn Meet the Ilody
nt Clnelimiill.
CINCINNATI , March 29. The body of
Lieutenant F. W. Jenkins of the Maine was
accorded a tender and beautiful tribute on
Its arrival here today , the first given the
faithful officer since tbe body started on Its
journey to Plttoburg for burial.
The demonstration wca necessarily brief , t i
as the body arrived over the Louisville &
Nashville road at 4:05 : o'clock , and was
tiansfcrred to the Pennsylvania train , which
left at 4:30 : o'clock. Undertaker Sampson
of Plttsburg came hero to meet and receive
the remains and constituted the only ceort
that has been provided.
When through him It became known to
day that the body would reach here a/j 3.It
Ith
did , arrangement was hastily made by which
a company of the Sixth Infantry , under
command of Captain Wetberlll , was detailed
by Colonel M. A. Cochran of Fort Thomas
to do wccrt duty. Colonel Cochran , Lieu
tenant Colonel Egbert and nearly all the
officers of luo regiment were also present.
General B. R. Cowen , commander of the
Ohio commandcry of the Military Order of
tbe Loyal Legion , and some twenty-five or
thirty member * of that order wece present.
When the train arrived el < it soliltre re-
e"moved the box containing the dead officer's
body , and escorted It along the platform , tbe
soldiers standing at present arms , and the
officers and members of the Loyal Legion
uncovered , the band playing a dirge.
When the re males were safely deposited
In the car tbe troops moved out , the band
as It roescd tbe funeral car giving forth
the inspiring strains of "Tbe Star Spangled
Banner. " The company waa followed by
tbe army officers end by the members of the
Loyal Leglcn. The ceremony was clmple
and brief , but Intensely Impreulve.
AwbBiMiler White Deale * It.
BRLIN , lUrck Z9 , The United Stateo
pondcnt as raying rtiatVprnperW William
iad exprefsed the belief thit the1 Malno was
destroyed from the outside. 'Mr. White ,
.ccordlng to tbo correspondent , mid he waa
ofv the same view as the emperor , which Mr ,
\ iVhlte also denies. i
IAVAYA I'AI'EHS ARB AI1USIVE.
tepent Tlielr-Cliirne A rnlnut Officerii
of thei Mnlne.
( Copyrlaht , 1S08 , by l're > 8 I'ubllfl.Unp Company. )
HAVANA , March 29. ( New York World
Cablegram Special Telegram. ) Havana ro-
C : clved ( the news today very quietly. All the
" ouspapcrs stated that the Hoard of Inquiry
'ound ' proofs that thov Maine had been blown
u p by a mlno under the port side. There (9 (
uII
IIw Ittlo comment upon this point , but much
w rltlng over the * statement printed here :
'Tho commission Is unable ta form any con-
reto Idea of the form of casualty from the
divers' testimony. "
They eay that If the boa'fd has no Idea of
ffalrs how docs It know a mine exploded.
La Lucha bitterly attacks the report , repeats
U the stock of Insinuations against the
Maine's officers , that they were all dining
aboard the City < of Washington the night of
ho disaster ; that torpcdos had war heads on ;
hat the Maine's cannon were loaded ; tbat
here had been two mutinies among the sail
ors over a refusal to grant tho.n shore leave ;
hat the Maine's .officers had paid they were
disgusted with the United Stetcs navy end
wished that all the ships might sink anyhow ;
; hat the crew was so paralyzed the night ot
ho explosion tbat It refused , to lower the
teats ; that this was proved by finding some
ofthe boats fast to tholr davits ; In short ,
hat eo much carelessness existed aboard the
Malno that It Is no wonder It' blow up.
Spanish divers worked again today about
two hours. They were laboring on the star
board side. Two more bodies were recovered
today. They were clothed and can probably
bo Identified. It Is regarded simply mar
velous how well preserved are the bodies
etfen after this lotao of forty-five days under
the filthy waters. All the navy' ' divers have
now departed. The wreckers are working
well and have already secured four valuable
six-Inch guns , and are 'now after the two
bow guns. They think Cbadwlck has re
ported the InadvUablllty of further work
after the machinery without explosives.
All candidates were elected according to
the slate. The election wcnt < through as
smoothly as In New York's smbothest Tarn-
mauy ward. There wasn't an objection.
l SYLVESTErf SCOVEL.
