Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1897-12-10

l Grafton OF this offer, addressed to the
| same Spanish administration which had
declined the tenders Of my predecessor
and which for moro than two years had
poured men and treasure into Cuba IN
the fruitless effort to suppress the re-
volt, fell to others.
Between the departure Of General
Woodford, the new envoy. and his ar
| rival In Spain, the statesman VINO hao
shaped the policy Of his country, fell BY
! the hand Of an assassin and. although the
cabinet Of the late premier still held Of
flee and received from our envoy the pro-
posals he bore. that cabinet gave place
within few days thereafter to q. new
administration, under the leadership OF
| Sagasta.
The reply to our note was received on
the 23d day of October. 1t is in the dircc-
| ton Of a better understanding.
Recognized a. Friendly Power.
1t appreciates the friendly purposes Of
this government. 1t admits that our coun-
| try is deeply affected by the war in Cuba
and that it's desires for peace arc just
| It declares that the presei-t Spanish gov
| eminent Is bound by every consideration
| to a change Of policy that should satisfy
the United States and pacify Cuba within
reasonable time.
To this end Spain has decided to put
into effect the political reforms hereto
forc advocated by the present premier.
without hating for any consideration In
the path which in its Judgment leads to
peace. The military operations, 1t is said
will continue. but will be humane and
conducted with all regard for private
rights, being accompanied by political &C.
ton leading to the autonomy OF CUBA
while guarding Spanish sovereignty.
This, it is claimed, will result in invest
ing Cuba with Il distinct personality; the
island to be governed by an executive and
by local council Of chamber. reserving
to Spain the control of the foreign rela-
tons, the army and navy and the judi
cial administration. 10 accomplish this
the present government proposes to modt-
fly existing legislation by decree, leaving
the Spanish cortes, with the aid Of Gu
ban senators and deputies. to solve the
economic problem and properly distribute
the existing debt
In the absence Of a declaration OF the
measures that this government proposes
to take in carrying out its proffer OF good
offices 1t suggests that Spain be left free
to conduct military operations and grant
political reforms, while the United States.
for its part. shall enforce it's neutral OBJ
legations and cut off the assistance which
it is asserted the insurgents receive from
this country.
The supposition Of an indefinite prolon-
cation of the war Is denied. It Is assert
ed that the western provinces are we'll
nigh reclaimed; that the planting Of cane
and tobacco therein has been resumed and
that by force of arms and new and am
pie reforms very early and complete
pacincation Is hoped for.
Better State of Affairs Predicted.
The immediate amelioration Of exist
ing conditions under the new administra-
ton Of Cuban affairs Is predicted and
therewlthal the disturbance and all oc-
casion for any change Of attitude on the
part of the United States. Discussion Of
the question of the International duties
and responsibilities of the United States
as Spain understands them is presented,
with an apparent disposition to charge us
with failure in this regard.