The record-union., 1896-03-04
ISLAND OF CUBA.
Spanish Want to Hold 1t, No Matter at
What Cost.

MADRID, March 3.--The Govern
ment has received a number of offers of
aid in the event of war with the United
States, growing out of the attitude of
the latter on. tho Cuban question. The
people appear to be determined to up
hold the Government in it's intention to
keep Cuba a Spanish colony, no matter
at what cost. The Cabinet is greatly
encouraged by the atAtude of the con-
tinental press, which, generally speak
ing, expresses much sympathy with
Spain in her determination to resent
what is termed Yankee aggression.
One important factor in the support
accorded the Government which is sed-
ulously kept in the background is that
Cuban debentures and other securities
depending for their value upon the in
come derived from Cuba are held to a
large amount by foreign capitalists.
With a free Cuba these securities would
be practically worthless, and this ac-
counts in a very great measure for the
attitude of many of the foreign news
papers, which speak not so much be-
cause that the United States have an
Interior motive in recognizing the Gu
bans as belligerents, as because they
are defending the financial interests of
capitalists of their country.
In Spain itself, however, the support
of the Government is due to pure pa
triotism Among the offers of assist
ance the Government has received one
from the Spanish Transatlantic Com
pany which has offered TO place its en-
tire fleet of steamships at the disposal
IF - ae411t aalx ir1cr
ticns whatever. The offer has been ac-
cepted, and eight of the steamers will be
armed with from nine to twelve cent?
meter guns. Compressed sawdust will
be used as protection for the guns. If
events shall necessitate such action,
these vessels will be used as cruisers
and privateers.
The Government has ordered that
large quantities of coal be stored in
Cuba for the use of the warships.
Military preparations are being has
t;ly but Systematically made. Orders
have been issued for the dispatch to
Cuba of reinforcements from the Ba-
learic, Canary and Philippine Islands
At the meeting of the Cabinet to be
held tomorrow Admiral Beranger,
Minister of Marine, will ask for a credit
10 complete the armament Of the war
ships Pelaya, Oquendo, Vizcaya and
Maria. Teresa.
Diplomats here had long interviews
to-day with Senior Elduayen, Minister
of Foreign Affairs
Three hundred students at the univer-
sity attempted this morning to make a
demonstration. A number of working
men joined them. The rector of the
university took prompt action to re-
store order, and caused the arrest of
fifty or more of the most demonstrative
upon promises to behave themselves.
The police arrested two of the working
men. The day was otherwise peaceful.
Many of the streets of the city en which
there were American names have been
erased.
The Catholic party, which was for
merly the Cariist party, but which is
now Independent, has adopted a reso-
luton protesting against the attitude
of the United States and offering to
support the Government with men and
money.
WILL AID THE CUBANS.
ST. LOUIS, March 3.--For some time
whispered suspicion has circulated
here that st. Louis was the common
center or recruiting rendezvous for Gu
ban volunteers. Since the decided ac-
ton of Congress favoring Cuban inde-
pendence this suspicion has become a
certainty
Since February Goth over 200 yolun-
teers have been enlisted. armed and