The age-herald., 1897-10-26
ENCLAND'S LEADING PAPER
In Summing Up WoodfdrdS
 Note to Spain,
SNUFF THE WAR AFAR OFF
Says the Friendship PrOfessed by the Unite States Is But a Cloak to Hide
 the Real Meaning.


 marking editorially this morning that "the real danger is that America will take some step to precipitate a crisis, " says: General Woodford's note, like other papers emanating from Washing ton, canot be construed by the ordinary rules applicable to diplomatic, cores as it contains expressions which, if they came from an European chance.lerie, must be interpreted as menacirg war But it is unfortunate, because it makes the meaning of the note ambiguous, that no clear intima tion is given of the consequences of refusal to acquissce in American demands.
 1.-The note is extremely diffusive and abounds in expressions of friendship and good will toward Spain but while it apologies for the earnest and positive nature of the language used on the ground that it is desirable to prevent misunderstanding between two friendly nations, that language in fact tacl1s the precision which is usually expected in documents of this kind.
 There is the distinct statement that American interests are suffering and that an attitude of neutrality cannot be prolopoed inde efnitaIv Tbara ic man tion of the concurrent resolution of the two houses of congress last year, of the recent resolution of the senate ard of agitation in the United States. There is an assurance that public opinion now demands the recognition of the insur- gerts as bellgerents.
 that the Spanish government should .ot
 Tn these circumstances it is suggest d consider whether it is not time to tarmi- nate the war in manner consls tent with its dignity and with the interests of Cuba. To this end the government at Washington makes tender of it's good offices, and calls upon the Spans gov ernment within the present month to formulate definite proposals by which that tender may be rendered effective or to give satisfactory assurances that the war will be brought to a speedy end.
 Spain appears to prefer to lose Cuba to her rather than to surrender what she regards her justice and rights in the face of menace On the other hand if President Mckinley and his advisers are really animated by the friendly senu- ments they profess they may fairly con- sent to the modest demand of the Sa- gasta cabinet for a reasona ble period to settle the thorny problem handed down by their predecessors.
 If the demand is refused all SIaniards will arrive at the conclusion that the ugly rumors in circulation in regard to the finacial interests working behind the McKinley's plausiba words are merely intended to cover a projected abuse of superior physical strength
 The Times article is based on letters
 
 pear today in which the writer prefaces his remarks by saying that "circum- stances and not American pressure pro- duced the change of ministry" adds probably meet all American representa- tions with naughty non possumus. The liberals will not go very far in the op- posite direction. But it may be hoped that they will not altogether shut their eyes to the disagreeable reality and will at least adopt a less repellant attitude. Ths attitude will depend upon the con clusion they arrive at as to the real aims and intentions of the United States, a subject on which there are considera- ble differences of opinion allowable. Gen. Woodfords note is capable of varl- ous interpretations
 The correspondent then discusses the note in practically the same terms as are used in the editorial. He comments on the fact that while amicably ex- pressed, the note hints its intentions in a manner having "disagreeable resem- blance to the consecrated phrase of diplomacy 'vizr aux moyens, which, in a similar European document would have the character of an ultimatum."
 ssThe government has deferred reply ing to the note," he continues. fin the hope that the United States would wait for the results of the Sagasta policy, but the general opinoin is that this hope will mot be realized. If the truth must be told, Gen. Woodfords amicable as- surances are regarded by Spaniards as little beyond polite phrases, signifying nothing and intended to cover aggress- lively planned desagns." is Is Spain Abandoned?
 London, Oct. 26.-The Madrid corre- Spendent of the Standard. Telegiaphing yesterday (Monday) says: United Stat: $ | Minister Woo6fford received Spain's reply | today (Monday). It is said to be a doc | ument of over thirty pages.
 | The Spanish government says it will