THE OMAHA ; I DAILY BEE
Jr
ESTABLISHED JUNE 19 , 1871. OMAHA , FRIDAY 3EOKNING , APRIL 1 , 1898-TWELVE PAGES. SINGLE COPY JFIVE CENTS.
WAIT TILL MONDAY
Both Hous3S of Congncs Qivo President
Tims for Action.
WILL NOT EMBARRASS NEGOTIATIONS
Allow fpain Ample Opportunity for a
Satisfactory Eeply.
THIS W EK WILL DECIDE THE QUESTION
Situation at Present is One of Intense
firavity.
ALL OTHER BUSINESS IS SUSPENDED
PrcKlilont AnnurpH 1IU Cnllcm Unit He
KxpectN n Ilvflnltc Anmvvr llc
ore the Clour of the
Week.
WASHINGTON. 'March 31. This has been
day of anxloua waiting for Spain's reply
to the demands ot the United States con
templating the termination ot the war In
Cuba and the Independence of the Island.
'On that reply , it Is unlverrally believed , the
Issue between peace or war would bo de
cided , unless some new and unexpected con
sideration ! arise to postpone iho Issue
further. But delay would meet the opposi
tion of congress. The gravity of the situa
tion was felt in all official quarters. It was
not a day of rapid development , as when
war preparations were following in rapid
succession , but the tension was even greater
from the uncertainty that prevailed , and
h the feeling that Spain would not concede
the complete independence of Cuba.
The Whlto House continued ! o be thronged
with congressional leaders .anxious to learn
from the president what his course was to
be. The general view conveyed by theao
leaders after they had been with the presi
dent was that he expected to have definite
fc replies from Spain in time to present the
entire oubjcct to congress by next Monday.
The State department was the center ot
Interest throughout the day , as It was there
that 'Minister Woodford's dispatch onnounc
Ing Spain's attitude was to bo received. The
officials shared In the general anxiety , but
throughout the business hours of the day
no word was received from the United States
minister. Secretary Sherman left the de
partment at 3 o'clock , say lug that no reply
had come up to that time.
At 4 o'clock Judge Day , the assistant secre
tary , started for the White House in com
pany with Secretary Long. He stated in
answer to an inqulrry that no response had
been received from Madrid. Ho added that
he had hoped to receive the reply this even
ing , but began to fear that there might bo
some delay until tomorrow.
The attitude of European powcra contin
ued to bo seriously discussed In official
quarters , as It was felt that an offer ot Eu
ropean mediation was almost certain to fol
low a war crisis. No distinct offer has been
submitted up to tbe present moment.
GERMANY MENACING SPAIN.
In thla connection , the cable report from
Berlin that Germany was menacing Spain
on an old claim and wan about to make a
h naval demonstration in Cuba , attracted much
attention. The German ambassador , Dr.
Ton Holleben , said that he had received no
Information as to tills rumored move , per
was he acquainted with the Cannambra CCBC
referred to In the dispatches. The Spailah
minister U also unacquainted with the Can
nambra case , and does not credit the report
that Germany hoa taken steps ot a decisive
character. The Spanish ambassador at Ber
lin Is the father-in-law ot the Spanish min
ister at Washington and the latter woulc
bo quite likely to know it Germany dad made
a move involving the dispatch of a war ship
to Cuba for punitive purposes.
H wai tbo general feeling that it Ger
many had taken any such action it wouU
nave a most decided Influence upon the
Spaolah-Amcrlceu situation , and cno so-
rlouily prejudicial to Spain. For this reason
It was the opinion of diplomats that Ger
many would not cheese such ft Juncture as
the present In order to make emergency
claims against Spain.
' Said a prominent diplomat today : "Spain
eema to bo under the Impression that its
national honor forbids It from surrendering
any part of Its colonial domain under the
preeouro of the United States. There are ,
however , precedents showing that European
powcra have preserved their dignity whllo
making similar concessions. It may bo re
membered that the Ionian Islands , a part
of the Turkish empire , were afterwards
ceded to Greece by Great Britain , and that
Venetla was not surrendered by Austria di
rectly to Italy , but -France , who trans
ferred It to the government ot Victor
Emanuol. "
Congress will wait until Monday before
ny action Is taken. The president has
asked delay until that tlmo and assurances
have been given by those In charge of affairs
that there will be nothing done until Mon
day.
COMMITTEES HOLD SESSIONS.
Both committees of congress dealing with
foreign affairs were In session today. The
senate committee continued Its examination
of the report on the Maine , and the house ,
committee , by a party vote , refused to take
any action on Cuba until Monday.
The senate committee agreed to , and Sen
ator Lodge reported , a bill appropriating
$5,000,000 to purchase one or moro of the
' ' D nUb West India Inlands to bo used for
naval purpoiei.
The senate committee -had before it Cap
tain Slgsbeo of the Ill-fated Maine and Captain -
' tain Barker , Secretary Lang's naval aide.
What these officers told the csmmltteo Is
treated confidentially.
The committee from the republican con
ference reported to that Conference a resolu
tion that no action be taken until Monday ,
and Iti action was approved , the confeience
adjourning until that date.
* * When the committee returned from Its
consultation Us chairman commended the
, . . . course ot the president and expresied coufl-
J fence In what he was doing. As to his
' J ptani they said nothing , stating that they
1 / agreed to treat as confidential such coiiunu-
rj ulcatlons as the president made to them.
