The New York herald., 1869-09-06

Iidtions tnat are gong on DetWeeu 'no o"A'o~
States and Spain for the independence OF Cuba.
Our special despatch from Washington, pub
lished yesterday, informs us of the terms pro-
posed by General Sickles to the Spanish gov
ernment, the acceptance of the mediation OF the
United States, the modified proposition submit
ted by Spain in lieu of that OF our government,
and the state of the question up to the latest
advices.
The proposition Of the United States is direct
to the point and begins by stating that "the
Spanish government is to acknowledge the
independence of Cuba without conditions"
That is the first step and the condition prece-
dent of those that follow. The Cubans are TO
indemnify Spain for the Spanish property on
the island, such as castles, arsenals, forts,
custom houses and other public buildings.
The aggregate amount of indemnI1catlon,
however, Is not to exceed hundred
million of dollars. Slavery is to be
abolished. AS soon as these terms are
accepted by both parties hos.llities are 10
cease, and the United States will guarantee
the fulflment of the agreement. The Spanish
government after stating that it accepted the
mediation ofthe United States, and thanking our
government for its friendly interpostion, pro-
poses, first, that the Cubans shall lay down
their arms; second, that Spain will grant
general amnesty TO the insurgents third, that
Cuba shall pay Spain for all Spanish property
on the island and for all property destroyed by
the insurgents; fourth, that suffrage is to be
granted to all the population, 80 that the
people may decide by vote whether they will
remain with Spain or be separate and inde-
pendeut fifth, that Spain will guarantee full
protection to such of the insurgents as may be
selected to pass through the lines of the Span
ish army for the purpose of treating for
settlement on the basis of these propositions;
and sixth, the United States to guarantee to
Spain the payment Of Cuba's proportion of the
public debt
There is seemingly a wide difference between
the proposals of the two governments, but
both have the same object in view-the inde-
dendence of Cuba. That of the United States,
as was said before is concise and direct to the
point. The Spanish government though
having the same end in view, appears anxious
to save its amour propre, and not to wound
the pride of Spaniards in the mode of parting
with Cuba. Hence the first proposition is
that the insurgents shall lay down their arms,
while that of our own government Is that the
independence of Cuba shall be acknowledged.
Ofcourse, if the other conditions can be agreed
upon the independence of Cuba will be Sc
cured, whether that be ceded as the condition
precedent or not, for Spain would not and
could not 60 back upon the Cubans after they
should lay down their arms for the purpose of
settlement negotiated by the United States.
Still, the best, simplest and most direct
plan is that proposed by our government.
But the proposal Of the Spanish government
that the Cubans shall pay for all the property
Of loyal Spaniards destroyed in the war. and
that the United States shall guarantee to Spain
the payment of what is termed Cuba's proper
tion Of the debt Of Spain, cannot be admitted
This would involve, probably, the payment of
several hundred millions, and create endless
trouble and difficulties. The United States
will certainly not agree to any such PROPOSE
ton. The round sum of hundred millions
for the payment of all Spanish property on the
island and as final settlement of all claims
growing ont Of the war; Is very liberal offer.
Neither our government nor the Cubans ought
to offer more, and, Judging from the tenor of
our Washington despatch, We conclude no
more will be offered. 1t is simply question
with the Spanish government whether it will
take this or get nothing, besides losing vast
sums OF money in the hopeless attempt to hold
Cuba. Spain cannot hold the island long,
and, therefore, it would be extreme folly to
reject the very liberal sum Of hundred mil
lions now offered on the guarantee of the
United States.
BY the latest advices from Madrid 1t appears
that the Regent Serrano aud majority Of his
Cabinet have become convinced that the wsest
and best thing to do is to accept this offer, but
are rather afraid to venture on concluding the
bargain before the Spanish people become uu-
deceived and instructed as to the real state of
affairs in Cuba. But great point has been
gained by the government consenting to nego-
tiate for the independence of the island. The
nrst and most formidable barrier is broken
down. There seems to be little doubt now that
the independence Of Cuba, through the prudent
and earnest interposition Of thu United States,
will be conceded. Let us hope this may be
accomplished soon and before that beautiful
and fruitful island becomes devastated. To
prolong the war, under the present state of
things and the prospect Of settlement, would
be shedding blood uselessly and recklessly.
The SENATORIAL SKvEN.-Most of the seven
republican Senators who voted against the
impeachment Of Andy Johnson have been sin
gularly unfortunate. Henderson, of Missouri,
and Van Winkle, Of West Virginia, have been
superseded and left out in the cold Fowler, Of
Tennessee, will probably be superseded by