Through 1897, McKinley maintained neutrality on Cuba, hoping to negotiate autonomy for the island. Nevertheless, pro-war elements, prominently including the Hearst newspapers, pressured McKinley for a more aggressive foreign policy. On May 20, 1897, the Senate passed a resolution favoring intervention in Cuba, 41–14, with Hanna in the minority. As the crisis slowly built through late 1897 and early 1898, Hanna became concerned about the political damage if McKinley, against popular opinion, kept the nation out of war. "Look out for Mr. Bryan. Everything that goes wrong will be in the Democratic platform in 1900. You can be damn sure of that!" Nevertheless, the Ohio senator believed that McKinley's policy of quietly pressing Spain for colonial reform in Cuba had already yielded results without war, and would continue to do so.
Through 1897 McKinley maintained neutrality on Cuba hoping to negotiate autonomy for the island Nevertheless pro-war elements prominently including the Hearst newspapers pressured McKinley for a more aggressive foreign policy On May 20 1897 the Senate passed a resolution favoring intervention in Cuba 41–14 with Hanna in the minority As the crisis slowly built through late 1897 and early 1898 Hanna became concerned about the political damage if McKinley against popular opinion kept the nation out of war "Look out for Mr Bryan Everything that goes wrong will be in the Democratic platform in 1900 You can be damn sure of that" Nevertheless the Ohio senator believed that McKinley's policy of quietly pressing Spain for colonial reform in Cuba had already yielded results without war and would continue to do so