' / - There was a spirited debate In tbe bouse
\ ( a partisan nature , and Its effect hes been
1 to solidify tbe parties ; the republicans to
I await action by the president and the dem-
! erati to force the Cuban question to the
Th * most Important action taken by th
'i" < 4 jMirtmeDt today wai the delermlnn
'
' > * > * ve the naval mllltla of the severs
-vJ * a fw Uamcdlato service ihould
his bo found necessary. This conclusion
as the outcome of a conference of the metc-
ers of the naval strategic board during Ibo
ftornoon.
Letters will bo sent to the governors and
o the adjutant generals of all of the state *
hero there arc naval mllltla organization * ,
sklng them to net In motloM the machinery
or drilling and equipping the state organize-
ons promptly , so they may be ready within
very few hours' notice of a call to arms.
Rslstant Secretary Roosevelt has charge ot
11 matters pertaining to the naval mllltla ,
nd bo feels that the response to this rc-
ucst will be hearty and prompt.
The officials express the hope that there
111 be a una-jlmous sentiment on the part
f employers to permit such of their men as
re members of the mllltla free opportunity
o join their commands.
AFTDR A COALING STATION.
ncpresentatlves Me.MlllIn of Tennessee ,
fndcrwood and Wheeler of Alabama and
Lester of Georgia called on Secretary Long
oday to talk about the selection of a coaling
tatlon on the gulf or the Atlantic coast
omewhcro In the neighborhood of the head-
uarters of any fleet operations that might
x > conducted In that locality If war should
nsuc.
Already the department has taken steps
or the establishment of a station at Toriu-
as , but as this Is Inadequately defended at
ho present time little difficulty would bo
xperlcnccd by a hostile fleet In plundering
t.
Four places which , In the opinion of the
Iclcgatlon , would make desirable locations
or coaling stations , were pointed out to
ho secretary , viz : Tybco Is''ind , Fort Moran -
an , I'cnsacola , Fla. , and Mobile.
It was said by one of the members after
caving the secretary that they were prac-
Ically agreed on Tybco Island as a second
holco If their Individual preferences In the
election ot a place could not bo acquiesced
n by the department.
Other persons who taw Secretary Long In
addition to his bureau chiefs were Senators
Matt of New York and Gear of Iowa.
Senator Tlllman ot South Carolina was at
Assistant Secretary Roosevelt's office during
he day and made some Inquiry In regard to
ho condition of the Port Royal dry dock.
The latest reports received at the depart
ment Indicated that work at that place 'was
progressing steadily In the draining out of
a basin In the approach to the dock , so
hat vessels can enter and leave either at
ilgh or low tide.
CONGRATULATES SIGSBEE.
Sir Julian Pauncefote , the BrltlahTimbassa-
lor , called on Assistant Secretary Roosevelt
< it the Navy department today , and left his
card for Captain Slgsbec , congratulating that
officer upon his escape and bearing through
out his recent thrilling experiences In the
larbor ot Havana.
Tliero was nothing specially significant In
the movement of naval vessels reported to
the Navy department today. The gunboat
Wilmington aylved at Jacksonville yester
day on Its way to Now York for repairs.
The torpedo botii Somers , purchased In Ger
many , arrived at Plllau yesterday on Its way
to the United Slates. The gunboat
Wheeling has left Port Angeles for Seattle.
The cruiser Columbia and the revenue cut
ter Morrlll arrived at Newport today.
The Columbia la attached to the flying
squadron and Is in complete readiness for
any service It may be called upon to per
form. Us sister ship , the Minneapolis , now
fitting out at League Island , Is expected to
loin the squadron at Hampton roads In a
day or two.
The Marietta of the Pacific squadron ar
rived at Callao today. Although not admit
ted It Is generally believed It Is bound for
Key West. The same Is true of the tattle-
shin Oregon , which Is expected to arrive at
Callao this week.
These vessels have been informed of the
presence of the Spanish torpedo boat Tena-
roao on the eastern coast of South America
and have been warned to bo on their guard
against it while in tnose waters.
SC.VD AMMU.V1TIO.Y TO THE CUIIA.XS
It IN Fnckcili In lloxen nnil Shipped n *
I'ni-kcr * ' ProilnetN.
CHICAGO , "March " 31. The Times-Herald
tomorrow will say :
Cuban agents or sympathizers In Chicago
are busy shipping guns , powder and cart
ridges to the Florida coast. At Miami it Is
taken aboard small filibustering ships that
deliver it to the Insurgents.
Twenty carloads have been shipped within
a month , and halt as much more Is now be
ing arranged to follow. These cam have
passed as ordinary merchandise and are di
vided among the half dozen different lines
leading to Jacksonville.
Great care , is exercised In boxing the ex
plosives so that they will pass a rigid
scrutiny anywhere along the Journey , with
good chances for escaping detection. The
stuff Is carefully packed In cans , buckets ,
kegs , barrels and crates , bearing the brands
of various packing bouses , and is billed upon
tbo cars as packers' products.
McKliilc > 'H Ultimatum.
LONDON , March 31. The Washington cor
respondent of the Dally Mall asserts Id at
President McKtciley has addres. < ed a note to
the Spanish government demanding Inde
pendence for Cuba In such peremptory terms
as to amount to an ultimatum , end that
Sapln Is to reply today ( Friday. )
The Now York correspondent of the Dally
Telegraph , alter asserting that President
McKInley has demanded Cuban Independ
enco. adds : "Spain has asked and obtained
from the Uclted States government a delay
of twenty-four hours for a reply , which , II
It dnca not practically frco Cuba , will bo 1m
mediately followed by ao ultimatum. "
iiinu lU-ucli I Warlike.