AMIHICAV HDLIUP TRAIST WHECKEU
Dynamite I'Inccil l < y Inimriceiitii Doe *
Some IlnninBe. [
( Copyright , 1E93 , by Press PubllaMps Company. )
HAVANA , March 29. ( Now ( York World
Cablegram Special Telegram.-rAn Ameri
can relief train for towns In1 Havana prov
ince was blown up today by a ) > omb placed
on fho track by Insurgents between Clenega
and Bejutal at 10:30. : In , tlje passenger
coach were. Louis Klopsch < and. aNew York
newspaper correspondent. 'NeltW of them
wore injured. The armored catpattachcd to
the train containing a detachment of Span-
lab soldiers was probably' ( he , motive for
the explosion. One freight ' "civ' was totally
wrecked , but only a vcry emajl portion of
the supplies destroyed. 'In 'the' 'passenger
car were also Mr. Redding of the Herald ,
Mr. Dunning of the Commercial Advertiser
and Mr. QrUwold ot St. Johns , Vt. , all
Injured. It took three hours to reload the
barrels of cbrnmeal and codfish Into the
train again and clear the track of the
wreck. A party of wreckero came from
Clenega and took charge of 'tho ' work , when
another start was made "dri'd the train kept
on to Bejucal , a town of ' 3,000 inhabitants ,
s
besides of 500 rcconqentrados. About
twenty tons of food supplies were thrown off
while Mr. KIor.ech conferred with the local
relief committee and visited the sheds where
the reconcentrados'llve. On tbe way back
to Havana the division line wab a contlnu
ous blaze ot Ore from the turning cane.
fields that had been Ignited by the insur
gents. SYLVESTER SCOVEL.
SIOARD'S lUrriHKMEVl' 19 FOHCED.
Deportment Order * Him Ilefore
the 'Metllcnl Donrd.
KEY WEST , March 29 , Rear Admlra
Slcard'a appearance before the Board of Re
tirement , It leaked out today , was ordered by
the Navy department. It was by no means In
accordance with his perconal wishes , nor , as
was generally understood ai'the time , the re
suit of his own application , ' In , fact the Navy
department ordered him point blank to ap
pear before the retiringboard. . This Js
known to but few , and It puts.sar.ewhat of a
iieneatlonal phase on his withdrawal from
tbe scene ot activity. <
All the divers of the Utflted States navy
who have been on the wreck of the Malno
retruned from Havani on board the Bacbe.
Captain Chadwlck , who went { o Havana to
Investigate the feasibility of further wreck
Ing work on the Maine , was also a passenge
on the Bach3. It Is believed Captain Chad
wick ( lads the work to be Impracticable.
ALTj IS IIAiniOXV IN THISCAUIXET
Every Member in full Accord will
the Prculilenl.
WASHINGTON , March-29. At the close o
the cabinet meeting today Secretory Alge
gave out the following statement :
So far ns there being any difference o t :
opinion nmong the members of J the cabinet
they are all In hearty .accord . with tb tI
president. When he read , yesterday his I
message on the "Maine" therf was not a
dissenting voice nor a sUKKejtloi ) > of change
H commanded the approval of/every mem i
bcr. How could the president -have salt ii i
more ? He gave congress1 the report a
once and stated that ho had 'forwarded I
to Spain and Is awaltlnir-liorjireply. He [
must take one step at a'tlmo.l It may hi '
said further that there nd 'be no tea :
that ho wl'.l not take the next , i-He has no
lost a moment In presenting pot only th i
Maine , Incident but the wlnlelaltimtlon t
- - -
Spain. The country can we.ll afford t i' '
wait the result of the negotiations , which i'i
will be promptly made knqwn whatever th i
result.
( JOVKP.NMliXT TAKES | tlttUT COUIISE
Such In Ihe Opinion Ezir Mi tl by Bz
Prenlilent Cleveland.
PRINCETON , N. J. , March 2 * . Ex-Presl
dent Cleveland , after reading tpe report o
the Ma'no Inquiry board , the mcszpge of th
president and other development * In tb
Cuban matter la the evening papers las
night , expressed himself u believing tha
the government was takfag tbe right course
When asked If. he thought tbe Cubans ttoul
agree to the proposltlcn ot the Unite
States , he replied simply , "Yea. "
MI'AI.V PROPOSES AN ARMISTICE
\ot Quite Ileadr t * Comply wl <
President' * Term * .
WASHINGTON , March , 29 , Senators an
others who have talked with the , pceslden
last evening nd today My that thetpropo
altlon for tbe armtatlc * came frcpj 8 pa I
nd while It U betas cewtfldired by U pr
Ident.in connection wltfc tb r
MR , M'KINLEY IS DECIDED
President Will Adhera to the Policy Ho
Has Outlined.
