THE CUBAN TROUBLE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2299, 24 March 1898, Page 13

THE CUBAN TROUBLE.

London, March 14. The Standard's New York correspondent gays that, despite official assurances of a pacific nature, the values of stocks have fallen, some to the extent of 7 per cent. The Times states that the inquiry into the explosion under the cruiser Maine is concluded, and that the report will be presented to the American Government in the course of a fortnight. March 16. Reports from Madrid states that public feeiing in that city favours peace. Mr Smalley, the New York correspondent of The Time?, states that words of peace are oftenest heard from men known to be amongst President M'Kinley'a trusted advisers. Washington, March 15. The American Government are accelerating the construction of 150 big guns at the Washington factory with the view of arming 30 auxiliary cruisers. Inspection is also being made of 40 steamers suitable for conversion into cruisers. Among these are the new American line mail steamers St. Paul and St. Louis. The United States has purchased two warships from the Brazilian Government. March 17. Piesident M'Kinley, in a speech referring to the Spanish troubles, said be would rather have his administration prove an ignominious failure than become responsible for an unholy war. The Spanish Government, in a memorandum to Washington, suggests that the American war preparations are encouraging the Cuban insurgents. The presence of an American fleet at Key West is also regarded as an unfriendly measure. March 20. The House of Representatives has adopted Senator Dingley's resolution remitting the duties on war materials. The resolution was suggested by Mr Alger (Secretary of State for War) and Mr Long (Secretary for the Navy). The Government have distributed the fleet which has assembled at Key West. Two warships have been ordered to Shampton Roads naval station, Virginia. This is believed to be the first step towards the formation of a North Atlantic squadron. New York, March 15. The American Government have decided to fortify the Tortuga islets at the entrance of the Gulf of Mexico as a naval base. Mines have been laid at Sandy Hook, the entrance to the bay of New York. March 16. Remarkable demonstrations of good feelings towards Britain are general in the United States. " God save the Queen " is £ ucg in zaa&y of the New York theatres.

Madrid, March 16. The Spanish flotilla which was detained owing to bad -weather has sailed from Cadiz for Cuba. March 18. Ths Spanish Government have instructed j the flotilla which recently sailed for Cuba to | remain at the .Canary Islands for the present. I Vienna, March 15. I Emperor Francis is endeavouring to inj dnce the Powers to represent to the United i States the danger to Europe of further interj ference in the Cuban trouble.