WASHINGTON , March 31. Rcpresratativi
C. D. Deach ot Ohio has sent the followIng - '
Ing telegram to President Palma or th' '
Cuban Junta : "Having maintained the war
for three years by their own bravery , re
sources and sacrifices unprecedented in al
history , will tbo Cubans accept a compro
mtecheii ttiey ran overhear In the throa
of their brutal enemy a death rattle ? God
forbid. Will a compromise give you back
your son ? Will it undeflle your daughters
Will It revive the mother who urged then
on with the last breath which starvation
allowed ? Fight It out. Uncle Sam Is dust
Ing ° K bis uniform. "
Clilll Will Not Sell.
LIMA. Prcu ( via Galveston ) . March 31.-
The Chilian governmtot. It Is asserted on
good authority , will not sell any war slil ;
to the United Slates.
The Oregco Is expected here on Faturday
The gunboat Marietta having flnlahed coal
Ins , and having contracted far coal for th
tattlethlp Oregon , tailed for Valparaiso at
o'clock ttxli evening.
r-top Work nt Mnro Inland Yard.
SAN FRANCISCO , March 31. Owing t
damage done by last night's rarthquak
wcrk has been shut down at the Mare Islam
uivy yard temporarily and the 1,700 n
ployca arc Idle. Only two of the building *
rs.cptd
NDEfENDENCE THE BASIS
fothing Short of Freedom for Cuba is
Satisfactory ,
\ll \ NEGOTIATIONS HINGE ON THAT
'resident ' Xot InwUtcnt on Mothoiln ,
but that .Mtmt He- the Float He-
* til ( So Inform * Scii-
atc Committee.
WASHINGTON , March 31. The senate
committee on foreign relations resumed Its
ilttlng today , but It began Its work with
ho deliberation of a body which feels that
t has ample tlmo for all that Is 'to ' be done.
The committee was rolled to meet at 10:30 :
o'clock , but It was almost 11 before o quo-
urn appeared. The members came In one
at a tlmo and had the air of going to a work
'or which there was more tlmo than was
needed. Even Senator Davis , chairman of
ho committee , who is usually at his com
mittee room by 8:30 : o'clock , did not arrive
ot an hour after this time. He was Joined
about 10:30 : by Senator Turple , and ho In
urn by other members of the committee
mtll a quorum was cecured , and business
begun at 11 o'clock.
The members of the committee'all refused
o discuss the situation before entering
upon their labors further than to say that
hey had the whole Cuban question under
careful consideration and expected to be
able to report by the end of the week , or at
any rate by the flrst of next week. Chair
man Davis declined to say whether any new
resolutions embodying the views of the com
mittee as 'to the course that should be pur
sued toward Cuba In case ofthe failure ot
ho diplomatic negotiations were under con
sideration , but there Is no doubt that the
senator has been giving his attention to
ho formulation of such a measure.
The general question of the Cuban sltua-
: Ion was taken up Immediately upon sccur-
ng a quorum , special attention being given
.o the proposition to purchase tie Danish
island of St. Thomas.
The senate committee on foreign relations
adjourned rhortlv after 12 o'clock until 2
o'clock this afternoon. Captain Slgsbce of
ho Maine will bo before the committee
when It reassembles to give Information con-
cernlng the testimony taken before the court
of Inquiry.
The committee discussed at some length
the acquisition of St. Thomas Island , but no
action was taken. Considerable opposition
developed to the proposition , It being as
serted that the Island could be of no possible
use at the present time , as it could not be
mads available In case of war with Spain.
The desire of the committee to have Cap
tain , Stgsbee before It Is raid to be because
Ills direct evidence Is wanted. Some mem
bers of the committee have expressed the
opinion that he will be able to give In-
ormatlon explanatory of the testimony which
will tend to show that the Maine was de
stroyed by design. Other members be'.levo
that Captain Slgsbce will point out to the
committee what bo regards as the significant
features of the testimony , not only by nlnn
eelf , but other witnesses.
INDEPENDENCE IS ESSENTIAL.
The committee does not expect to attempt
to make a report until -Monday on the Cuban
situation , as it will watt absolutely uion the
president's wishes until that time. The com
mittee Is proceeding in perfect harmony with
the president and will do so to the end. The
committee , it Is stated by Its members , la
proceeding upon absolute information as to
the character of the negotiations between
this country and Spain , and this Is to the
effect that the Independence of Cuba Is to bo
made the one essential consideration of the
negotiations. The president has told Spain
In so many words that It Is useless to go
farther upon any other understanding.
With this end in view and conceded by
Spain , ho will not attempt to dictate terms
or any manner of conducting negotiations
between the Spaniards and the Cubans , and
he has indicated to Spain that he will bo
willing that an armistice shall be arranged
for the settlement of the details. It Is the
desire of the administration not to put the
matter BO harshly as to prick the national
p/ldo of the Spanish people , but at the
same time to put it so plainly
that there can be no doubt of
the ono essential consideration. Having
this assurance , the committee Is proceeding
deliberately and with no desire unneces
Earlly to press the question of the form of
a resolution to be brought in until it is
necessary to decide that'point , which can
be done In a few moments. Indeed , it is
the expectation that the president himself
by Monday will'Indicate the action ho would
like to have congress take in case of the
failure of his diplomacy , and the present
Inclination ot the committee Is to follow his
leadership In this respect. This Inclina
tion Is due to the fact , however , that the
committee In this event will bo prepared
for armed intervention to secure the free
dom of the Cubans. The committee Is not
counting confidently upon being called upon
to make a declaration to this end , but it
Is preparing for It , and It Is stated will have
the facts In Its possession If called upon to
act. It la to this end that Captain Stgabce ,
Commander Bradford and others are being
summoned before the committee.