WILL NOT BE SWERVED BY CRITICISM
Should Occnulon Arluc for nn
iilve Stnnil He Wilt lie
Found Kunnl to the
WASHINGTON , /March / 29. Congress and
the cabinet divided attention today on the
Spanish | situation. In congress the feel log ,
which began .to take form after the presi
dent's conservative and pacific message on
the . Mains report was submitted yesterday ,
found an expression today In resolutions
roposlng a declaration of nar , rccognlzlog
10 Independence of Cuba , armed Interven-
on , and other decisive and warlike steps
gainst Spain , and In conferences ot rcpub-
cans havlig for their object their overrul-
ng ot the speaker if necessary to get prompt
ctlon.
Both on the floor , In the cloak rooms and
n the corridors there was little else dls-
ussed than the Malno disaster and the
uban situation. Every senator was fur-
Ishcd with a copy of the report sent to
ongrcss yesterday , and every person who
rocurcd a copy road It. Every group of sen
iors In the cloak rooms talked of Cuba ,
'onslant and continual conferences were
eld and all recognized the seriousness of
ho situation.
On the house side It was apparent that
10 republican majority could not longer bo
ontrolled by what Is known as the con-
crvatlvo clement led by the speaker. Croups
f members In a state of excitement < were
o be seen on every hand. In each cloak
oem there were members listening eagerly
while portions of the Maine testimony were
ead. Members of the committee on foreign
ffalrs met and discussed plans and possible
uturo proceedings.
CRISIS IS NEAR AT HAND.
It was generally acknowledged that a serl-
us condition had arisen , that a crisis was
eon at hand. It was the opinion of some of
bo conservative members that In a day or
wo the feeling would subside and the mcm-
ers would-not be so agitated.
Much depends upon the next few days.
That congress will not long remain Inactive ,
t some decided action la not taken by the ad-
ministration , Is certain , .t ts trua that ibo
alk of an armistice caused a great'deal of.
11 fellng.
The house today proceeded to do business
without outbreak or without dramatic lnci <
dent , but no such quiet can be promised to
morrow , when the naval bill Is being consld-
ered. The day closed with a prospect that
ho committees to whom was referred the
-lalno - correspondence will act eoon , possibly
leforo the end ot the week.
The cabinet meeting today developed noth-
ng new. The president remains steadfast
. {
n hU conviction as'tp what IB his duty and
averse crltlclem , it Is asserted , duo to mla-
nformatlon as to the situation , or Ignorance
of the president's purpose , will not bo per
mitted to swerve htm in the least degree
rom the course he has planned.
The president some days ago made a
peremptory demand upon Spain to put an
end immediately to hostilities In Cuba , to
release the concentrados , and to permit them
to return to their homes and resume their
Eovcral occupations unmolested. This state
ment Is made by unquestionable authority ,
and nlnce that demand was communicated
to Spain , the president has not taken a
step backward , or allowed himself to be
persuaded Into modifying it in the least
particular. Spain's final reply to tbls de
mand , it Is known , is now receiving the
carrest consideration of the Spanish author ! .
ties at Madrid , and their reply may be
reasonably expected within the next lew
days.
HE WILL NOT HESITATE.
Should these demands be rejected , there
Is the highest authority for caylng that tbo
prenldent would not hesitate a moment aa
to bis future course , but would Immediately
lay the mbole record before congress end
be guided by Us Instructions.
Aa a preliminary step toward peace it
has been proposed to Spain , though thla last
ita
proposition has not taken the shape of a
demand yet , at least , that the Spanish gov
ernment withdraw its troops from tbe island
anjl that the Cubans be given their Inde
pendence on a basis of Indemnity tbat would
be regarded aa just In amount by the United
States and other nations ot the world and
fair to the contending parties.
The question of an armistice has not been
agreed to by either this country or Spain ,
though there is no doubt that Spain sug
gested an armistice. What terms of peace
will bo acceptable to the president cannot
be stated , but It Is asserted that no proposi
tion will bo considered that does not In
volve the practical , if not the actual , Inde
pendence of the Cubans.
Ucder theao circumstances the members
of the administration think It only fair to
the president that the people should watt
with patience the result of the pending
negotiations , since there Is no more loyal
American than the president , or one who
will hesitate less than tie \\tieu the hour
*
for action arrived ,
There ts little doubt that the French gov
ernment U ready to tender Its good offices
as mediator between tbe United States and
Spain if any Intimation Is conveyed by
this country that auch offices would be ac-
ceptable. Without such Intlmutlcci It U
doubtful whether France will take tbe In-
Illative.
