Audubon Republican., 1897-09-30
WOODFORD'S MISSION.
Spanish Version, of Programme of
the United States.
intimate That Our Policy Does Not
Contemplate War If the OfYer
Of Mediation I'm Cuban
Troubles Is Rejected.

Madrid, Sept. 27.-The arrival of
United States Minister Woodford from
San Sebastian has made sensation,
The programme of the United States
has been ascertained. This does not
contemplate a declaration of war if
! Spain rejects mediation, but, accord
ing TO report, an "ostentatious" procla-
nation to the world of disapproval of
the Cuban regime by suspending diplo-
matte relations by withdrawing the
| United States minister.
| Gen. Woodford has declined to be in
terviewed on the subject further than
| to say that his conference with the
| duke of Tetuan, the foreign minister,
was of the most satisfactory character.
The unexpected bitterness of the press
and of public opinion has painfully inn
pressed him, but he hopesthis will soon
be allayed, as he believes his mission
| favorable to Spanish interests and can
not comprehend that Spain could reject
mediation designed to end an impover-
| ishing war. He has not named a time
] at which the war must be terminated
'but he hopes, as the result of his ten
ders, that it will be ended quickly. He
| believes the war is infiicting incalcu-
| liable loss upon the United States and
| that it is impossible to prevent the or
| ganization of filibustering expeditions.
Unusual measures were taken to pro-
| tect Minister Woodford on his journey
| from San Sebastian to this city, but the
trip was quite uneventful A party of
gendarmes commanded by sublieuten-
| ant guarded the Southern express, on
| which he was passenger. Secret po-
| lice were posted at the station and the
! prefect of police was in waiting to es-
| cort him to his hotel. The drive through
the streets was marked by no special in
cident, though several people saluted
| him, receiving bow in return.
Some comment has been caused by
| the fact that Minister Woodford's fam
lily has not accompanied him, but re-
mains behind the French frontier. Min
| lister Woodford explains that his party
is large one, requiring commodious
home, and prefers spending pleasant
October at Barritz until suitable res
| idence can be secured here. The lega-
ton cannot be used as residence. Gen.
| Woodford has already engaged a box
at the Royal opera house and has pur-
chased horses.
Paris, Sept 81. - The Gaulois Satur-
day says it learns that during the re-
cent visit of Emperor William to Buda
Pesth, Emperor Francis Joseph and the
German emperor discussed the"interfer-
ence" of the United States in the affairs
of Spain, the Austrian emperor point
| ing out the serious embarrassments
which this interference had caused
the queen regent and the government
of Spain.
The Gaulois adds: Probably Ger
many and Austria will do all in their
power to prevent the situation becom-
ing embittered, although unwilling to
interpose too directly. Similar views
are said to have been exchanged be-
tween France and Russia; so, if the oc-
casion arises, the European powers,
while respecting the feeling of inde-
pendence of both countries, will find
| themselves in agreement in insisting
| that policy of Cancellation and peace
| must prevail"
London, Sept. ga dispatch to the
Standard from Madrid says: The ru-
| NOR of Austrian mediation between
Spain and the United States in the event
of hostilities, has created surprise min
| gled with much incredulity. Spaniards
| fail to see what Austria could do unless
seconded by naval powers or at least by
| the combined pacific action of several
governments
Washington, Sept. 27.-Spain may ac-
| cept the good offices of the United States
as to Cuba after all. A member of the
administration, who is known to have
| been in conference with officials of the
Spanish legation here, said Sunday
night there was now at least fair pros
pect that Spain would accept our tender
of help. At the time Minister Wood
ford was sent to Madrid it was believed
by the state department that Spain
would reject our offer. Now the pre-
vailing belief is that Spain will accept,
if not fully, at least sufficiently to af-
ford a basis for future negotiations.
If the impression now current in ad-
| ministration circles proves to be well
| founded Spain will accept our tender,
| but with the distinct reservation that
the sovereignty of Spain and Cuba is
not to be disturbed or modified in the
slightest. In other words, Spain will be
willing to discuss the matter, and to
listen to any suggestions which the
United States may make. but will not
surrender any of her authority in Cuba.
Men who are in close touch with the
Spanish legation here expect to see the
negotiations between Spain and the
United States about Cuba going on for
year or more before any conclusion is
reached.
| Want the War Renewed.