r' ,4 t THE OMAHA 1 DAILY BEE. | 9- v-I ESTABLISHED JUNE 19 , 1871. OMAHA , THURSDAY MORNING , AfelL 7 , 1898-TWELVE PAGES. SINGLE COPY FIVE CENTS. LEE ASKS FOR TIME President's Message ia Therefore Held Pack Till Monday , CONSUL'S REQUEST IS SHOWN TO LEADERS Satisfies Aggretsive Members of tbe Democratic Party , DELAY IN MESSAGE A DISAPPOINTMENT Public is Left in tbe Dark as to tbe Tree Condition. FUMORS ARE AFLOAT OF A SETTLEMENT DerUlim of the 1'rcnldent In Xot Ilcnchcil Until Lnte In the After- Woon , anil KM'Announcement . Create * Surprlne. WASHINGTON , April 6. Swift a * a can- Uon's flash changed the Cuban situation to day. The galleries of congress were crowded. Senators and representative * were anxious and agitated and the diplomatic corps was In a ferment , awaiting a message from the president to congress of the American people ihat might mean a war , when , with excite ment at the very highest , llkq an electric flash the word passed that there would bo no message today. y KB suddenness stunned the public which ' the news In distorted forms and t'fccard amazed veteran members of congress. Ulti mately It became known that not only would there bo no message today , but no message this week , and that It was a possibility that the message written and approved might never to to congress at all. The first reason given for the delay was , that the administration had received advices Vfrom General Leo at Havana Intimating that all Americans could not be. gotten off the Island today , and would bo In grave peril If the mcssauo preceded their departure. The tecond reason , and perhaps equally potent with the other , slowly drifted Into public comprehension late In the day , chiefly through the medium of published dispatches from Madrid , for extreme reticence was maintained on the subject by the , few In Wartilnaton who know the facts , and even cabinet officers wcro unadvised on the sub ject. SPAIN MAKES NEW OVERTURES. This Important news wan that the Spanish Kovcrnmcnt , after what plainly had been mcst exciting times In Inner Spanish circles at Madrid , had decided to reopen the case , closed so far as ttite government was ccn- corned by the refusal of Spain to make satis factory refponso to the representations made by the president laot week , and In order to overt Impending war had decided to make concessions heretofore refused. What will bo the final outcome It Is too early to say , but the aspect of affairs cer tainly Is considerably more pacific , and suf ficient to renew the hope of the president In a solution of the Cuban question satisfactory to American people and without bloodshed. The details remain to bo worked out , but It Is expected that between now and Monday a clearer light will bo thrown on the future by action at Madrid , of whlcto one Important feature at least Is the declaration of dn armistice by the queen regent of Spain. This armistice. It Is understood , will lead to ultimate Independence of Cuba from Span ish rule , but by wbat Intermediate steps per haps the governing powers do not at this time know. Much , It ls supposed , will depend Upon the Cuban Insurgent * , and the peoples o ( the two countries of the United States add Spain. The powers of Europe have brought to bear all their Influence on the government of Spain and are still actively at work seek ing by the wisest and most politic course , nc-ccssary In view of the circumstances of the t\vo great nations Involved , to bring peace out of the gathering war clouds. AMBASSADORS WORK TOGETHER. All the capitals of Europe have been In communication to this end , a fact evldenred by the assemblage at the British embassy In this city yesterday of representatives of the six great powers of Europe , -who were inado mutually acquainted with what had been done abroad , and the desire of those who accredited them to Washington that lia. ' , they should work In accord here. "This concert , howovsr , In the United States was not to go beyond a mild tender of good offices to secure peace and delay of definite declaration of war If hostilities finally be came Inevitable. Some of the representative * assembled at filr Julian Paunccfoto't may have wished to offer mediation , but If so were warned against U by others In the conference , who understood more clearly that such a pro- ' ceeduro would be resented aad work to hos- tllo and not to peaceful ends. , Tlio Improved condition of affairs was re flected throughout all public quarters late In tbo day. It was manifested at the Whlto it * House , amonf ; cabinet officers ana at the cm- basalts and legations , Including the Spanish legation. At tbo latter establishment Senor Polo eald that while bo could not disclose any of the information reaching him In an official char acter , yet he felt that the strain of a few bourn ago was materially relieved and that | ( he prospects for peace looked much better. Ho In no way confirmed , nor would ho even dlscues , views entertained In other high offl I. clal quarters , that Spain waa slowly , but surely , yielding , and confined his utterances , to tbe general statement that conditions were Improving. SENSATIONAL RUMORS AFLOAT. "Accompanying the actual developments of ' the day came a flood of reports and rumors of a sensational character , little of It , how ever , having any authentic basis. The ru- inors at disturbance at Havana wcro not borne rfut by any official advices here. Tbe