Illative.WHY
WHY FRANCE IS INTERESTED.
In diplomatic circles it Is pointed out that
the Interests of France , both material and
sentimental , favor an avoidance of war. One
material reason Is that France la preparing
for the International exposition , when the
world's tide of travel will be turned toward
the French capltol. It Is said that war at
such a time would be seriously prejudicial
to this great project.
Another material Interest affecting France
Is that Its citizens cwn many Spanish se
curities , eo tbat any decline resulting from
war would fall largely on French capitalists.
White these are Important considerations
urging Franco to avert hostilities , yet ey
are not , of course , such as could bo ed *
a * the actual grounds for a tender of good
offices. Such a move would bo premised
solely on sentimental grounds namely , on
the friendship of France for both parties
engaged in this controversy.
The Army and Navy departments continue
to show many evidence * ot activity , but
there i * not that energy apparent last week.
Captala Stgibee tad aeveral talk * with
Secretary Lous during tke day , and at lie
cloe of oce boura today the Mcrttary ac
THE BEE BULLETIN.
Weather Forwnst for Nebraska
Kalrj Warmer ; Southerly Winds.
Pape.
1 Spnln'x llnclihoiic Stiffen * .
SlRnliee ItriiurtH fur Duly.
Mt > Klnlo > 'M Attitude In Firm.
CoiiKrenKiiien EiiKer for Action ,
2 Senator .Mimon Wautn "U'nr.
Train Wrecked In. Iltliiitlx.
3 \ elirnNkiiIMVK. .
Seeker * for ConKrcmiloiinl Honors ,
4 Hill tor I it I nnil Comment *
n IIMVH ExnoNllloti Appropriation.
Flxliiu : Hate * < tinEvtiOHltloti. .
FUli for theietirankn Stream * .
O Council III n IT x Local Matter * .
Ion a Inli lnHve rrocrcilliiK" .
7 ItiiNRln'n l'ln - Itnlnpil In Clilnn.
H ! ( > Council I'l-ocri-illim * .
.Mori- Work of Omaha. Kootniulft.
KhootliiKVrTriiy In Oninlia.
O In < hf Field of Klretrlrlly.
IMaiiH for -iintlfyliiK Omnlin.
City I.omen GnrliUKt * Cnnox.
Hitch 011 llyilrnnt Ordlnniiecii.
11 Coimiierclul nnil Flniinclnl Xetvx.
12 Making- l TostliiR- Ship ModclH.
Temperature at Oinnhni
Hour. Do ir. Hour.
B It , in J5 1 p. m : i.H
( I a. m IKJ 2 p. m ! I7
7 n. m S5 : > p. m ! I7
8 n. m 211 4 p. in ! W
n n. m : io n ii. m : io
10 n. m : u n p. 111 : xi
11 n. 111 . ' 17 7 p. m : i I
12 m : t s i > . 111 : i2
U II. m itO
reached thus far as to Captain SlRfibco's next
assignment. But , as" one of the high officials
of the Navy department remarked , the com >
mander of the wrecked battleship can have
about anything he wants.
MAY ABANDON THE MAINE.
A board Is conalderlng what should bo
done with the wreck of the Maine. At
first It seemed possible to save nemo part
of the ship , and certainly the big guns and
turrets. . Dut this has been about abandoned ,
and the board now sitting Is expected to re
port to Secretary Long In a day or two on
what final steps shall bo taken. It Is pcob-
able that what remains of the wreck , will
be abandoned.
The Navy department made no further
purchases of foreign ehlps today , although
the naval attaches abroad continue to make
Inspection of shlpf at several largo yards.
A significant conference was held during
the day between representatives of the War
and Navy departments to determine whether
New Orleans , Mobile or Tampa was beat
adapted as a base of operations , both mili
tary t and naval , In the event of war. The
representative of the navy was Captain Dar
ker , naval aid to Secretary Long , and for
the army Colonel Wapjer , chief of the bu
reau of Information of the army. No de
termination has yet been reached , as It to but
one of a number of Important questions this
commission ( will Investigate.
