The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-10-21

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rot, Prim had probably come to the conclusion that
the terms he had himself proposed were such as
would not be acceptable TO the jealous, ignorant,
and utterly unreasonable public sentiment Of Spain.
The result has proved how correct was this surmise.
He pronounced the bases proposed by Mr.. Forbes,
which were the same as. those contained in
Sckles' instructions, impossible to be accepted.
ascTetion allowed TO him and aid not immediatey sIa
present the note of Secretary Fish, bu olered the
good offices Of the United States TO terminate the
war, to check the ehusion of blood TO give more
civilized aspect the struggle and urged upon the
Spanish Government an immediate armistice to
dial and frequent interviews with the Minister of
State, Mr.. Silvela, and with General Prm, Presi-
dent Of the Council and Minister of War; These
gentlemen, while accepting formally the good
offices Of the United States in humanitarian point
of view, nevertheless unwilling TO consent to
an official diplomatic mediation of any foreign power
in matter purely domestic-as they called the
Cuban question. The State Department of Madrid
confined itself this view Of The case-but General
Sckles continued his confidential negotiations with
solute in the Government ana at last succeeded in
eiclting from him statementol the bases on which
me cabinet 81 Marq Ensa %9aG SeSps te mediation
!. The insurgents, under the advice of the Ameri-
can Government, to lay down their arms.
2. An immediate general amnesty and dsarma-
ment of the volunteers.
3. Election Of Deputies TO the Spanish Cortes.
4. Plebiscitum by free Suffrage on the question Of
independence.
5. if the Cubans desire independence, indemnity
States. '''
These bases were telegraphed by General scSles
Piled, rejecting them utterly impracticable and
directing General sickes to insist upon the terms
same time, about the ist OF September as am in
formed by members OF the diplomatic body here Mr.
Fish sent for Mr. Roberts, the Spanish Envoy, and
informed him that unless the propositions Of the
American government we're Immediately accepted
by Spain that recognition Of the Cuban insurgents
az belligerents would promptly follow.
This startling summons was at once transmitted
10 the Government at Madrid and reached them
about the time General Sckles presented his note
This learn, was notthe despatch of Mr. Fish, tp.
sssiis ce,bs, put contained not only that despatch
but the additions and notifications of it which had
been made by subsequent dispatches.
The substance of these communications having
transplred in Madrid the free press of the country
lashed itself into white heat or fury the oc-
eurrence. Don QuiXote mounted his Roslnante
again and challenged the world and all its windmlls
20 do battle The war Department bestrred itself
10 send 'vaSt and Overwhelming reinfOrcements TO
greatly needed before long at home. The Govern
ment which really wanted 10 get rid OF Cuba If
possible struck with CONSERVATION by the popu-
lar clamor, and for while joined with the current.
Roberts was directed to make threatening demon
strations as- Washington in case the Spanish gun
boats az New York were not releasedor in case the
insurgents were recognized as belligerents.
While this ,;eI tempest was blowing the Minister Of
formed him that the Government had no lot nor
part in this clamor; that they desired the friendly
Offices OF the United States in the termination of
this Cuban question, but that in the present state Of
popular feeling IN SPAIN the bases proposed by the
American Government could not be accepted by the
CoItes or the people They therefore, begged that
his note might be Withdrawn.
General SlckleS Wnllc declining TO Withdraw his
note which contained the mature and conscientious
view OF the United States Government upon the war
in Cuba, and was offered in spirit of friendship to
both Spain and Cuba, promised to inform his Govern
ment OF the views OF the Cabinet OF Madrid.
Upon this the Secretary OF state, on consultation
with President Grant, directed General Sickles TO
withdraw the offer OF meditation rendered by the
United States; which IL seems has been done the
United States not retiring any expression it has
made of its views, either written or verbal, but
simply Withdrawing its tender OF friendly offices,
because they were not accepted on the bases re-
quired by the Government of Washington, and re-
serving for future eventuates its full liberty OF
action.
AS TO other rumors OF European alliances with
Spain in case OF war etc, the State Department is
informed by General Sickles that these are utterly
without foundation, and were probably invented in
New York for gold speculation If Spain wants to
pick quarrel with us she will do 1t alone, and no
one knows this better than Spain.