uncertainty following a great disap pointment wai the condition existing at the capital at the close of the day when the ex pected did not happen. Senators and mem bers were at sea as to what was coming next. next.While While the menage was awaited there came a hurried summons of leadora of the senate * - and the bouse to the Whlto House , and they .5- were there Informed that the nu-baago w&s to be withheld on Information received from Consul General Lee. Tbo reasons ho gave were deeinod entirely satisfactory by all , nnd Senator DavU In formed the senate , while the houio Iradfo carried the news to that body. Tbat the danger to American life w.is rcn- Idertd auBclent rcaion for couaciloj np- peared In the postponement of proposed meetings to consider the situation. The propoied armistice by Spain Injected another feature Into the dUcurslim of the situation , and white some wcro very hopeful that a satisfactory solu'to' , of the problem might eventuate from It , the general feeling was tbat with the conditions In C'l'a , the determination of the Insurgents to conth.uo fighting until Independence was recognized and the sentiment of tbla country In favor of Cuba's Independence , Spain evidently made overtures too late. A general feeling was evident at the War and Navy departments , where , In contract to the feverish excitement of the last week , the tone was almost apathetic.Vbtle there was the usual amount of routine attendant upon the recent work of preparation , things toJay settled down almost to the normal. NO NEW CONTRACTS MADE. No more contracts for new vessels were cloned by the Navy department , and no changes In the etai'tons of ships announced. Today was notable for the absence of con ferences of high officials , and the great tide of visitors , congressmen , public men and contractors almost entirely disappeared. Assistant Secretary Melklcjohn of the War department made public a statement showing that up to this 'time ' there had been allotted to the department $9,729,167 from the emer gency fund of J50,000,000 appropriated by congress. The different bureaus receiving this money ore : Ordnance , $4,233,767 ; cnfilnecrs , $4,425 , . 000 ; quartermasters , $300,000 ; signal officers , $120,400. Of the entire amount allotted $927- 805 has been expended , but as much of the work begun and the munitions of war bought Is by the contract system the government Is IL-lblo for considerable of the remainder. The State department Is anticipating with much Interest and considerable apprehension the probability of ho coming Easter holidays In Spain. It Is at such times that people , especially when great national questions are uppermost In the public mind , are opt to give way to their feelings and Indulge In rlotoua demonstrations. The holidays begin tomorrow , which Is Holy Thursday , and continue for several days. Most of the business houses and all the places of amusement are closed from Thursday to Sunday , and consequently many Idle people assemble at public places and on thoroughfares. On Sunday many of the shops are opened for half a day , being closed at noon to per mit the employes to Indulge In various pas times and sports at the bull fights which are so popular In both Spain and Cuba. In view of the very strained relations existing at this time between Spain and the United States , the assemblage of large crowds In public places may , It Is feared , lead to uprising * and to demonstrations against American citizens who may reside In Spain or Cuba. LATE INVESTIGATIONS. The most careful Investigation In offlclal circles , tonight failed to develop anything In support , of the theory that the delay of the president's message was due to the situation at Madrid rather than that at Havana. When the announcement was first made today that the message had been withheld the Inference was drawn In some congres sional circles that the delay was partially ' Influenced' by the attitude of the queen re gent , who was reported willing to yield everything demanded by the United States provided It could bo done without precip itating a popular disturbance in Spain. Press dispatches of a pending crisis In Madrli tended to confirm this. Those clcecst to the president refuse to discuss the Madrid situation further than to say there was no Information from tha quarter and that no frrsh negotiations had been opened. It was reiterated that the crux of the situation was In Havana. This was confirmed by irombers of the foreign relations committee , to whom this cxplana tlon had been made In such form that they professed themselves satisfied to accept It. IIItOOKLY.V TI2STS ITS IIU LVV GU.