The Topeka state journal., 1897-11-08
70 INTERVENE
The President to Take Action
Regarding Cuba
As Soon as Congress Meets
Next Month.
He WILLM lake DEMAND
That the War in the Island
Cease at Once.
Expects Spain to Refuse All
Suggestions.
WE'LL THEN FACE WAR
If Spain Does Not Back Down
Which is Unlikely
Cuban independence Will Be
That the War in the Island
Cease at Once.
Expects Spain to Refuse All
Suggestions.
WE'LL THEN FACE WAR
If Spain Does Not Back Down
Which is Unlikely
Cuban Independence viii Be
Recognized at Once

Chicago. .Nov.S-The Tribune's Wash
ington special says:
The president has given assurances
to those most deeply interested that he
will soon assume an attitude and out
line a policy satisfactory in every way
to all the friends of Cuban independ-
ence He regards the present cores
pondence with the Spanish government
as only a necessary preliminary ana
not expected to produce definite re-
suits. The return of Consul General
Lee to Havana was made conditional
on action of such a character as would
bring the prevailing revolution in Cuba
to termination. Without assurances
of that nature General Lee refused to
resume his duties.
when General Lee came to this city
on leave of absence, having previously
sent his family to the United States, it
was with the firm intention of relin-
gushing his official duties. Upon de-
cIaring his intention to First Assistant
Secretary of State Day the information
was given that the president especially
desired him to return and remain until
the close of the war General Lee told
Judge Day that he could not entertain
proposition to go back and again be-
come a witness to the erueItieS prac-
ticed by Spanish soldiers, the injustice
and InGlgulry entalled upon american
citizens, the poverty and starvation
daily coming under his observation and
this without hope OF a conclusion be-
ing reached
Speaking for the president Judge
Day assured General Lee that such
steps would be taken to terminate the
war as would meet with his hearty
cOmmendatiOn. He was told that the
president desired to have a minister of
his own party firmly established at
Madrid; that it was necessary to have
the good offices of the United States
rendered to the Spanish government,
and certain representations made as a
matter of diplomatic routine; and re
plies must be received before the pres
ldent could lay the Whole subject be-
fore congress in proper manner. The
president did not then expect that any
beneficial results would follow the eX-
change of notes between the two gov
ernments, but he would be relieved
from responsibility and his hands un-
tied.
The promise. so far as it relates to
the preliminaries, has been fulfilled. The
next step will be to ask congress for
authority to intervene in such a way as
viii accomplish the independence of
Cuba in the event that the insurgents
do not accept the autonomy and form
of government offered by the auth
critics at Madrid. The sole desire of
the president is to restore peace. If it
can be done through the acceptance of
the reforms rendered, with a cOntinu-
ance of modified Spanish domination.
the responsibility of the president in
protecting American interests ceases. /
He viii not make an arbitrary demand
for Independence.
But if the reforms are rejected, as it
belieVd viii be the inevitable conclu-
sion, the president Will insist that the
war be brought to a close in some other
manner.
IF autonomy is refused, as it doubt
less will be. the president will take the
initiative in a policy looking to the in
dependence of Cuba rather than permit
congress to do so. He is a shrewd poll
itician and fully appreciates the pOpu-
lar sentiment prevailing. He will Sc
cure for himself and the party which
elected him the full measure of credit
to be derived from action so clearly in
accord with public demands. He will
suggest to congress a line to be follow
ed and not wait until that body takes
such steps as would force him to act"