The overwhelming majority in Congress, and particularly the leaders of the dominant Republican party with the exception of Speaker Reed, refused to believe in the sincerity of the Spanish Government.

The Administration could not overlook the fact that the Spanish Government, however sincere it might be, might not be able to execute its promises.

Great Britain had just recognized the United States as intermediary in a dispute between herself and one of the American nations.

Spain, in a dispute much more serious to the United States, refused publicly to admit American intervention, while she did recognize that of the Pope and the European powers.

Was it then possible that a Government which was either unwilling or afraid openly to acknowledge American interest in April would, by October, yield to the wishes of the Administration?
Was it certain or likely that if the Spanish Government did so yield, it would remain in power?
Reluctantly President McKinley decided that he could not announce to Congress that he had secured the acceptance of the American policy.
In his message to Congress on the 11th of April, he reviewed the negotiation and concluded by recommending forcible intervention.