\S. CommodoreSchley In Plcimeil TVIll the JlcMiilt. FORT MONROE , Va. , April 6. Tbe Brook lyn , flagship of the flying squadron , tried Its eight-Inch guns today to test the now elevating - ting apparatus designed to give them greater range. Tbe test was not made solely to demon strote the utility of the- apparatus , but also to see If tbe tunets , after being so mate rially changed , would etand the shock to which they are subjected. The test , which was under the direction of Commodore Schley and Captain Cook , was of a most satisfactory nature , and Commo dore Schley said that the Brooklyn was In the best of fighting trim. At 1 o'clock this afternoon , the order , "Clear ship for action , " was given and In thirty-five minutes every railing , rope , capstan , anchor , small boats and loose hamper of every kind had been removed and the big cruiser stood out grim and defiant In the sunllcht. The guns used were the forward elght- Inch pair , and the firing wtas under the cll- rectlon of Lieutenant Commander Mason , with Lieutenant Rush In command of the turret. Commodore Schley and Captain Cook stood on the quarter deck to notice the vlbratlon of the turret , which afterward was declared' ( to bo at a minimum. The first shot was sent out with a serv ice charge of eighty-five pounds of powder , the gun being elevated only fhe degrees. The 200-pound shell left the muzzle of the gun at a velocity of 2,000 feet a second. It struck the water two and three-quarters miles from the , ship , sending up a vast col- umn of water. The second shot was with the full powder charge , 110 pounds , and tent the projectile very nearly four miles , putting It In the water at a sppod of 1.000 feet per second. There was no perceptible Jarring from the shot. Commander Schley said tonight that he hid not yet received any ordera from Wash ington. The New Orleans and the San rranclsco had not been assigned him and the dynamite cruiser Vesuvius wa not ordered to his squadron. I.itndnii. Pre N Venture * Opinion * . LONDON , April 7. The editorials ) of the mo-nlng papers express conflicting opinions. The Dally News thinks the prwpect of peace brightens. The Standard says : "Evidently there U to bo no war between the United -States ir.d Spain about Cuba. The po errand the pope together will bo able to arrange a solution , " The LMlly Chronicle , on the contrary , con- ciders the gaped of affairs threatening and aclvlsey Spain not to commit suicide. fit l.otilx Suit * from Sfoulliniuiiton. NB\V YORK , April 6. The American line strainer St. Louis sailed from Southampton tolay with about 160 flrft and second class { J r.ger . There wai no United 'Statca pra. . ' , 3 lcr detailed to no with it. MAINE'S ' RAG HAULED DOWN Tattered Ensign Taken from tbo Wreck of Sunken Battleship , FERN'S OFFICERS PERFORM THE CEREMONY Crerr Stand * nt Snlnte While the Itcm- nantii of the Klnsr Arc Taken front Their Place at the Manthetul. Cop > right , 1S9S , by Press Publishing ; Company. ) HAVANA , April 6. ( New York World Ca- ilcgram Special Telegram. ) Sensational umors that officers of the Spanish transport Legazpl hauled down the Maine's half- masted ensign are absolutely false. The \merlcan colors were first hoisted clear to he peak and then taken down by Chief Quartermaster Hulgran by orders of Captain Cowles of the Fern. This morning the Spanish admiral was notified of the fact. The Spanish patrol still continues. The cere mony took place at sunset , when the Spanish mnner dropped from the < AJphonso XII and he official day formally closed. The officers and crow of the light little Tern passed toward It lowering the national flag and saluted. Meanwhile the fluttering strips of bunting , which are all that U left of the Maine's ensign , were hauled clear to he top and then the crew of the Fern faced about and stood at client salute while the ilstorlc tatters came slowly down. As the sinewy seaman descended the Maine's single mast he had Captain Slgsbee's pennarff be- Iwcen his teeth. The Insignia of command and the national colors reached the deck to gether , the saluting hands on the Fern dropped and the United States battleship Maine had ceased to officially exist. It Is no longer a piece of United States soil. Ac cording to naval usage the Maine Is no more than the abandoned hulk of a wrecked mer chantman. There Is halt a million dollars' worth of machinery uninjured within Us hoisted beams and four ten-Inch guns still lie. In their respective turrets. They could net be secured without the use of explosives. The new guns cost $40,000 each. SYLVESTER SCOVEL. HADI/V SCAIltiD LOT AT HAVANA. \ntnrnllreil Aincrlcnn Cltlrcn * AVnnt to Leave IllKht Awny. ( Cop > rlRlit. ISO ? , by Prera Publishing Company. ) HAVANA , April 6. ( New York World Ca blegram Special Telegram. ) The American colony Is ta a state of great excitement. The Pern , Mangrove and Bactie stand ready to steam out at a moment's notice whenever Leo ships the test of the hundreds of scared naturalized citizens. Now that all quarantine regulations bave been raised Brunner's ofllco Is not GO besieged as It was , but every American citizens' bouse Is full of packed and packing household goods. Tbe fright ol these people Is really pitiable. A cloudburst Is expected tomorrow. Lee , as usual , Is cool calm and easy going. His well worn advice Is , "keep cool and say nothing. " He has full confidence In Blanco being strong enough to hold down disorder and ccnducl the departure of Americans , If such has to be , with all possible International courtesy , Politeness Is now pushed to the lost exquls' Itc notch. The admiral sent his adjutant to Cowles on tbo Fern to thank him for hav ing notified the admiral of the removal of the American ensign yesterday from the Maine wreck. The Mangrove will leave at 6 , o'clock this evening for Key West and will carry th Cuban-Americans , who expect tbat war wll ba declared and are anxious to escape freer Cuba before hostilities commence. The Man grove will be crowded far beyond Its regula : capacity. Many Cubcns will have to speni the night on deck , as there le no room fo hem In the cabins. The Plant line steame : Mascotto left today for Tampa wllti mor passengers than It baa