SIG9BEB IS EXAMINED.
Captain Slgsbce ot the Maine and Captain
Barker ( Secretary Long's naval aide , who
woat to Key West after the explosion on be
half of the department ) were before the com
mittee for an hour at the afternoon sitting.
Both were examined in detail In. regard to
the strength of our navy In the vicinity ol
'Havana ' , and Captain Slgsbeo was questioned
as to his opinion anj knowledge of the
Maine catastrophe.
Ills story was not materially different from
that detailed to the naval court of Inquiry
but the fact that It was given personally to
the members ot the committee , and Included
personal deductions , made a vlnlble Impres
sion upon the members.
Captain Slgsbee did not express a convlc-
tou ! In so many words that the disaster was
the result of treachery on the part of the
Spanish , but after the committee had con
cluded Us hearings ono of the mcmb'ers ex
pressed the opinion that the explosion nas
due to that agency.
Tbo purpose In taking the testimony of
there naval officers Is to Incorporate their
statements in a report the committee will
make In case it finds it necessary to report
a resolution for intervention. This will be
in the nature of a statement to the country ,
Justifying the position taken , and It Is con
sidered desirable to support this with an
array of pertinent facts , which will go far
to convince the American people and the
civilized world ot the justice of th * course
taken.
When the report'which was circulate !
during the afternoon to the effect that Spain
hid rejected the propoials ot the Unltec
States was brought to tb > attention of the f
committee , Senator Davis > Mkcd that there
should be no adjournment ttntll Monday , as
had been contemplated.
This led to the surmise1 that In case the
report of Spanish refusal'was verified the
committee might complete Ita report.
It was learned later that the committee
dad not changed its plans-and that It prob
ably would wait on the president at leact
until Monday , If he shbuld desire. There Is
no doubt that the committee Is prepared to
report speedily In case It should bo called cute
to do so. ,
There hag been no poll ot the committee ,
| and no formulation of the resolution , but
here has been a very general expression of
views. This expression * has so far taken
ho form of a recognition ot the Independence
t the Cubzus , together with a declaration
f Intervention sufficient to guarantee tills
ndepcndcnce , and the best opinion Is that
uch a resolution will bo the ultimate re-
cult of the committee's deliberation If
Spain Insists upon continuing the Cuban war
and holding the Island.
\AVY YAIIUS HUSHED TO THE LIMIT.
Dynamite drainer Vemivlu About
%
Heady to Sail.
WASHINGTON , March 31. The work of
iverhaullng the dynamite cruiser Vesuvius ,
omplctlng the work on ( is guns and fitting
t for active service Is now almost finished
and It will probably be ordered to leave
Washington navy yard within the next two
lays. Its officers do not know as yet where
t will bo ordered , though it Is thought that
t will go flrst to Norfolk and then proceed
o southern waters.
The men are busily employed at present
n giving it a coat of black paint , preparo-
, ory to painting It a dark green. The offi
cers say that it Is almost Impossible to
discover a vessel at night when painted
with this color , even by means of a search-
tght. The Vesuvius has not as yet taken
aboard the many tons of dynamite that it
carries In its magazines. This will be the
aet thing that will be loaded.
One ot the officers , discussing the possi
bility of hostilities , eald : "There Is ono
satisfaction about being aboard a ship like
his. In case we are igtruck right there
will bo no board of inquiry and no trouble
about divers , etc. The only thing to do is
o erect a monument to our memory and at-
, end to our obituary notices. There will
not bo a piece of the beat left big enough
'or ' a souvenir. A boat of this style either
does fearful damage to its enemies or goes
under In short order Itself. 'Modern ' war
will , in my opinion , bo qvick | work , anyhow ,
and we represent the very quickest typo of
death-dealing vewel afloat. "
The work on the cannon now In progress
of completion at the cavy yard Is being
pushed with all the hau.e possible. Upwards
of BOO men have been added to the force
employed In ordinary times and the shops
are being worked to their utmost capacity
night and day. The work Is being rushed
especially on these munitions which were
nearest completion when . , the situation began
'
gan to look threatening- . There has never
been a time in the hlstor/ the yard when
so many sightseers havo\lfilted it , and It
lo safe to tay that ingro people -have gone
there during the last y ro months than
visited the yards in two years prior to that
time. '
I1BLIEVES THEIIE WHib IIE A AVAR.
General Lew Wallace TlilnU * It Can
not He Averted.
CRAWFOUDSVILLE , Ind. , March 31. Gen
eral Lew Wallace believes there will be war
with Spain , and that the averting ot it is
now practically Impossible. Said he :
'My sympathy has" been with the prcsl
dent , but I fall to sec where he will find
strength to withstand the pressure there Is
for war. The war spirit Is abroad In the
land , and in my opinion If the Issue were
left to what our populist friends call the
"referendum" the vote favoring war would
be about 4 to 1. Congress Is keen for a
struggle , and Is likely to override the presi
dent at any time.