Surgeon General Rcypen of the navy has
about completed the preliminary arrange
ments necessary to the fitting'out and man
ning of a floating hospUaJ.shlp for. use In
case o ! war ;
The formal report of the medical board
of officers of the North Atlantic oquadron
that sat In Admiral Slcard's case shows
that he was suffering trom what Is tech
nically known as chronic malaria. It was
uponi the report of this board that the ad
miral was relieved of his commend anl
granted six mcuths leave of absence ,
Paymaster Ray of the Malno reported his
arrival to the Navy department today. He
Is hero to settle the accounts of the officers
and men ot the vcasel. Ho will take aa a
basis for the settlement of all classes the
latest reports made by his predecessor , and
from them will determine the amount that
Is duo to the officers and crew. Whatever
amounts are found to have been due to those
who lost their lives will bo turned over to
their families and relatives as far as they
may be. located.
Afthe War department Ihe most Important
development of the day was the announce
ment that the Twenty-fifth regiment of la
fantry , now stationed In Montana , would bo
transferred to Dry Tortugas , In the Gulf of
Mexico. This regiment Is composed entirely
of colored troops who have been located In
the northwest for a number ot years. Their
stay In the gulf climate will prepare them
for any service In Cuba should this bo neces
aary. The troops will first go to Key Went.
WIM * II.EAV13 CO.\UKI SS TO 1J ICC 11)12.
President liny Throw
on the Cu-Ordlnntc Ilrauch.
CHICAGO , March 29. A Washington spe <
clal to tbo News says :
"There la only one chance in a hundred
that war will be averted.1
Such was the remark this afternoon of
one of the most prominent members of the
cabinet , who has been conspicuous as u
"peace member. "
Private Secretary to the President Porter
ter said this afternoon that the president
had determined to settle the Issue thin '
week , and a message la looked for to
morrow. <
"Tno president , " said Mr. Porter , "Is tired
of the criticism of congress. He will nsk
consreHS to do one of two 'things. Either
take the question and settle It In its own
way , or leave the executive free and un'
trammeled. The president feels he cannel
be blamed or criticized.
"Congress blames him for not acting' , and
Indulges In wnr talk whet \ . Is doing his
best to avert war. The ta.K In congress
Interferes with negotiations looking to
peace. '
There Is scarcely a Aloubt hat congress
In Its present temper V/lll declare war. It
Is expected that tomorrow will see the
president unload upjn congress the entire
csituation , und without making a rccom-
mcndatlon , leave the legislative branch o
the government to wori' iU the problem In
Its own way.
SK.VDS . \ \ UI/I'IMATIMI TO SPAIN
HcimaUonal Henort In dretllteil to See
ri-lury
CHICAGO , March 29. A * special to the
Chronicle from Watblngton saye :
The positive statement was made by Sec
retary Algcr tonight that McKlnley this
evening cent an ultimatum to Spain , am
that fact will be communicated to congress
tomorrow.
It In Impossible to obtain definite In
formation from the Wbltu House.
Juiil n Iteirnlnr Crnlw.
( Copyright , 1838. by Pre PublUhlnc Company.
LONDON , March 29. ( New York World
Cablegram Special Telegrim. ) William El
llson Macartney , secretary to the navy
asked .today in tbo House of Commons
whether the statement wart true that tbo
British North American squadron had been
ordered to rendezvous at Bermuda , eild : ' " .
have not ( seen the atatement , but If made I
i * very likely to be true. It hia no specla
significance whatever , aa I know the admlra
In command made arrangements some tlm
ilnce for a readezvoua at Bermuda , prepara
lory to ' taking tbt kquadron on a cruise. Tba
J
MUST SHOW HIS HAND
President McKinley Cannot Safely Defof
Definite Action ,
CONGRESS WILL NOT BROOK MUCH DELA/
that Ho Take Theme
, o His Confidence.
HIRE FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION
Congressmen Meet and Tallr
tor Situation Fully ,
THpT | TO DELIVER CUBA AT ONCE
Ivxcciilrc May PimnlliljHe Left ta
1'iirnue IIIVny Alone If He
iDeellneH to Punk
Matte .
WASHINGTON , March 29. ( Special Tele ,
ram. ) Talking to one of the most coneerva-
Ivo members of the foreign relations cunt-
little of the house today , a. man close to
ho administration said : "Unless McKlnley
akca congress Into his confidence and out-
IIVCH absolutely his Intentions as to Cuba
o will find that the legislative branch ot
1m government has left him to plod hits
reaiy way nl'one. ' I have never in my cx-
lorlenco heard eo many bitter things said ot
ho chief executive as I have hcurd today. "
From a source absolutely reliable It Is
earned that'Spain lies not presented a single
vcrture to this government for consideration ,
coking to an armistice on the Cuban sltua-
cn ; tbat whatever overturoj have bojn mad *
> y this country looking to a cessation of
lostllltlcs In Cuba have been wholly Ig-
lorcd by Spain , leaving the whole subject
ntlroly In the keeping of tbo United States.
