New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-09-23
THAT ULTIMATUM A MYTH.
THE DUKE OF TETUAN SAYS NONE
HAS BEEN PRESENTED.

THE INTERVIEW WITH MINISTER WOODBURY.
PREILMINARY-EURoPEA POWERS EN-
cEpr AUSTRIA. SAID TO FAVOR INTER
yENr1oN BY THE UNITED STATES.
Madrid Sept 22-The Duke Of Tetuan, the
Spanish Minister Of Foreign Affairs, IN the
course Of an interview to-day with me corre-
spordent Of the Associated Press, denied tha'
the Government had received an ultinatuh
from the United States with regard to CUBA ana
said that he had received a cablegram from
SeiIor de LONE the Spanish Minister to the
United States, to the same effect. and also deny
ing the existence Of an ultimatum.
The correspondent learned on high authority
that the much discussed interview OF Saturday
last between the United States Minister, Cen
eral Stewart L. Woodford and the Duke OF
Tetuan was merely preliminary General Wood
ford represented to the Duke the gravity OF the
condition Of Cuba. and requested, in behalf of
the United States, that Spain would hnd
method OF speedily ending the war and giving
justice to the Cubans. He offered the good or
fees of the United States in effecting settle
ment Of the Cuban troubles which practically
gives Spain an opportunity OF gracefully endine
the war. II she does not embrace 1t WITHIN
reasonable time, notice will be given that the
United States must interfere, though General
WoOdfOrd has not said so yet
Spain cannot expect the aid or European
Powers as the United States ambassadors have
ascertained that all the Europe.'u countries ex-
cept Austria, recognize that the interests of the
United States justify the latters interference In
Cuba Austria, in this matter, Is Influenced by
the relationship between the two dynasties. the
Queen Regent of Spain being an Austrian Arch
duchess: but it is not likely that Austria VIII
| take any part in the question beyond possibly
making n diplomatic protest against the inter-
| vention of the United States.
La Correspondence de Espana' asserts that
| pour parers are proceeding between the United
| States and Spain for friendly settlement of
| affairs in Cuba "El EpOca,' after denounclng
| as sensational the story of an ultimatum'
says that the Cubans have not been at war with
| Spain without the moral and material co-opera-
| ton Of the American people
There Is n great deal Of comment as TO the
| origin OF the ultimatum canard. 1t has been at
| trbuted to foreign Ambassador, but all tne
| Ambassadors deny responsibility for IT, The
| people do not think that war is inevitable.
| It is asserted that the Liberals will soon form
| a Cabinet and that on the return of the Queen
, from San Sebastian to Madrid Captain General
| Weyler will be recalled from Cuba and au-
| tonOmy established in the island, thus leaving
no pretext for the Intervention or the united
| States
London. Sept GA dispatch to THE Stand
| ard" from San Sebastian says: Fresh COM
mun.catlons have passed between United States
| Minister Woodford and the Duke of Tetuan
| confirming the views of the United states as
| stated by the American Minister last Saturday.
|
| of the attitude OF the American Government
with surprise and incredulty. Even now most
| Spaniards loath to believe the United states
| in earnest in offering in the middle OF Septem-
| ber mediation which IL certain TO be followed
| In November by a declaration that II is TOO late
| to stop American action because pubic OPINION
| In the United States calls for decisive policy
| and because the Cubans Will accept nothing
| short of independence.
The Spaniards cannot realize that Presi,
dent Mckinley had finally made up his mind
| ba Iptr rod WOOdfOrd
| precise instructions. polite but clear and per-
| cmptory All this places the Government In
| most difficult situation. especially as IL mas
! not achieved the desired reorganization or the
| Conservatives and has become involved In
! equally troublesome conflicts with the bishops
! and clergy. 1t is strange TO notice how the
! Spanards are already discussing whether Sa-
| casta and the Liberals are not likely to come
| 10 an understanding with the United States
and the Cubans. and failing such concilia-
| tory course. whether patriotic considerations
| might induce all Conservatives TO gather round
| a strong administration, presided over by Gem
| eral Azcarraga or General Campos. to defend
| sna pisb