"Again I believe that the Spanish govern
ment will be obliged .to take up a losing fight
.or Its own preservation. The ignorant masses
of that country would so resent such a back
down as this nation would ask that the mobs
would rise and overthrow the dynasty. The
only salvation for It Is a fight , which haa
only one possible outcome the quick and
complete success ot the United States.
"People , however , do not begin to realize
the unspeakable horrors of modern warfare.
The awful scenes and frightful carnage ot
the civil war would be as child's play to the
battles which the Inventions of the last.few
years have made possible.- Orators cannot
tell and artists cannot picture what a gen
eral engagement by land and sea by the
forces of our country and Spain would be.
The horrors of Milton's 'Hell' and Dantes'
'Infcror' were pleasant pastoral scenes com
pared to what man's ingenuity in preparing
for war today has made possible for man's
destruction and torture. "
IIIl EKUSKS TO HE INTERVIEWED.
Ex-Preiililent Hnrrliinn WoltH for the
ArinilitlHtrntlott to Art.
NEW YORK , March 31. Ex-President
Harrison , who arrived hers today , made the
following statement regarding his visit ID
th'r. city :
My visit to New X ° rk Ig purely and solely
on professional business , at the request of
my associate counsel , and without nny sug.
Kc.stlon .from any pthcr 'source. I do not
expect to meet or confer.wlth . nny ono on
nny matter relating \o \ pjub'.Ic ' affairs , nor
will I give nny Interview relative to the
Cuban matter , or any , other. No one lias
born authorized to exprem1 my views. Tha
work I always do for my elf lAhen I think
It needs doing. 4 ' >
I feel a grave and solicitous Interest In
our relations with Epnln , but I nm no
charged with the responsibility of conducting
affair ? , and would .not orf any account say
or do anything- that , might embarrass those
who are. The president j and congress , I
hopes continue In these relations of confl
dence and harmony that arc essential In
such n crisis. It would U > e very grievous
and very Injurious Jt they .should fall npart
I am sure I can serve may country best
by keeping- silent Just now , and perhaps
others might helpjn the fame nay. I shal
bo In New York for a week or ten days , am
shall bo busy. Therefore I ask my news
paper friends to accept thin ntatcment as
final , and not to ask for interviews that I
cannot give.
Iliume Work * ou XavMl Illll.
WASHINGTON , March 31. Crowded gal
lerles again circled the * wall * of the ball o
the house of representatives. The belle
that there would lw more stirring speeches
attracted thousand * , to tbo capltbl. Im
mediately after the reading of the Journa
the house went into committee and pro
ceeded with tbo consideration of the nava
appropriation bill.
Heerultlnv OWce > t Partlaml.
PORTLAND , Ore. . March Sl.r-The United
States government today'openid a recruiting
offlce here tor the enlistment ef men for the
navy. < . \
PROVIDE I AGAINST BLOCKADE
Ipanish Government to Provision Havana
for TLree Months.
WILL ALSO LAY IN A SUPPLY OF COAL
Lack of alone- May Interfere with
Carrjlnir. Unt I lie , Plan : lit Full
IIIanco'N Sliren-it Polit
ical Move. ,
HAVANA , March 31. It \ < i stated that the
government at Madrid and the local govern
ment have determined to provision Havana
or three months against a possible blockade
of the port. It was also decided to bring
10,000 tons of ecal to Cuba as soon as pos-
Iblc. Lack of money militates seriously
gainst carrying out cither plan. A strong
effort will be made to get a portion of the
oal at least , but the provision question has
been to all appearances dropped.
General BUnco's proclamation doing anay
with the concentration system In the four
vestcrn provinces Is believed to be a ebrewd
jolltlcal move , In view of the announced In-
erventlon of the United States on the
ground of humanity. Many doubt the prac-
Icablllty of a plan to make any but the
mrdlest of the rcconccntrados sclf-eupport-
ng , whllo others aver that there are as many
nsurgents as ever In the provinces of Plnar
iel Rio and Santa Clara.
No one doubts the right of Spain to deport
! r. Musgravo , who has represented the Lon
don Daily Chronicle as well as an American
paper. He clearly violated military law In
going to and ccmlag from the camp ot Gen
eral Gomez. Many bellovo that tue severity
hewn him was Intended to servo as a warn-
ng to other correspondents.
When the soldiers of La Relna battalion ,
under Lieutenant Colonel 'Dcncdlcto ' , learned
hat ho- had been shot In the back by a
olored man while he was visiting at the
house of Dr. IFra-icIsco Vldal , in Guanabacoa ,
as already cabled , they became highly In-
cnsed. They armed themselves and paraded
hrough the streets of Guanabacoa ( a suburb
of Wavana ) , assaulting passers-by , striking
hem in the face with the butts of their
muskets and carrying many citizens captive
o the barracks. These prisoners were ,
lowcver , finally released. Two of the citi
zen's were wounded and there Is an uncon
firmed report that one Is dead. Colonel
Bcnedlcto's wound Is severe , but It Is be
loved he will recover. He tas been taken to
he military hospital. No one doubts that
he motive of his assailant was revenge for
he death of Brigadier General Nester Aran-
uren , who was killed by the Spanish soldiers
unJer 'Beocdlcto.
BLANCO'S DECnDE.
