The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-08-04
PROSPECTIVE CHANGES IN CUBAN
AFFAIRS.

1t is likely that within the next thirty
days there will be a decided change in the
aspect of the Cuban question. General
Woodford is now well on his way to Spain,
and arrangements have been made by the
Queen and her premier to receive him at
San Sebastian instead of Madrid. This in
itself shows a desire on the part of the
Spanish government to placate the United
States and bring about a better understand
ing as soon as possible. 1t is known that
before leaving General Woodford received
full and explicit instructions looking to a
change of policy on the part of the United
States in the direction of a cessation of
hostilities on the basis of autonomy or
home rule for Cuba. 1t is probable that in
his first interview with the Queen and
Premier Canovas he will make known the
substance of these instructions and outline
the new policy of the United States. While
this policy is not likely to be one of direct
interference, it will undoubtedly be one of
greater firmness than heretofore and of
steadily increasing pressure in favor either
of the recognition of Cuban belligerency or
the granting of home rule. If the Queen
receives such a declaration favorably it
will doubtless be followed by the immedi-
ate resignation of Premier Canovas and the
formation of a liberal Ministry, with Sc
nor Sagasta as premier. His first step will
be an attempt to bring the war to an end
by the establishment of autonomy in Cuba.
In this attempt the Spanish government
will have the benefit of the good offices of
the United States, but it is doubtful if it
will succeed. The insurgents are as deter
mined as ever not to accept any terms but
independence. There was a time when they
would gladly nave accepted autonomy, but
they seem to nave passed that point.
Their leaders all declare now hat they will
accept nothing but independence. A letter
is published from T. Estrada Palma, Pres
ident of the Cuban republic, written July
% to the president of the Cuban junto in
New York, in which he says:
You can deny most emphatically that
there is a disposition to accept any terms
from Spain. Place no reliance in the re-
ported surrender of insurgent bands. l
have had recent letters from the Presi-
dent, General Gomez, General Garcia, Gen.
Rodriguez and other commanders and
prominent persons connected with our
cause in Cuba, and they all are still firm
III lnSlI purpose VI not aNCSplluS any lllDB
from Spain that falls short of absolute in
dependence. = = = Do not credit any CT
these canards, started by our enemies, to
discredit our noble cause. We intend to
fight until we gain our independence or are
eXterminated.
The Insurgents claim to have more men
in the field now than at any previous time
since the war began and better armed.
while it is notorious that the resources of
the Spanish government are practically ex-
hausted. The offer of autonomy to Cuba
will itself be equivalent to an admission
that Spain cannot carry on the war any
longer. 1t would not be surprising if such
an offer at this late day would greatly
strengthen the determination of the insur-
gents to accept nothing short OF independ-
ence.
on a line with the foregoing letter from
President Palma are views Expressed by
Senior Quesada, head of the Cuban lega-
ton in Washington. Within the last few
DAYS Senior Quesada has visited Philadel-
phia and Atlantic City to confer with
prominent Cubans regarding the danger iii
volved in the new home-rule movement.
While the Cuban leaders are all opposed
10 compromise on the basis of home rule.