The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-10-25
EFFECT OF spA1y,s ALTITUDE.
u May Compel the President to Take VIEor-
Gus ActIon RrEnrdlnE Cubn.

WASHINGTON. Oct. 24.-The keencst disap-
pointment is felt by members Of the Cabinet
and officers Of the State Department who have
a direct interest in the negotiations between tho
United States and Spain in regard to Cuba over
the character Of the answer which the Span
ish Government will send to the repre-
sensations made by Gen. woodford, the
United States Minister at Madrid. Presi.
dent Mckinley and his official advisers
were hopeful. even during the incumbcncy Of
the Conservative Ministry, that Spain would
meet this country half way IN the desire to
bring hostilities n the island to an end, and
when the Liberals succeeded to power they
felt assured that tho good offices OF the
Tn ted States would not be refused.
Minister Woodford's note. embodying the
instructions he received from tho Presi-
dent and Secretary Sherman. amounted In
substance TO a cordial tender of tho friendly
officea offhe Urfted states TO assist the Spanish
authorities and the Cubans to come to some
amicablc arrangement. Further action by tho
Washington Administration was to he do.
pendent on the manner in which tho Spanish
Ministry received the advances OF the Admins.
tration expressed through Minister Woodford.
Minister WOodford was sent to Madrid to
feel the pulse OF the Spanish Government in
regard to our desire to bring the War in Cuba TO
an end said an official OF the Government to
a Sun reporter. III Spain showed a willing.
ness to accept our friendly tenders in the spirit
in which they were made. tho rest would I'M
doubtedly be plain sailing. III. on the contrary.
Spain resented our interference, and declined TO
allow this Government to use its efforts to
secure peace, a new policy was to be pursued TO
bring about the same result without the acqui.
escence or assistance OF the Spanish Govern
ment. Minister WoodforG was directed to use
his efforts TO secure as speedy as possible, indie.
pendent Of his tender of friendly offices. the re-
vocation Of Captain-General Weylor's in
human concentration order. that has caused
the death of many innocent persons
from starvation. We had reason to hope
that the representations concerning this
concentration order would be successful, and
would mark the beginning OF the introduction
Of reforms that would ameliorate. in some
degree, the present distress and suffering In the
sland. Tho President is anxious. first OF all, to
put an end to the cruel butchcrics OF which
we have heard 80 much. leaving for later settle.
ment the great question of the restoration Of
peace
Spain's point blank refusal to acknowledge
the right of the United States to interfere in
tho settlement Of the Cuban war will compel
the President TO take the vigorous measures
which officers Of the Government understood
were to be tho outcome Of the rejection OF Gen.
Woodford's friendly tenders. Until Gen. Wood.
ford receives the note which was read at the
meeting OF the Spanish Ministry yesterday. the
Washington administrator can take no action.
Gen. Woodford will cable it's text to the State
Department AS soon rs 1t Is delivered to him,
and II it should be rece we'd here before Tuesday
1t will be discussed and the future policy outlined
at the Cabinet meeting to be held on that day.
For some reason the State Department officials
think the text of the note will he cabled to
Secretary Sherman on Oct. 20. next Tuesday.
Whether they have positive information TO that
effect cannot he definitely asccrtaincd. but 1t is
limited that Senior Dupuy dc LONE, the Spanish
Minister. has told tho department that the note
might be expected on the Goth.