ever carried before tnt'is agents here have cables requesting permission to have the Mascotto dtscharg ta passengers at Key West and return t flavana tomorrow-for another lead. Althoug ! acting on Lee's advice the Plant line manage ment hes given ofllclaj notification that vis its of Its steamers to Havana would bo dls continued after the Mascotte's departure. Th Ward line steamer Orizaba leaves this after noon with twenty more passengers In th first cabin than It accommodates with stat rooms. The agents of the Ward line houil expect notice from New York that no inor Ward steamers will stop at Havana. All American newspapers that arrived o the Mascotte early this morning were seize and taken to tbe palace end have not ye been released by the censor. As a result I Is Imposslbfe to obtain American newspaper today In Havana. SYLVESTER SCOVEL. Ontlnok In Ilnrci-lonn , ( Copyright , U9 . by Pr Publl'hlns Company 'BARCELONA. April 6. ( New York Worl Cablegram Special Telegram. ) People I thla city of 600,000 Inhabitants , the chle center of Spanish Industry and the most Im portant port In the kingdom , take more In tercet even than the rest of Saln In th Cuban question , because the prosperity of th banking , shipping , mercantile and manufac luring Interests of Barcelona and four of th Casttllan provinces long depended on th Wept Indian markets , where they used to send { 300,000,000 worth of exports annually before the present Insurrection. Practical people like the Catalans often cay that If autonomy In tariff loses them all the ad vantages In connection with the colony It Is hardly worth while to prolong or Increase picrlflccs to retain It. Nevertheless the Cas- tlllar.s show their willingness to contribute vcsseUi and money should war break out. Wlien the battalions of the line regiments marched from the south station to tbe quay through the main streets of Barcelona to embark on the transatlantic steamer An- ttono Lopez , 1,196 strong , with colon flying and bands playing tbo Cadiz military march , the people of all classes , from the wealthy citizens to republican and socialist work men , to numerous In Barcelona , flocked to sco and cheer the Droops departing for the Canary It-lands. The artillery batteries left Monday with patriotic demonstrations. Transports - ports are getting ready to take two bat- talinnt ) of line artillery to reinforce tbe Philippine is'ands. ' Ordered to Active Duty. SAN FRANCISCO , April 6. Lieutenant John B. Milton , who has been In charge of the naval observatory at Mare Island for the part year , went east last night and will re port at tbe Brooklyn navy yard for duty. Hie summons was a surprise to himself and colleagues. He Is considered one of tbe best officers In the service and since his ap pointment as a midshipman In 1866 has had nearly nineteen years of active sea duty. Accept * Tender of Electrician * . PHILADELPHIA , April 6. The services of Philadelphia Electrical division , composed o ( practical e'.ectrlcitni organized to nrv the government If needefl , _ wffo today ac cepted by Major Raymond , VJS. A. , and are on waiting orders to iMlit tf laying sub marine mines In Delaware iff and other electrical work In connection 1 With the de fense of this city. j BXGLA.-SD SHOWS v1IVCH < IXTRHKST. Fear that n UiilvemiU Wnr In Likely to Ilreak Ont. ( Copjright , U98 , by PreE ; PubllBhlnic Company. ) LONDON , April 6. ( Nenf York World Ca blegram Special Telegram. ) The president's message Is awaited hero with deep and pain ful Intercct and the visit paid today by Am- > aeeador Hay to Balfour excited keen spccu- atlon In political circle * . 'It Is reported that while the Irritable ( situation was of couroo IscuEsed and Balfour expressed the strong eplro of the British government to prc- crvo peace , no suggestions < were made with ( lat object In view. The question which hlcfly brought Ambassador Hay to the for- Ign office was to exchange views on the ubject of the position of the United States' elation to the declaration , of Parto , which , wing to the fact tbat both the United States nd Spain were not slguototlcs to that In- trumcnt , might raise serious questions It nose powers exercised their rights to search eutral ships. It Is understood that Eng land , having received the pledge that Spain would not excrc'so 'this right , has approached ho United States with'a suggestion for a Imtlar pledge. The matter has not been cfinltely settled. . It Is rumored In diplomatic circles hero onlght that Austria , France and Russia are making a strong final effojft to combine all he European powers In a demand for media- Ion. England has been approached , but the Irltlsh cabinet , while as anxious to prevent lostllltles as any European1 power , does not consider It good policy to ! ) oln a movement which bears the nppcaranceAof on attempt to oln the pressure on the United States. Feei ng here Is that war Is Inevitable , and the 'ear Is growing that It cannot easily bo lo calized If It once breaks Out , owing to In flucncca at work In behalf of Spain on the continent. , nc oiincnuD TO MOAVK HAVANA. Allcftcd InHtrnctlon * Sent to the Coii- Hiil General. NEW YORK , April 0. A dispatch to the lerald from Washington ays : A dls patch of the highest significance was sent to onsul General Leo In Havana by the State department late lost ( Tuesday ) night. it contained orders for him to Jlcavo Havana at the earliest possible