REVOLT IN THE HOUSE.
WASHINGTON , March 29 The revolt la
ho house against further delay of action on >
ho Cuban IBSUO culminated today In a con-
erenco of republican members whoso Ideas
are In accordance with a positive early
ourse. About fifty representatives attended ,
icprcscntlng nil sections. Representative
lopklns of Illinois , a member of the ways
ml means committee , presided. Heprcsenta-
Ivo Joy of MlBSJurl was secretary. Resolu-
lansvcro brought forth to secure the Inde
pendence of ths Cubans.
It was the first action following discussion *
n the cloak rooms nnd lobbies since the
president's message was submitted yester
day , by members who favor Immediate and
aggressive action. Up to this afternoon the
sentiment was half concealed , but strong-
deling against voting money for Cuban ro-
Icr unless accompanied by action to stop
bo war bos developed. ,
The meeting today wj.i . called with a view
0 accomplishing the unqualified removal of
lie Spanish troops from Cuba and the prompt
armed Intervention In the affairs ot that
Island.
Late thla afternoon It was deeded to call
1 meeting after adjournment. Word waa
quietly passed around , but many who wer *
enthusiastic In favor of Intervention failed
of notification , although the number present
would bo sufficiently largo If consolidated
with the democratic forces to carry out a
program.
Representative Hopklnn , as chairman ,
irlefly stated the objects of the meeting ,
lo Indicated bis disappointment that the
president's message carried no outline of
definite responsive policy toward Spain , aaii
10 did not believe further delay ehould b
brooked. .
CONGRESS SHOULD TAKE HOLD.
Ho thought the administration might hav
another day or two la whltti to act , and )
falling to do eo congress should take tha
matter Into Its ow < n hands Independently
and at once. Ho favored action looking to
! uban Independence , but made no specific
suggentlcn as to the method of Its accom-
plUbmrr.t. .
Representative Tawney of Minnesota , an
other member of the ways and means com
mittee , said this country cbould not stop
ehort of securing tbo absolute Independence
of Cuba. Ho preferred to have the matter
brought directly before the house , and said
be wished to secure a resolution for prompt
consideration on tbo floor.
Representative Qclknap of Illinois , whs
favors immediate decisive action , took tha
floor to ask a number of questions tending
to bring out the sentiment ot tbe meeting
and the policy to be followed.
Various views were presented as to tb
best means for securing actlcci , ( bough tha
feeling that no action other than the cessa
tion of hostilities on the Island , and abso
lute Independence , apparently was unani
Representative Marsh of Illinois , chairman ,
of the committee co the mllltla , made a
vigorous gpcccb. In which bo denounced
Spain as the proven culpable party to the
blowinR up of tlie Maine. Ho had hitherto
taken a most conservative view of the situa
tion , and had not believed It would be shown
that Spain had had a hand In the dlcaster.
Now , ho Mid , he would put en end to Span
ish rule there by Immediate Intervention
and a formal recognition of Cuban Independ
ence just as early on congress could act.
Ills references to Spanish policies as to tha
recor.ccntradcs and older phases of tbe war
were warmly applauded.
Representative Larimer also spoke at con
siderable length and said he was In favor
of securing Independence by any means
whatsoever. Ho deprecated the delay that
bad occurred and protested that the peopla
of this country would not stand the with
holding of action.
ALL OF THE SAME VIEW.
Other speakers were : Representative *
Reeve * , Tierce of Missouri. Hicks and
Ilrumm of Pennsylvania , Mann of Illinois ,
Joy of Missouri , Klrkpatrlck and Arnold oC
Pennsylvania , and Lawrence of Massachu
setts. Their speeches were largely on th
same linen.
It was pointed out that while It was fit
that the executive should be given a reason
able time within which to advlne , It wag
exclusively the function of congress to de
clare war , commence hostilities , or take ac
tion of that character. Tbo remarks made
carried the view that a mere recognition ot
belligerency wai not to be considered , for
It would not of itself bring a cereal Ion of
hostilities , and that Intervention , armed
and Immediate , and recognition of Inde
pendence only would be > considered. Born *
more conservatively put It , "to Intervene.
and If necoiary support such action by tb
orcmnt dicpatch . . . . of our land 4 . naval . fores . *
s * Wir Ai * % * * * i V4 j47vTw ir IJTTw. . . . , f- | * „ * -
"