The preamble of Blanco's decree rescinding
Weyler's reconcentratlon order sets forth
that the pacification of said provinces
laving been considerably advanced by
.he combined action of arms and
ho natural effect of the establish
ment of autonomy In giving securily&r
the country , making possible the advance
ment of the sugar , tobacco and food crops ; U
also being nar the time when the minor
plriHlngs gtvo the means of living to the
laboring classed and peasants ; also believing
the time has come to resume the normal
conditions In the tones and villages , to do
n\\ay wltb the causes of suffering among the
people , to remove so far as possible all the
effects of the rcconccntraticn ; and further
to give complete liberty to all the country
people to return to such places as they de-
giro , to do such labor as they may select ,
this order Is Issued.
The preamble further says that for the
reconcentrados who , being without resources
and Instruments with which to labor , remain
In the towns or centers previously set apart
for their use , the colonial government with
great urgency propose to the governor general -
oral a plan of relief. In this plan the mayors
and alcaldes are directed to take part , estab
lishing soup kitchens , etc. , and doing all
In their power to terminate the existing
misery.
Then follow five articles carrying out what
Is set forth in the preamble.
Article 1 After the publication of this
order the reconcentrados end their families
will bo allowed to return home In the- four
provinces given-above.
Article 2 orders all relief committees and
civil Bud military authorities to facilitate
the workings of the decree , and also to aldi
the rccoacentrados in selecting and securing
new houses.
Article 3 directs the colonial government ,
through Its secretary and ministerial officers ,
to prepare to execute all necessary orders
to secure for the country people work on
public Improvements and to give food by
economical kitchens to all the ouflerlng , at
tention being called to those on small coun
try estates.
Article 4 Expenses of over and above
the funds now in tbo bands ot the committee
are to be provided for under the head of an
extraordinary war credit.
Article 5 All former orders of reconcen
( ration are abrogated.
WASHINGTON , March 31. The State de
partment has received no official word as to
the decree Issued by Captain General Blanco
rescinding the reconccntrado order In Sanla
Clara and the other rich provinces. It is re
garded as an extremely Important , If not the
most Important , development of a favorabia
character thus far secured.
MEETING 0V CAII1.M3T COUNCIL
SnKnvtn KTilnln at I.entttli tlie De
mand * of America.
MADRID. March 31. At the cab
Inet council today Scnor. Sagasta
the premier , explained with extreme pre
cision all ( he details of the conferences an
negotiations , together with the state of the
country and existing conditions , which he
regarded as necessary to the formation of a
proper Judgment.
Another minister then spoke , Scnor Eagasta
listening attentively. It Is needless to sa >
that after the emotions of recent days am
In view of recent serious matters pending
'
every minister poured out all 'he had In his
heart.
After four hours' discussion the ministers
were still without a solution , probably be
cause Scnor Sagasta Judged It Inopportune
to take a decision at the present stage am
advisable to wait for the Issue ot tomorrow's
meetlogs.
Prior to the council a note briefly relating
to the queen regent's view on the subject o
the reply to be given the United States was
read. On this being read at the councl
Senor Sagasta , taking a paper from his
pocket , announced that he also had con
densed hlo opinion Into a few lines , which
he proceeded to read. Ua \ understood tha
he touched , one by one , on all the questions
raised by the United States and Indicated
the limits It would be possible to go wlthou
prejudice to the national honor or dignity
All the ministers , Including General Correa
BEE BULLETIN.
Weather Forocn < 4 for Nebraska
Fair ; Colder ; Variable Winds.
1 ConKrenwVnltn on theI'rrnlilent. .
InileiiciHletioc Ihmln for Ciilnum.
1'rotlilliiK ARalnnt Illuekiule.
llejiljIn Hceelved from Sunlit.
U Joliimon I'lendn for Cuba.
Senator Allen Quote * Ills Itceord.
: i MeliniHka Xe .
lliiNliiemi of the Slate
Twenty Hound Draw
4 Editorial and Comment.
R Union Pacific lit Itn New Shed.
Illnneo HeiMirU on Vubaii Hrllef.
O Connell IlliilTN Irfieal Mattern. r ,
Iowa I.enlnliitlve Pritceedlninu
7 General XewM of the Farther West.
8 Haitian I'liitm for thet EmponUlon.
Olijeetlon to llolcomh'M Iteferee.
Omnlin'N Heal Entiite UnnltteiiN.
O .Naval Strength ot United Slate * .
I.eKitl Untile Over AdverlliilnK.
Pnvlnir for the 1'renent Seanun.
Police Heform MeimureH.
11 Commercial ami Financial Xcvrn.
12 "The Stownwar. "
Temperature- Onialtal
Hour. UeK. Hour. D K.
n a. nt. . . . . . ! tU 1 p. in. . . . . . -ii :
O n. nt : I5 2 p. TO. . . . . . 45
7 a. Ill : t.f H It. tu. . . . V J1 4R
8 a. in ! IK -I p. m. . . . . " . -15
O n. m. . . . . . B8 R p. ni . " !
1O a. ni nil O lt , , > 4 4.1
11 n. m 4.t 7 i/m 45
12 ill. . . ! 45 H < m. . . . . . 45
/ R p. m 14
nlnlstcr of war , "saw their thoughts re
flected In Senor Sagasta's expose , which they
nanlmously approved. "
The ministers then proceeded to the palace ,
vhoro they gave an account of the procecd-
ngs to the queen regent , who approved
hem.