moraei't. WASHINGTON , April G. Attorney General 3rlggs stated at 11:30 : today that bo under stood that Consul Leo would 'leave ' Havana today. Whether all tho. Americans would } o gotten out of Cuba at. Ibid time he was not sure , but Afslrtant , Secretary Day Is credited with stating that all of them would leave today. WASHINGTON , April 'G. The Navy de partment has been Informed ft thc depart ure of the Btichc and Mangrove from Havana with a largo number of Amerlpana on board. It Is Mated , however , that Geucral Lee did not sail. Secretary Long yiald' that It had been decided to defer ndndlng the 'message to congress , but whenaskcflT'lf tWs decision had been Influenced , by ijio condition of af fairs In Havana , he declined to answer. TO 1'UQTECT AMERICANS , Will UHC Itn Gooil Office * In CIIKC of AVnr with Spain. ' MADRID , April 6 Although there are no Important developments .up to thla hour ( mid night ) , arrangements have beta concluded to place American citizens and their property throughout tbe country under ( he care of the British diplomatic representatives In caeo tbo United States minister , Genccal Stewar L. Woodford. Is compelled j to leave. It la known , however , tbat no Instructions hav yet been received by Gpneral Woodford to place American citizens and .their property under the protection of the 'British repre- Eentatlves. General Wood feed left'tbe Unite' ' States legation for his residence at 12:35 : o m. The prevailing Impresklon 'In political circles ao this dispatch Is' sent Is that Spalci 'will ' strive to the utmost to. avert war , bu doubts as to Its being able to do so are ex pressed In all quarters. n iMore Ahont Simnluli Torpedoes. ( Copyright , J89S , by Pree I'uUlflilnK Company. HAVANA , April 6. ( Now York World Ca blegram Special Telegram.i ) I have learnec 4he kind and sizes of torpedoes and mines I the Spanish naval arsenal ! here. I hav learned also that some were experimented with the week before the Maine arrived , Two strings' of torpedoes ( fere run across the narrow harbor entrancejrecently. The : are placed as described and are small floatln boxes two feet by one- foot They are calle here "mine torpedoes. " There are In th arsenal today fifty "buoy" mines loaded wit guncotton. They are , two ; , shallow faea spears placed together , four feet each I diameter and each about two and a half fee thick. Eighteen mlno torpedoes plmllar t < those recently placed In the .entrance to th harbor were put aboard 'thev torpedo chase T Philippines yesterday. , SYLVESTER SCOVEL. Oilnlon from Gernmny. ( Copyright , H38 , by I'rcrs I'ub'.tshlng Company BERLIN , April G. ( New Yoik World Ca blegram Special Telegram. ) n editorial I ' ! the National Zeltung bearingjtho marks o Inspiration , saja war with Spain Is not In tb e direct Intercuts of America , asjthe Indcpend * epceof Cuba Is sure to coml without th war. The spirit of the state due to strong group of speculators wl & are active ! engaged for their own selfish objects In In I- citing the people. War betw < m Spain an Id America will seriously affeci ither nations , Indeed tbe whole of Europe' ' It will In a probability dislocate thecrlsjlng dlstrlbu I- tlcn of power. America's grc irter resource Ia will give her the victory til fee long run but probably not untilSpall 'lias Infllcte enormous damage. I h ° ar I tat America agents are engaged In purcha kig fast ship at Hamburg. Already two vei fast veaseli Columbia and Ncrmannla , haye been secure ; Wnr Sen re LONDON , April C. Tbe mai set for Amer lean securities opened 'flat h prices below New York parity. Spanish fours opened lower'on the Stock exchange at 48 % , and lait * weakened to 47 % . Later there was a ill t rafiy to 47 % . Tbo closing yesterday was 4 ! 4 , BARCELONA , April ( . Spanish fours are quoted here today at 67.80 afabit 70.25 yes terday. _ H PARIS , April 6. SpanlsH four * were de pressed on the Bourse today , selling at 47 % , ex-Interest. The closing price yesterday wai 60 15-16. . Fleet Still nt SI. Vincent. < Copj right , 1S98 , by I're I'ubUphlnjr Company. ) ST. VINCENT. April . ( New YJork Word | Cablegram Special Telegrams The Spuolih torpedo flotilla is ct'lll here awaiting orderi , Each vessel Is cleared a < ! rs 4y tor set At nolle * , ASK NEBRASKA TO BE READY Officials of tbe Bt&ta Look to a Coming Clash at Arms , _ _ _ _ _ i SENATOR ALLEN TELEGRAPHS GOVERNOR Tender * IIIn I'emonnl Service ! in Cnne of Wnr Stnte .Mllltnry rionrd in Reunion Wnkcs , 3'reiinriitloiin. WASHINGTON , April 6. Senator Allen of Nebraska sent the following dispatch today. Hon. Silas A , Holcomb , Lincoln , Neb. : Tender all state troops without delay. In the event of war with Spain I dcslro through you to place my services nt the disposal of the state to serve the country In such capacity as you may assign me In de fense of the national honor and for Cuban liberty. WILLIAM V. ALLEN. LINCOLN. April 6. ( Special Telegram. ) In response to Senator Allen's message and on account of the crisis tbat Is thought to bo near , the governor called a council for this afternoon of the State Military board , composed of General Barry , General Bills , Colonel Bratt and Colonel Blschof. A heavy artillery regiment of three batter ies Is being organized to bo made up and officered by ex-students and cadets of the university , and It has already offered Its services to the state. It Is said that the new regiment Is being formed under