AMERICA AND SPAIN.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 276, 19 April 1898, Page 2

AMERICA AND SPAIN.

THE PRESIDENT'S HAND FORCED. QUEEN*REGENT DECLARES FOR WAR. Washington, April 17. The Senate by 67 votes to 21 adopted the resolutions carried by a majority of the Foreign Relations Committee, declaring for the independence of Cuba, requiring Spain to evacuate the island, and directing President McKinley to use force. The Senate then adjourned. The Senate by 51 votes to 37 adopted an amendment recognising the Republic of Cuba. A prolonged sitting of the Senate was held on Friday. During the debate the Democrats endeavoured to impose a mandate on President McKinley, leaving nothing to his discretion aud to force immediate hostilities. A majority «f the Republicans desire war, but do not desire to discredit President McKinley. If both Houses pass a resolution recognising Cuba's independence, President McKinley must accept a policy which his Message condemned, or veto the decision of Congress. It is clear, however, that action in defence of Cuba is certain, whatever form the declaration takes. General Lee's evidence with regard to the Maine disaster has aroused an inteuso outcry for vengeance throughout America. A man named Chandell, alias Escadero, who at Geueral Weyler's orders planted submarine mines in Havana Harbour, has been arrested in Chicago. The American war authorities are mobilising regiments at Key West. Congress has been asked to authorise the summoning of 400,000 militia. Madrid, April 16. The Queen-Regent of Spain has abandoned her opposition to war, and has subscribed 1,000,000 pesetos to the war fund. Senor Polo Bernabe, the Spanish Minister, has been ordered to withdraw from Washington immediately President McKinley sanctions a resolution adopted by Congress, authorising armed intervention in Cuba. The Spanish Government has addressed a note to the Powers, complaining of the offensive attitude of the American Senate towards Spain. The Spanish Government has purchased from the Hamburg-American Steamship Company two of their fastest vessels, for use as cruisers—the Normania, 8242 tons, and the Columbia, 7240 tons. Spain is furious at General Lee's imputation that Spanish officers were cognisant of the plot to blow up the Maine. The Spanish navy fund has reached 3,000,000 pesetos. It is reported that the rebel leaders, Gomez and Garcia, have tendered their submission on condition that autonomy is confirmed. They are said t« have taken this step because they are discontented at the American Congress not having decided to recognise the present Cuban Republican movement. The American Consulate at Barcelona has been stoned. Btjda-PeBTH, April 16. The Pester Lloyd newspauer, published in this city, in what is described as an inspired article, states that the European Powers will observe neutrality in the event of hostilities between America and Spain, but that after the war they will make their voices heard. London, April 16. The Times discredits the rumour that the Powers will resort to armed intervention. If such a thing were proposed Britain, it says, would refuse to join. The French, Austrian and Italian newspapers express opinions hostile to America's policy. Continental sympathies are strongly with Spain. New York, April 16. Five patrol ships and the Naval Reserves guard the coasts of Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan and New Jersey. Eight regiments have been ordered to New Orleans, seven to Tampa, in Florida; seven to Mobile, in Alabama ; and six cavalry regiments to Chickamaga. The flying squadron is stationed in Hampton Roads.