At Minister Woodford'a conference with
cnors Sagasta , Gallon and Morct , Senor
Sagasta's note , translated Into English , was
ubmltted to General Woodford , who , after
eadlng It said : "I am solely authorized to
negotiate ad referendum , and therefore I will
ransmlt the cabinet's reply to Washington. "
The text of the note has not been made
raown , the ministers maintaining absolute
rcaervo , but the cabinet Is said to have given
'proof ' of seatlmenta ot the greatest con-
Illation. "
CONFERS WITH THE .MIXISTEHS.
Gcncr'al Wooilforil Talkn MnttcrH Over
With ( iiunldli AKnln.
MADRID , March 31. B p. m. The confer
ence with General Woodford lasted an hour.
The ministers submitted fresh proposals ,
which General Woodford telegraphed to
Washington. Their nature Was not disclosed.
After the cabinet meeting today , which
was presided over by the queen regent , the
ministers had another hour's conference ,
after which the following semi-official note
was Issued :
"Captalp General Blanco telegraphs an ac
count of a glorious combat of General Luquc
against the Insurgents.commanded by Callxto
. andjtjilsp makes * TcellenVroporU , < pf
oJjcTatlonsVtettlng' foiil. iha { the pacifi
cations are so advanced In the western prov
inces that the concentration of the peasants
has been revoked. Public works are also
being commenced to give employment to all
applicants. In view of this new and Im
portant submissions are expected. "
The minister of public works. In an Inter
view today , said that the last twenty-four
lours had brought a favorable change In the
situation. When the minister was asked If
le meant on account of news frora Washlng-
: on , ho replied : "No , our feeltags ot satis
faction do not refer to the United States. "
.El Liberal says : "The moment of the de
nouement ( solution of the crisis ) has drawn
much nearer. There may yet bo found means
: o delay matters , but wo doubt it. "
The paper mentioned then adds : "We
ought to apply ourselves to obtain a gain ot
time , or heartily devote ourselves to the
contrary. " In our opinion It would be ac
ceptable , even preferable , to accept any ex-
Iremo measure which would cut the knot
It wo failed to untie It. The situation U
such that by avoiding an external struggle
wo may fall Into a still graver one. "
FLEET AT KEY WEST IX ILEAI1I.VESS.
Captain Snntpnan Taken Precaution !
to Protect 111 * SIilpM.
KEY WEST , March 31. Every preparation
for action was taken by the ships today. The
woodwork was stripped oft the exposed parts
and sent ashore. The wood pilot houses on
the cruisers were taken down. To a certain
extent Interior woodwork was ajso removed
and sent ashore. Even the sailors' wooden
boxes were removed from some of the ships.
These precautions have been adopted to
prevent , as far as possible , the danger of
flying splinters In case of action. The offi
cers sent their personal valuables and be
longings to bo stored on shore.
The Castlno and two torpedo boats left
their anchorage after dark and ft earned to
the southward , where they will patrol dur
ing the night. This precaution was ordered
by Captain Sampson today. Ho is partlcu
larly anxious to watch closely tbo Havana
entrance to this harbor and altx > to afford
additional safety for the Iowa , Indiana and
New York , which He unprotected six miles
out.
out.The
The naval officers have received orders to
overhaul their main engineering stock so It
could be > used In case of emergency.
Torpedo boats not engaged In patrolling
tonight made another attack on the battlc-
shlpp , but all these measures were guarded
with the greatest secrecy.
The establishment of a patrol Is con
sidered by the few who know of It a mcst
significant. The entire fleet Is now In readi
ness to move at fifteen minutes' notice. The
gunboat Annapolis has left for Brooklyn.
The ftvo bodies from the Maine wreck
brought here last night i\ero burled today
with the usual simple ceremony and without
Incident.
HaUlnir Money for SpanUli Navy.
MADRID , March 31. The rush for neata
for the performance at the I loyal theater Irt
behalf of the Spanish navy Increases. The
queen paid 60,000 pesetas for a box , the
Spanish ministry paid 5,000 pesetas for boxes ,
several capitalists are taking stalls at 150-
000 ptstEs , the Countess Bornos paid 100,000
pesetas , the Marquis Laguna paid 25,000
pesetas , the Hank of Spaki paid 500- ,
000 pesetas and other organizations and In
dividuals paid enormous sum : .
Kxi > re Sympathy.
LONDON , March 31. At & meeting of the
Parnelllto membera of the House ot Com-
metis today , Me. John Redmond , the Parnell-
Ite leader presiding , a resolution nas parse 1
"expressing deep sympathy wllh the efforts
of tbo people of America to secure the In
dependence , of Cuba , trusting that their cf-
fortrt will speedily bo crowned with nucccvs ,
to the benefit of humanity and the greater
glory ot the republic ol America. "
SPAIN SENDS REPLY
Tenor of the An&wjr Will Be Glvon Oil V
This Mcrjicg.
IT IS CABLED FROM \DRID IN CYPHEi ' ,
Mcsiago is Quito Long nud Requires Timj
to Translate.
IT IS RECEIVED AT THE WHITE HOUSt
Oomes Too Late to Bo Given to Morning
Papers.
PRESIDENT IS SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS
tireatent of Anxiety U Felt an to thtf
Character of the. Mote nnil 111 * .
I Translation II etc lux 1m. i
mediately. .
WASHINGTON , March 31. Spain's official
r < ? ply to President McKlnlcy's latest demand ?
