SPAIN AND AMERICA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2298, 17 March 1898, Page 17

SPAIN AND AMERICA.

THE UNITED STATES PREPAY- j lISG- YOU EMERGENCIES. Washington, March 8. The American Government are securing the options with respect; to the warships at present under construction in the European dockyards, with a view of preventing their purchase by Spain. Mr J. D. Long, Secretary to the Navy, states that he is determined to be ready in the event of any emergency. The report as to the demand made by Spain for the recall of General Lee, the American Consul-general at Havana, is not official. The Spanish Government have requested President, M'Kinley to substitute the despatch of a merchant; vessel for the two warships which were recently ordered to convey provisions for the relief of destitution in Cuba. It is reported that part of the Spanish fket has been ordered to Cuba. The American House of Representatives haa authorised the increase of the army by the enrolment of two additional regiments of artillery. The American authorities have ordered a > naval official to visit Great Britain and ] France to inspect the various warships that | are offered for sale. j March 9. i The Appropriations Committee of the House o£ Representatives unanimously sp- ' proved of the Defence BUI vote for an increase of the artillery forces. It is regarded i in Washington as a measure of precaution, j and not as a menace to Spain. It is believed that war will ba averted. ! President M'Kinley that he was taking advantage of the unanimity of puolie cpioioa to obtain additions to the naval military defence?, which had been needed lor a long time. The Treasury advance money out of the reserve. Sir Julian Pauncefote, British Minister at Washington, assured President M'Kinley of ihe sympathy of Britain in the event of complications. The Americans are pleased with Britain's assurances of moral support. America is r quipping a flying squadron. The Ddfcncs Bill was passed unanimously in the Senate. New Yoek, March 11. The Herald states thai Sir Julian Panncefote has conveyed the Queen's message of sympathy to President M'Kinley in his efforts io relieve the distress in Cubs, and expresses her hope that war with Spain may be averted. President K'Kicley returned his thanks and said he hoped that it would ba possible to avert war. Feeling in the United States is increasingly favourable towards Great Britain, and some of the newspapars discuss the desirableness of forming an alliance between America, Great Biitaia, and Japan. March 12. The American naval officers are enthusiastic at the suggested alliance with Britain. The English wa?sbip Cordelia, \t present coaling at Key West, Florida, was the object of a tremendous reception, the officers and men being cordially greeted. March 13. Preparations for war on the part of America continue with increasing energy. In receiving Senor Bernabe, the Spanish Miaisfcer at Washington, President M'Kinley reciprocated hopes for the maintenance of p«ace expressed oy Maria Christina, the Queen Regent of Spain. Lonbon, March 11. The Standard states that with the exception of Austria and Germany all the Powers have assured America that they will remain neutral in ths event of a war with Spain. The Admiralty has warned the shipbuilders not to accept orders from the Uniced States or Spain without first notifying ths authorities. March 14. The Standard states that since the Cuban excitement, bonds and shares on Wall street (New York) have declined 250,000,000d01. Madrid, March 9. There is a calmer feeling in Spain. March 13. A gale which has been rßging on the coast o£ Spain prevented the Spanish torpedo flotilla from leaving Cadiz for Cuba.