To Intercept It

Washington, April 1.- It is stated on high authority that the reply of Spain does nat contain any proposition which eontemplates the independence of Cuba. The cabinet has assembled to consider Spain's reply to Minister Woodford's representations and what the next step of the United States shall be. Secretarles Bliss and Alger vvere the first to arrive and Assistant Secretary Day again saw the president just before the cabinet gathered, as did Rep. Adams, of Pennsylvania, ihe rnking member of the house foreign alïairs committee in Rep. Hitt's absence, dwing to illness. The president, it is announeed, wil] rnake a public statement immedialely after the close of the cabinet session. Washington, April 1.- President MeKinley and his cabinet advisers have evidently abandoned all hope of peaeeful solution of the Cuban question, and undoubtedly decided to ntercept Spain's flotilla of torpedo boats now tn the way to Porto Rico. It is learned on unquestionable authority that the chief of the bureau of navigaticn of the navy this morning ■telegraphed Commodore in comniand of the flying squadron at Hampton Roads, how long it would take him to get his fleet under way. This is the squadron which wou ld be used to intereept the Spanish fleet. Washing'ton, April 1. - Senators and members of congress who saw the president today told him that it was not possfble for congress to delay the Cuban question beyond Monday; that f Spain had asked fui-ther time, it would serve only to increase the uneasiness In congress. It was their opinión that nelther Spain nor the administration would be granted further time.