The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-08-05
Nearing a Climax.

Nearing a Climax.
Information concerning the Cuban
problem is beginning to reappear in
print, and this time it Is becoming
somewhat specific. Item the first is
supplied by the Washington Star.
which says that Senator Morgan, prob
ably the most determined American
champion of cuba and opponent of
Spain, has lately, after several inter-
views with President Mckinley, eX-
pressed his entire satisfaction with
the executives course and intentions.
Inasmuch as he was up to short
while ago very impatient and almost
irrepressible he must have heard news
which appeared favorable to Cuba.
Item the second is embodied in
Havana letter to the Sun, the one
American paper which throughout the
present insurrection has kept its read
ers posted concerning the Cuban side.
According TO this letter the proposals
tor peace made by General Weyler TO
General Gomez, to discuss which the
captain general asked the privilege
of an interview, which General Gomez
refused to grant, were embodied in the
following four articles: 81. The insur-
gents to lay down their arms in the
six provinces of the island. 2. All
insurgents now in arms to be par
doned by Spain, and facilities afforded
them to leave the island or to fix their
residence in any part of Cuba where
they may wish to live. 3. Cubans
abroad in sympathy with the revolu-
ton, engaged in foreign countries in
helping the insurgent army, to be par
doned by Spain, and means given to
the poor among them to return to their
native land. 4. Home rule to be
granted by Spain to Cuba. Under this
system the Cuban municipalities would
be authorized to control their finances.
a general assembly, in which the six
provinces would be represented accord
ing to their population, would have
the control of municipal and pro-
vincial affairs. The captain-general
would preside over this body, and have
a right to veto it's decisions, but all
decisions should be finally submitted
to the ministry of the colonies at Mad
rid The captain general would select
all civil employees except heads of de-
partments, but he would, in all cases,
submit to the ministry of the colonies
three names of candidates for each i'm
portant position. The minister at Mad
rid would appoint one among the three
proposed. Cuba would pay the eX-
penses of the Spanish army and navy
detailed for service in Cuba, the extent
of the service to be decided by the
ministry of the colonies. All possible
efforts would be made to satisfy the
claims of Cuban commerce and industry
with regard to the tariff" The fact
that Weyler should concede so much
although intrinsically the plan itself is
worthless to Cuba, giving Spain still
the grip on the islands revenues, may
fairly be taken as an evidence of Span
ish weakness. A country which fight:
according to Spain's methods in Cube
does not offer concessions except undel
compulsion.
Item the third is from the sam'
source as item the second, and may b.
put in the Sun correspondents owl
words:
Weyler's attempt to secure a meeting
with Gomez for the purpose of urgin
him to sign a treaty of peace was prompt
ed by the general apprehension whic
prevails in government circles in Madrid
well as in Havana with regard to IN
instructions given by President Mckinle
to Gen Woodford. Even the war, who's
present phase threatens Havana itsel
does not claim so much attention froI
the Spanards here as General Wood
fords S mission Senior Canovas cables I
General Weyler, ordering him to try I
arrive at an understanding with the II
surgents before the American ministG
could make any proposals to Spain. Al
thentic information from Madrid say
that Canovas and Sagasta have agree
TO stop their political dissensions wit
regard to Cuba until 1t is seen what II
American minister is going 10 do. TT
Spanish authorities in Havana and II
more prominent Spaniards in close col
nection with General Weyler believe thi
General Woodford is going to propose
the Spanish government = settlement
the war ON the basis Of an indemnity
be paid by Cuba to Spain, on cOnditiC
of the complete independence of Il
island. From well-informed person
learn that this Information has been T
ceived at the captain-gcneraPs pala
from the Spanish legation at Washin
ton. The general opinion is that If al
such proposition is made Spain will Teje
1t at once. No indemnity that Cuba Ct
reasonably pay will begin to cover 4
extraordinary debt Spain has incurred
Cuba, If Spain accepts only a part
the money as an indemnity she would
responsible to her foreign creditors
the remainder of the debt. At the saI
time Il is certain that the Cubans "
not stop fighting on any terms short OF
declaration of the independence of Cul
How will the complicated question
solved? This is the question that fixes
eyes upon General Woodford and his ii
movements in Spain
Here we have pieces OF informati
from two different sources which G
entirely consistent, each with the 9th
and in line. also. with the assurant
made a few weeks ago by Preside
McKinleys close friends and supports
that his policy with reference to Gu
would be such, when unfolded, as
command the fuL approval of
American people. Current news as
the affairs of Spain in Cuba point I
miEtakably TO a weakening Of WeylC
grip. The presence of guerrilla +
ties of insurgents within visi
distance of Havana. not once mer
but continuously, with sRirmishes
daily occurrence, does not Indicate al
thing approaching that degree Of pac
cation which would appear from
Captain Generals official proclan
lions. 1t VIII Se strange II this re