to our Government, not because she was a menace to the safety of New York, but because it was feared that harm might come to her while she was in American waters.
The presence of the vessel, however, in the greatest of our ports at so critical a time made the War Department realize the importance of protecting New York more carefully. So the United States monitor Terror was sent to New York harbor and will remain there for the present. Work is being pushed on other war-vessels that are in the shipyards for repair or in process of construction, as it is quite possible that we may need our whole strength at any time.
* * * * *
Last week we referred to the report that a strong feeling was growing in Washington in favor of putting an end to the Cuban war by having the United States purchase Cuba.
The report has reached Spain and has brought out the following despatch from a correspondent in Madrid:
"I have it on the highest authority that Spain will never, no matter what government is in power, consider any such suggestion or any compromise in Cuba beyond the broad measure of autonomy drafted by the liberal government.
"This is an absolute, irrevocable decision. People who suggest anything else are only wasting time and arousing unfounded hopes in the minds of the rebels."
Spain's feeling whenever mention is made of possible interference in Cuba by another power was lately shown by the indignation expressed in Madrid at the report that Bismarck wanted the war to be settled by arbitration. The Spanish Premier, Se?or Sagasta, refused to believe the rumor, and declared that "No one would dare to propose such an absurdity," and that "No Spanish government would listen to or dream of such a proposal."
In view of this news, the present attitude of Congress toward Cuba is by no means reassuring. Many of the Republican Congressmen are strongly in favor of passing the Senate resolution recognizing the belligerent rights of the Cuban insurgents. This resolution was "shelved" some time ago by being referred to the House Committee of Foreign Affairs. So warm is the sentiment in favor of Cuba throughout the country, that many members of the House of Representatives are said to believe that they must pass a definite measure in support of the insurgents before Congress adjourns.
* * * * *
It is reported that Consul-General Lee has been quietly advising the American families in Havana to leave Cuba. On the other hand, we have good authority for the statement that the captains of the American ships in the harbor of Havana have been informed by our Government that they are in no danger, and may, with assurance of safety, remain in the harbor.
This is an example of the contradictory news that is constantly coming to us from Cuba.
The fact remains, however, that there is in Havana a strong anti-American feeling. The Spaniards seem to believe that we are not sincere in our declarations that we do not want to interfere in the war or to secure possession of the island.
The friends of General Weyler seem to be particularly hostile to us. It is said that, in case the destruction of the Maine is found to have been caused by a plot, they will join forces with the other enemies of the United States in Cuba and attack the Americans in Havana.
* * * * *
On February 26th, while King George of Greece was riding through the streets of Athens with his daughter, the Princess Maria, two men fired several shots at him. The driver of his carriage whipped up the horses and the King escaped injury. One of the footmen was wounded in the arm.
King George displayed great bravery. As soon as the first shot was fired he rose from his seat and stood between the Princess and the would-be assassins.
It is supposed that the attack was due to the unpopularity which the King acquired among many of his subjects during the late war between Greece and Turkey. The King's escape, however, was made the cause of great rejoicing and thanksgiving in Athens. From all parts of the civilized world, too, telegrams of congratulation were sent to him.
King George is the second son of the King of Denmark, and brother of the Princess of Wales. He was born in Denmark in 1845, and was elected in 1863 by the National Assembly at Athens to fill the vacancy in the Greek throne. Four years later he married the Grand Duchess Olga, niece of the late Emperor Alexander II. of Russia.
Until the Gr?co-Turkish war broke out, King George was one of the most popular monarchs in Europe. He believed in a liberal form of government and he lived in a very simple and democratic style. His wife, too,
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