The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-06-20
President McKinley's Plan TO be
Submitted to Spain.
1T WILL BE SUPERINTENDENT,
FOR THE ISLAND THE ADMIN.
IsTRATIoN BELIEVES THAT
CUBA CAN OCCUPY TOWARD
SPAIN THE SAME RELATION
WHICH CANADA HOLDS TO
GREAT BRITAIN y SPAIN MAY
AGREE TO. THIS.

Washington, June 19.-when Minis.
ter Woodford departs for Mafirid he will
carry with him the official declaration Of
this government regarding it's policy to-
ward Cuba
The scheme of the administration is
definite, practical and safe. Above ali
Things, PRESIDENT Mckinley Is determined
that there shall be no belligerent demon-
stration on the part of the United States.
Oeneving chat the Cuban problem can be
solved through diplomatic means. He
is so certain of this peaceful and sat;sfac.
tory result That he has not even consid-
cred the possibility of any other alterna-
tive.
Nor is he treading upon unknown
ground. lie has received positive assur
ance from Spain that the friendly Offices
OF this government along the lines he
mas formally suggested. will be accepted.
Briefly stated, the President believes
that Cuba can occupy toward Spain the
same relation which Canada holds toward
Great Britain. He has been informed.
with an emphasis that admits of no
doubt, that Spain will not, under any
circumstances, part with the island, and
he has no desire to antagonize this posi-
zion. He does intend, however, that the
present cruel and disastrous war. with
All It's destruction of lie and property
American life and property, be 1t under
stood-shail cease, and he is aware that
spain is also anxious to end the struggle.
Spain, however, feels that her honor and
dignity are of greater consequence than
any question which affects American
interests in the island and the President,
approaching her position, will do moth
Ing TO unnecessarily and wantonly offend
and irritate.
The offer Of this administration, there.
lore, will be to bring about an intiepentf-
ent self-government for the Cubans.
Spain will be asked to withdraw her
army from the island and allow the Gu
pms to manage their own Affairs, with
their own legislature and their, own row
ernor In everything their autonomy
Will be complete. All this, however, is
NOT to be u one-sided gift. Cuba will
be asked to pay her, proportion of the
enormous war debt which has been
created. go
1t may be sugges ted that Spain will
make this burden a heavier one than
Cuba can bear. Should this be attempted
it will be the policy of the United States
TO lay It's restraining hand. in a guarded
anu diplomatic manner, upon Spain 1t
VIII DE al important part of Minister
Woodford's duties to make thorough
examination of the financial situation in
spain and Cuba, with especial reference
to the ability of the latter to raise money,
oy customs and taxes. and he will see
that the proportion of the war debt as
signed to Cuba is not excessive.
The Cuban junta in this country has
vigorously asserted that nothing less
than absolute independence will he nc.
cepted by them. Whether they will he so
stubborn when they find that iS is not
the intention of this government to be
drawn into an International Quarrel on
their account is very doubtful. They are
hoping now that the United States will
he their ally to the last degree. They will
demand everything, but, in the belief OF
the administration, when they learn the
eNtene 10 which this country will concern
itself In the struggle, they will accept
tue seil-governnent offered to them.
II they do not, the course Of the Presi-
dent has already been determined upon.
Nothing more will be done. Spain will
not yield the island, but she .viil agree to
allow the Cubans to manage their own
affairs, regulate their own finances. and
exercise an independence in fact as well
as In name. To this end the friendly Offices
OF the United States will be rendered. and
so far as Spain is concerned, they win he
accepted. ~.
III this programme is not acceptable to
the Cubans they will have to solve their
own problems for themselves and with
out the further assistance Of the United
States. -
THE WEATHER.
Forecast FOR Virginia: Fair; stationary
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