In the Cuban situation was received hy
Washington tonight. '
An anxious party , comprising most of tub
cabinet , and several close friends of the administration - *
ministration , waited till late In the evtnlnsj , 4.j |
In expectation of the developments , jfl
About 10:30 : the message began to come In ) 51
cypher , and the work of translation was be- J\ \
Bun at once. .j ( |
It was officially stated , however , that not
intimation as to the nature of the reply could )
bo divulged tcnlght.
Among those at the Whlto House wcrei ]
Senator Hanna , Secretary Algcr , Secretary /
Blks , Assistant Secretary of State Day , As-/
slstant Secretary of State Adeo , to whomi
was ccnfldcd the translation ofMie.measago , '
Senator Spocner cud Senator Alurf
There was an Intensely expectant
of newspaper correspondents , large. , . _ _
often gathers at the White House at nlgjv
waiting In the lobby outside ttio nrci ldfot's" '
office. But they were destined to dlsappo'nt-
metit , for after the telegraph Instrument Ift
the adjoining ofllco had steadily clattered fop ,
halt an hour , Mr. 1'orter , the president's
secretary , appeared with the announcement
from Secretary Day that It was Impossible *
to translate the telegram in time to give out
a statement tcnlght.
The telegraph Instrument was still clat
tering when the correspondents aspirated *
Indicating that the message was at lecet
quite lengthy. *
The visitors gradually drifted out from th ' ,3
president's office , till at mldnltrht no one , w4Vj ; * * , &
left bnt Secretary Porter. He departed half * * . *
an hour later , leaving .only th'e telegraph \ \
operator and the trauslators struggling with w {
the message. *
AdJuUnt > General Coi'blnjjcam'e , over" fromj "
th'o War department at 12736L but did not g <
Into the White House. Meeting Secretary )
'
Porter at the door' , ' the two walked homo , to *
gotlier. ' " * '
All those who had been with the prejl
dent were reticent on leaving the
mansion , meet of them declaring they had
not seen any of tbo translation of tbe cyphel
dispatch , and had no Idea of Us purport.
REPLY IS UNSATISFACTORY !
Speaking of Spain's reply received tonight , . ,
the Post tomorrow will say : jAjJ {
"It in not what the president , hoping ton/ jjf" 3
the best bad . Is ' *
, expected. It at most a vaguft
and unsatisfactory note from Minister Wood-
ford , devoting more opaco to his Impressions
of what the Spanish government will and v
will not do , than a formal expression from ) '
the Spanish ministry of its own position. * t
"Spain , does not accede to the American |
demands. Neither dors it positively and I
finally reject them. The question Is still
lef ( "Pen for future nogotlallons. ' ,
( '
"According to the traditional policy of ,
Spanish diplomacy more delay Is requlved ,
and much evasion l.j manifested. Ono of thei
reasons for asking further tlmo U the fact/ ! / -
that the m'nlstry cannot act without tbe rat- [ |
Ideation of the Cortes , which la not now IHJ jl
session. A < i
"Counter propositions arc suggested , ratheif "U <
than plainly stated , which look to the aide *
tracking of the main Issue , which U the Im
mediate and completeIndependence of Cuba ,
"U Is a question with the president whether !
he will continue to treat with Spain further
along the lines In tbe dispatch , and admit
of the time required.
"No message will be sent to congress to- * *
day. Tbo reply of Spain will bo considered ;
at the cabinet meeting this morning , and
then It will bo decided whether on ultimatum
will bo sent to Spain.
"Up to this time no ultimatum In tba
diplomatic sense of the word has been nent. ,
If sent It will mean that Spain must In
twenty-four hours ansvyer specifically to thai
demands made by the United States. la the
event of a failure to annwcr , or a positive
rejection ot the American propositions , tha
president will suggest to congress the ad
visability of recognizing > thrt Independence
of Cuba , and enforcing Uiat recognition by N
military demonstration.
"This will be practically a declaratlon of
*
war , although It will not go literally to
that extent. "
GIU2AT EXCrTEMU.VrIS MADIUD ,
All ClituHeM Ilellevt- That n CrlnU la
\IITV Very Xeur.
( CopyrlKht , U93 , by Press PublUlilnB Company , . )
MADRID. March 31. ( New York \VorJ4
Cablegram Special Telegram. ) Anxiety i
growing apace with very visible symptom *
of popular patristic enthusiasm , as all feel
conscious tint Iho crisis Is hourly approach. .
Ing , the most striking demonstration beln
on the occasion of a patriotic entertainment }
tonight for the close of the theatrical soaro *
In the opera house , with the assistance ol
all ot the most eminent artists and singer *
of the orchestra society concerts , who j > \
perform a selection of different operas , -j
Ing up with a chorus from "Gallla" and I
Mar oh of Cadiz. So much hna the mattef )
been taken up by the governing clai ; i
consequence ot the proceeds of the
talnmcnt being destined to purchase wai
sela that unheard ot prices have been
for etats , J40U for gallery chairs , $5,000
a box , { 250 for orchestra and stall.
queen sent $10,000 for a royal box , tbe
t
of Spain. 10,000 to $50,000 ; all banks , ralU
way companies , cluta , bankers and broker * ,
rival each other In fabulous contributions f ' ,
scata. The tone of the preea today reveftl4 "tj'.X
( *
much supprcsted excitement , though all con *
cur In advising the Dillon1 to keep cool sn4
bo unanimous In the support ot the govern- '
niont , whom they call upon to associate ItsolB ,
with the ftellcfiu of all elates In rejecth
tha vnacrcptable pretcnilcns ot the Unit *
Stele.- . All ) . &p is lead up t tat