The record-union., 1896-01-20
Highest Of an Leavsning Powc-Laest US Govt Repos
R@!a!I! a. RRs'klissl! &c.
ABSOLUTELY PURE
ABSOLUTELY PURE

lister of Foreign Affairs communities
ton, which accompanied the note, and
which contained proposition upon the
Cuban question.
This proposition is, as alleged, that
Spain, at the earliest opportunity,
withdraw her troops from Cuba; that
the Spanish throne recognize the abso-
Lutte independence of Cuba and its exist
cnce as a republic: that the Spanish
Government accept from Cuba a certain
sum of money as indemnity; that Spain
accept the guarantee of the United
States that Cuba will fulfill her obliga-
tiOnS.
1t is said by those close to the junta
that this communication was distinctly
framed as a friendly proposition, and
that it went on to say that if Spain did
not accept this suggestion in the inter
ests of peace, the United States will ig-
more the repeated assurances of her
trusted representatives in Cuba that no
danger threatened the property of her
citizens who reside in this country, and
the lives of Americans who live in the
island, and in view of the late occur
rences in Santiago, Puerto Principe and
Havana, would dispatch warships to
Cuba to safeguard Americans, thing
which the administration had refrained
from doing on account of it's implicit
| confidence in the good will and esteem
Of the Spanish Government.
The communication is alleged as hav-
ing been shorn of everything that could
bear the slightest semblance to a threat
or implied coercion. Nevertheless, the
reported reference as to doubt about the
security of Americans in Cuba, should
Spain reject these alleged good offices of
the United States, and positive assur-
ances of American warships being sent
into Cuban waters are said to have
been couched in firm language.
It is stated that there was no at
tempt to disguise the attitude of the
United States, and in the construction
of the communication the opportunity
was taken to explain that it was ex-
tremelys possible that, for the purpose
of exhibiting justice and fairness to
both parties in the field in Cuba, this
country would finally be compelled by
force of circumstances to recognize the
belligerency of the insurgents.
Minister Palma was seen tonight
He had made a flying trip to this city
upon the subject. He remarked: THAT
is a very delicate matter. 1 am not in
position to say what the Administra-
ton is doing I will say that / have
reason to believe that our cause will
prevail. We have been treated with
the utmost courtesy by all with whom
we have come in contact, and 1 know
that there is something grand in the
air for Cuba.
Now is the time for Spain to act if
she wants to prevent any more blood
shed and save herself from financial
ruin. The Cubans will erect a republic
out of the ashes if they are forced to
keep up the struggle in the way it is
going on But If the war is brought
to an end early we will pay whatever
sum-let us call ii indemnity-might be
agreed upon It would be fair If we
took control of Cuba now Spain would
have to turn over to US many magnifi-
cent forts, public buildings and great
improvements. We should pay for these,
and we would We understand the
justice of that arrangement, and have
agreed to it. But if the war is to con-
tinue, and we finally take these things
by force, then Spain cannot look to US
for any help. She will have to stand
her own expenses, which will be some
thing enormous, for we can wear out
her resources without subjecting our
people to slaughter"
Another gentleman who is deep in
the confidence of some of the Junta
leaders said tonight that while he did
believe the force of Congress would
very soon bring about a recognition of
Cuban belligerency, he did not believe
the Administration would enter upon
any decided course. But he con-
tinued, "I have heard within two days
what really staggered me. It was more
than I could bring myself to believe.
Ii it is true, President Cleveland has
gone very far toward crowding Spain
into a corner. don't know whether 1t
means that a protectorate would be es-
tablished over the island, but l don't
think it does