the direction of an officer of the regular army. The governor and the members of tbe Military Board were In session all the after- noon. Major Edward Hale , Judge advocate of the Guard , participated with the board In the council , as also did Captain Culver of the cavalry and Captain Murdock of the artillery. As a result of the meeting the following - lowing telegram was sent : LINCOLN , April 6. To His Excellency , the President , Washington : Commanding ofllcers of Nebraska National Guard In con ference Join with me In unreservedly plac ing at your disposal entire organized mili tary forces of state In event of hostilities with Spain. With isll-jht additional equip ment , forces are ready for active duty on short notice. SILAS A. HOLCOMB , Governor. The question of concentrating aad handling the elate troops on short notice had already been fully considered , and all arrangements made , but at the meeting this afternoon the matter of supplies and additional equipment was taken up and a requisition was made on the government for overcoats , blankets and some other articles , The present strength of the guard Is uboutf 1,300 and the number will reach STOOO when the. companies are recruited to their full size , and In case of a call from the president , It la expected that the full number will ho ready to take the field , as applications from recruits are pouring In. I'OPU. EXPRESSES AO SURPRISE. SnyM Hi * nxiiccted America to Decline IIU oner. LONDON , April 6. The Rome correspond ent of the Dally News saye : Botb the pope1 and Cardinal Rampolla , papal secretary , declare that tbey never had any Illusions about mediation , knowing that the United States would reject It/ and tbat anyway It would cause bad blood between Catholics and Protestants there. In fact the Vatican liaa received several dispatches from prominent Americans saying tbat Interven tion of the pope might seriously retard the progress of Catholicism In America. The pope's only object now Is to gain time , so that Spain and America can reflect. I have also heard that Influential prelates In the Vatican consider It Is well for tbo church and tbe prestige of the papacy that the undertaking of the pontiff proved abor tive. They think tbat If Leo had been ap pointed mediator he would have found him self In a delicate position , 33 , because of his known affection for Spain , and being god father of King Alfonso , ho would have been open to a suspicion of sympathy with Spain , and unless the Independence of Cuba had been granted the United States would bavo been dl&satlsfied. Ho would have found a great obstacle also In having to declare for or against the Monroe doctrine. Strange to observe , while the In tervention of tbc- pope , no matter how noble and generous , Is considered by outsiders a failure , at today's weekly reception of the diplomatic body by Cardinal Rgmpolla ho re ceived and accepted cor gratulatlons on the ppe's proceedings at Washington. Cardinal Rampolla himself asserted that these proceedings had had the result of de laying President McKlnley's tnecsage and ho made It understood that negotiations wcro continuing , wltb a prospect of obtaining an armistice In Cuba. It Is announced that the pope , to set the real truth before tbe world , will In duo tlrao publish a history of tbe whole affair. The Rome correspondent of the Dally Chronicle says : "Archbishop Ireland has cabled to tbe pope- that mediation 1s almcat Impossible In consequence - sequence of the resistance of public opinion. .Ills holiness Is much grieved. " OIUKCT TO I.NCHEASKU 1IEER TAX. nretvern Call on Hondo r\Vn > * nnd Mcuntt Committee. WASHINGTON , April 6. A delegation representing the United States Brewers' association , sociation appeared before the wa > s and ( . means committee of the bouse today and protested against the proposed increase of the tax en beer to meet war emergencies. The delegation consisted of Messrs. G. Thomann of New York City , Paul A. Saaga of Baltimore , Robert Partner of Alexandria , Va. , J. W. Brown of Brooklyn and C. W. Wells of this city. It urged that there was no reascn why the brewers should bo subjected to ouch an additional tax when other lines remain ex empt. Chairman Dlngley explained that the In crease had not been considered , either by tbe cctnmlttco or the house , but If'the members wanted to state tbelr views they might do so. so.The The brewers said that If It became nec essary to Increase taxes all along'the line , they would raise no objection , because tbat would cecetoltate retailers cither raising the price per glass , or furnishing I era of the product for a given sum , In event at war , the 'tax to be raised from $1 to | 2 a barrel , tbey asked tbat congres * provide eattafactory rebate , 15 per c nt THE BEE BULLETIN. Weather Forecast for Nebraska Warmer ; Southerly Winds. 1 Coniul Lee < Auk * for1 MoreTime. . Maine' * KnulKn Untiled Down. Nebrimkn Force * Spnlm llriflnit to 2 < Jrent Crowd * nt .Much 3 Xclirnnkn Nc . Itcnrlnir I" Iliilcomb in 4 Hdltorlnl B JlltlKC- O Council lawn \tMM. . 'Mcctlntr-of ' JB BVinril of Control. 7 flencrnl B BIic Kiirlher Went , 8 IlenntlcM o ( | Ktlon llnlldlnK * . Scheme' for i jfuotliifr Industries. O Simln * * FlRhtlnR Material. Straw llondmiicn lit Jronnrdy. llnck Knlnrle * Are- Tied Up. Siinntterw I.ny Cliulni' ' to Land. It Co mm ere In I nnd Financial New * . 