7

Congressional Deadlock
Eastern Star Banquet and Grand Cactus Flower

Monday April 18

Clear & springlike - Busy at finishing up screen work -- Congress at a deadlock on the Cuban question and resolutions to be passed thereon. Last Thursday evening there was a banquet of the Eastern Star, the women's degree in Masonry, held at Masonic Hall -- was attended by many from the Comstock, Carson, etc -- Lisle Jameson borrowed wife's big cactus plant for the occasion, it having bloomed that morning in the full glory of one of the most beautiful flowers I ever saw -- most as big as a dinner bell -- fine light pink in color with white trimmings -- stayed in bloom next day, and withered and died Saturday.

34 -- Congress Unanimously Passes War Resolution!!!

Tuesday April 19

Cloudy and cooler -- odd jobs, carpentering etc -- Congress agreed last night or this morning, on war resolutions in accordance with Prest's message -- Spain must leave Cuba or fight, and the Cuban people to make their own independent gov't -- U.S. don't want Cuba, but Spain must give it up anyhow. Prest to sign resolutions and Spain to be notified immediately after -- The resolutions agreed upon and finally adopted jointly and unanimously by both houses are as follows --

Ultimatum Sent to Spain -- Diplomatic Relations
Ended -- 1898 -- War next -- California Troops