Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. IV.djvu/93

 WILLIAM McKINLEY 65 side of the ship. The court found no evidence fix ing the responsibility upon any person or persons. It was not until several weeks later, when the find ings of the American court had been announced, and the heat of popular sentiment made war inevi table, that the Spanish government protested to Gen. Woodf ord against our ex parte investigation, alleging that a verdict so rendered was unfriendly, and asked that a joint investigation or else a neu tral examination by expert arbitrators should be made to determine whether the explosion was due to internal or external causes. This proposal was declined by President McKinley. The investiga tion conducted independently by the Spanish gov ernment found that the explosion on the &quot;Maine&quot; was accidental and internal. War was now only a question of time. On March 7 two new regiments of artillery were au thorized by congress, and on March 9 $50,000,000 for national defence, to be expended at his discre tion, was placed at the disposal of the president. This spectacle was remarkable, almost unique, was hailed with enthusiasm throughout the country and commanded widespread attention and admiration abroad. The speeches of Senator Proctor and others who had visited Cuba carried great weight. The president asked for a bill providing a contin gent increase of the army to 100,000 men, which was passed at once. Spain on her part put forth