12 "TinIfKencriitlnn of Judy. " IlrltnJn'w wMinprr Toiuen. Temperature at O inn lull Hour. Dcir. Hour. Heir. R a. m. . . . . . : il 1 p. m 4,1 ti a. m 21) It p. m 4(1 7 n. m : tl ) a p. in 4H N a. in .12 4 p. m. . . . . . 411 O n. in. . . . . . 214 R p. m BO 10 n. in : il > < > p. m 4M 11 n. in 4U 7 p. m 47 li ! m 41 H p. m 411 O p. ill 42 should bo allowed for spoilage from whatever cause. The committee adjourned without giving an assurance as to what would bo done. Sl'AMAIlDS TALK oF MEDIATION. Government Doc * \ot Know Junt Where It Stiindn. ( Cop > rlRht , 1S98 , by Trees Tub'.lshlns Compnny. ) MADRID , April 0. ( New Ycck World Cablegram - blegram t Special Telegram. ) The situation Is 1 altered In tone. The morning papers are angry and reproachful against those who jumped ' at the conclusion tt'at papal mcd'a- ! tlon could prevail. Iraparclal ea > s the United States committed a gross mistake In supposing that threats and preparations for war would Intimidate Spain and In fancying that her respect for the church and pope would make her submit to American condi tions that the nation had determined to re sist , whatever the rulern may attempt. Imperial published the Rome telegram , sayIng - Ing the text of the papal telcgiain to Mc- Klnley : Is thus : "As tbo head of a religious fraternity ' I will solicit Sraln to grant an armistice. In th6 name of humanity I pray you , pending the result of this step , to deign to suspend all extreme resolution. " McKlnlcy replied : "Anyhow , out of respect for your holiness , we will wait , wishing you eucccs.i In your endeavor. " Subsequently offlclal private telegrams from Rome and Washington leave little hope of the success of papal negotiations. It Is thought the essential dlfllculty lies In the fact that the president has Intimated to the Irish prelate and apostolic ablegate that ho Is unable to admit the nterferencct of the Vatican unlesslt pro'mptly lnduced Spain to accede to tbe terras which ho had already stated. The Spanish government could not hope to Induce the nation and the army to accept If the Independence of Cuba and the withdrawal of Spanish troops are Insisted upon. The principal topic of conversation among all classes today was papal mediation. De- pplte absolutely contradictory Information , pourlnz In from abroad and circulated In Madrid , even official circles appear to bo In the dark as to the action the pope has taken since Spain acceded to his suggestion. The only offlclal news shows that the pope la con tinuing his efforts to Induce McKlnlcy to let him mediate and appealing to European courts for the same purpose. Not many Spaniards expect much from the kind Inter ference of the pope and their attention Is far more attracted by alleged differences of opinion existing among liberal statesmen and members of the cabinet on pending ques tions. . Sagasta today refused to receive anybody but ministers and a few high officials. He Intimated that ho would convoke an extracr- 'dlnary council tomorrow afternoon , whoa the cabinet will have received enough Informa tion from Rome and Washington to be In a position to form an estimate of the situation 'and determine the future line of conduct , The government has received offers of service from the Carllsts , their chief , Marquis Cer- ralbo , having called on the premier for that purpose. Great activity Is noticed In llplo- matlo circles. Foreign ambassadors ate cail- Ing dally on tbe minister of foreign affairs and sending and receiving numerous cables from their respective governments. Tuo nuncio today again vltlted tbo queen and ministers to convey the latest news from the Vatican , but nothing definite. Minister Wood- ford doea not contemplate moving yet. The families of the military attache and second secretary have gene to Biarritz. ARTHUR B. HOUGHTON. LED ADVISES HI * SOX TO WAIT. VoniiR Man I'ONIOIICH lllii Coiitem- Iilntcd Trip tni Ilnvnnn , RICHMOND , Va. , April G. Kltzhugh Lee , jr. , who contemplated leaving Richmond to day to Join his father at Havana , received about noon a cablegram from his father ad- v'slng him to "hold the fort for further or ders. . " lie thereupon gave up his trip. A Uoso personal friend of General Ixc'e hero recehed a letter from him today In which the consul general najd ho would re main In Havana "until tbo clouds fall , or until I am recalled by the United States gov ernment. " For the present , he says , he Is going right along "keeping In the middle of the road. " Mrs. Leo received a cablegram from her : 9.r .husband today couched In reassuring terms. McKliiU * > 'M Ilcply ta Leo. ( Copyright , U9S , by Preka Puljllhlnjr Company. ) ROME , April 6. ( New York World Cable- gum Special Telegcarn. ) I learn that Mc- Klnlcy's answer to the pope's suggestion for preservation of the peace Is that tbe question does not regard Spain and Cuba alone but Is between Spain and the United States Another question Is pending and must re ceive a distinctly aubmlestvo and concilia. tory answer from Spaa. ! Mine Story Xot Verified. HAVANA , .April G. The story sent north tbat fcrty mines had been recently sunk In Havtna harbor Is not verified. It U Im probable. Likely enough , however , a single line , and perhaps a double line , of torpedoes have been laid In the narrowest part of tbo channel near the entrance. MI H llurloii In llntunu Aicnlii. HAVANA. April G. Miss Clara Barton of Uio Red Crces society , who arrived by'tho Mascotto this morning , visited Governor General Blanco at 2 o'clock thin atcvnoU ( ) and was moat kindly received. She left the palace exprculaz htraelf atlafle4 wltb tbt Tislt , SPAIN COMING DOWN Reconsiders Its Refusal of the Froposall Made by the President. IS NOW WILLING TO REOPEN THE CASE Announcement Gomes from Madrid that ft Settlement is Reaobed , STATEMENT OF THE TERMS IS NOF GIVEN Queen Regent Isiuos Proclamation of Armistice for Cuba. MINISTERIAL CRISIS IS IMM'NENT AilvtcY > * of < hc XOTV Condition or iAf- fnlm Stench the- President mill UncouriiKc Him to Look for Pence. MADRID , April G. H Is said hero that a satisfactory settlement has been arrived at between the United States and Spain. 