No Vote Against It

Washington, Maren 8.- The house has unanimously passed the Cannon bill appropriating $50,000.000 for the national defense. Washington, March S. - Commander Brownson of the navy wlll sail at once for Europe to expend a portion of the $50.000,000 authorized by congress for national defenses. This was decided upon at the conference held atSecretary Long's office at whieh leading naval offlcers, senators and representatives were present. The move is regarded as the most significant step taken by this country since th'e war spirit first developed. The cabinet meeting lasted much later than usual. It was one of the most exciting days since the Spanish situation first developed. The cabinet met under feverish conditions, but one of the chief actors, Secretary Long, was absent. An Important Conference. He sent word to the president and his advisers that he was detained at the navy department by an important conference. At that hour the secretary of the navy was in conference with Senators Frye, Lodge and Hale, Representative Boutelle and other leading factors in congress. He had called Chief Hichborn of the construction department and one after another of the navy department chiefs. The purpose of the conference, it was inferred from these moves, related to the purchase of naval munitions of war, probably the immediate expenditure of the $50,000,000 which appropriation it was made certain would pass both branches of congress. Support ef ltritish Government. Early in the morning Sir Julián Ppuncefote, the British ambassador, called at the White House. He was aeeompanied by Secretary Sherman, who, on account of his age and a slight lllness, has not been figuring in the Spanish controversy. If reports are to be credited the secretary's visit with Sir Julián was a ceremonious performance and involved no great diplomatic skill. The understanding was that Sir Julián conveyed to the president the warm approval and support of the British -government in the Spanish controversy. The visit of Sir Julián and Secretary Sherman excited the wildestcomment.