Daily Kennebec journal., 1896-11-18
The SITUATION in CUBA.
Charles Akers, Of 1.-The London Times, >
Gives an Unbiased View.

Washington, Nov. 17-Some inter-
esting information in relation to the
Cuban situation, particularly with re-
spect to Spain's attitude toward this
country in this important matter, has
been given to New York Tribune rep
resentative by Charles Akers, a well
known war correspondent of The Lon-
don Times During his stay in Wash
ington Mr.. Akers has had conferences
with Secretary of State Olney, and given
that official certain intelligence of val
lie to the state department. Mr.. Akers
has been in Cuba on a~special mission
for his paper, having previously spent
some time in Spain, closely observing
affairs there, and learning the views of
the government and the sentiment of
the people.
In the course of his conversation Mr..
Akers expressed the belief that in case
a friendly arrangement was not made
between the United States and Spain,
looking to the purchase of Cuba. it was
among the probabilities that at no dis
tant day Spain would declare war
against this country. He spoke on the
|
out bias. He said that statements in
TINS connection might at first seem sen
satlonai, but that when the facts be-
came known as he knew them, the early
possibility, If not probability. of a hos
tile declaration by Spain would be ap-
parent. lie declared that close obser-
walton in Spain showed that the temper
or tie people of that kingdom was un-
mIstakably unfrendly to this country.
tie went further. and added that Span
ish sentiment asrapidly becoming de-
cldedly hostile to the United States
He does not regard the Spanish govern
ment as being in this attitude. On the
contrary. ne thinks that the party in
power Is amicably disposed toward
this country.
THE PEOPLE UNFRIE>
But the people throughout the king
dom are slowly but surely coming to
me conclusion that most of the eXpe-
dltlons sent to Cuba go there with the
sympathy, if not through the direct
agency, of Americans, and that this
country is covertly, if not openly, aid
ing the Cuban insurgents in every
icN@"A''iNr
part of Spaniards is growing stronger.
UP to the present time the government
has, with fair success at least, held in
check outward demonstration of feel
ing against this country. How long it
VIII be able to do this, Mr.. Akers re-
garded an important consideration in
the premises. He gave it as his calm
alignment that in the near future cir
"umstances might become such that
longer to suppress popular Spanish
feeling would result in the serious en-
barrassment, if not the actual over
throw, of the party attempting to do SC.
IN his opinion, no European power
would lend it's assistance to Spain in
case of war with this country nor
would any power intervene to prevent
war European countries which hold
spanish bonds, or are interested com
nercially in Cuba, would seriously re-
Sret the occurrence of hostilities, and
previously to their breaking would un-
doubtedly exercise their good offices to
Gecure a peaceful solution of the situa
ton. He said decidedly that for one
eason all European countries would
rejoice at Cuba becoming part of the
United States. They would then enjoy
a sense of security in relation to their
Cuban investments of all kinds, and
rest satisfied that there would be no
.uture revolutions. one grave fear to
be entertained, in the opinion of Mr..
Akers. is that the Spanish government
may at no distant period realize that it
can no longer hold Cuba as a depen-
dency To admit as much to the people
of Spain meant the certain overthrow
cf the party doing SO. In such an ex-
tremity it might be regarded as good
policy by the present government to
pick quarrel with the United States.
Mfr. Akers said there could be no doubt
as to the ultimate result of such war.
and that American arms would be
successful. 1t is Mr.. Akers opinion,
based upon observations in the island,
that there are no present indications
that Spain will conquer the insurgents.
THE PURCHASE OF CUBA.
He suggested as possible way out
Of war the purchase of Cuba by the
United States. In Spain there was now
4 strong feeling against such course,
aut he believes that in time a PROPOSE
ton to this effect from the United
states would be favorably considered !
by Spain Cuban bonds now outstand-
ing amount to $2S5, 900. 900, and probably
the total of Spain's Indebtedness under
this head is not greater than Soooo0o,-
300. 1t would be much better and de-
nidedly cheaper. Mr.. Akers thought,
for Spain to sell the island TO this coun-
trv rather than TO go to war. He en-
tertained the opinion that the Spanish
authorities might soon so view the case
end let it be known that a purchase
,ffer would be favorably received. Just
now. he remarked, not only the Spanish
but Spaniards themselves,
were particularly hostile to such an
idea Asked as to how European pow
ars would look upon the sale of the
island to this country, Mr.. Akers SAID
hal they would be glad of any such ar
They would much prefer.
/ : ,.,,,,, .l,ed this solution of the Sltua-