12.05 p. m. A ministerial crisis Is Im minent. It Is understood that Senor Sllvela , the leader of the dissident conservatives , and the conservatives will , If necessary , accept office on a program of an Immediate armistice , with full au thority to the autonomist government to ne gotiate ( and conclude an Immediate and ef fectual ' peace In Cuba. 12:20 : p. m. It Is confidently asserted at this hour a proclamation of the queen regent announcing an Immediate armistice In Cuba will bo Issued tomorrow. It Is added that some of the cabinet ministers may re-sign , but. If necessary , the ministry will bo changed. The Austrian ambassador , Count Dubsky , had an Interview with the United States min ister , General Stewart L. Woodford , today. They both seemed much pleased at the situa tion. 7:40 : p. m. The official statement that affairs have takc-a a pacific turn has not bccomo 1 generally known and public opinion remains much cxolteJ. The bourse has de clined ( heavily , owing to the belief that there Is dissension In the cabinet , which , however , the ministerial supporters abso lutely deny. The hope of reaching a peaceful settle ment with the United States Is growing strong. It Is Ihat reported tbe basis of an armistice In Cuba has been arranged. If this be true a royal decree will appear In the Gazette tomorrow or Friday , announcing the conclusion on armistice. WASHINGTON , April G. The president has received advices and Information which make him hopeful that war between the United States and Spain may be averted and an outcome of the Cuban situation secured that will bo satisfactory to the people of tbo United States. The matter baa not yet pro gressed' a stage tbat makes It safe to state * this as more than a pOEalblllty , but the dis position manifested tho'last two dajs by the Spanish government gives ground for an , expectation that It will yield oil vital points. There has been a tremendous prcssuro brought to bear on Madrid from almost It not all Influential quarters In Europe , and the queen's Influences on tlie government la believed will bo exerted to tbe end that peace may prevail. - Secretary Long , when shown the Madrid bulletin announcing a settlement , said : "I know nothing of It. " He refused to say anything more. WOODFOIID 1MIKPAHHS TO LEAVE. HI * Family and Offlclal Staff Move to France. MADRID , April G. R:39 : p. m. The family of United States Minister Woodford will start this evening for Biarritz , Prance , Tbo staff of tbe United States legation has left Madrid and will probably remain In Parts for the present. - ' 9 p. m. Mra. Woodford , wife of the United States minister , accompanied by her nleca an ! Lieutenant G. L. Dyer , the United States naval attache , left by the 8 o'clock train for Biarritz. General Woodford bade them farewell at the station. Considerable sur prise Is expressed at their departure , "In view of th settlement , " but Miss Woodford remains and It Is explained that the others will soon return , Deny the Mine iltory. ( Copjright , JS98 , ty Prcfs Publishing Company. ) MADRID , April G. ( Now York' World Ca blegram Special Telegram. ) On the highest authority I am able to state that nothing la known at Madrid In the marine department concerning tbo alleged purchase of material * ' a few years ago for laying down submarlno _ mlnea In Havana harbor. At the marine department - partment the opinion Is held that the local Cuban authorities could not have done this without reporting the same at home , even to cover the expenditure. What Is more , the predecessor of tbe present minister of ma rine , Admiral Blranger , never heard of the matter. Tbe late commander of the West Indian station denies as energetically u Campos and Wcyler did when questioned , ARTHUR E HOUGHTON. Hlilnpcil to Snn Frnncliico. BOSTON , April G. The third of the 12- Inch disappearing gun carriages which have been manufactured at tbo United States arsenal at Watcrtown was shipped today to Fort Wlnflcld Scott , Saa Francisco. Double the Force t Hock Inland. DAVENPORT , la. , April 0. Ordero were received today doubling the force at tbo Rock Island arsenal and rutting work upon gun carriages end caUsona. A night shift com- mcnces work Monday. .MotrmeiitN . or Occam Vc el , April 4. At New York Arrived Karlsruhe , from Bremen. Sailed St. Louis , for Southamp ton ; Teutonic , for Liverpool ; Noordland , for Antwerp. At Southampton Arrived St. Paul , from New York. Sailed I ahn , for New York. At Queenstown Salled-Scythla , for Bos ton. ton.At At Olbrnltar Arrived Fulda , from New , - York , for Naples. g At I'lymjuth Arrived Tvave , from Now r York , for Bremen. At Movllle-Arrlved-Anohorla , from New York. At Copfii'.iagen wlved Aragonla , froa , , i j iw Yotk ; .Norge , from New Yoik. - :