The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-03-31
SPAIN GIVEN THE SAY.
Peace or War Depends on
Her Reply 10 Mckinley.
UNCLE SANS ULTIMATUM.
Note Sent the DOnS Leaves no
Room for DOdging.
EUROPE WON'T ASSIST.
Snanish ANNALS 10 the p0WnTS Fail
EUROPE WON'T ASSIST.
Spanish Appeals to the Powers Fail
to Bring Aid.

Washington, March 3O.-The vital point
In the Cuban situation, viz, independence,
has shifted itself from Washington to
Madrid, where the Spanish government is
now giving grave and earnest considera-
ton to propositions presented by the gov
ernment of the United States. On the an
swer to these propositions probably de-
pends the future course of the relations be-
tween Spain and this country.
1t is believed that it is now but a ques-
ton of an exceedingly short time before
the inevitable crisis must come. The
Spanish ministry will hold cabinet coun-
eli tomorrow after the propositions have
been submitted to the Queen Regent, and
as a result of that conference, it is ex-
pected by the administration that a def
mite answer to it's proposals will be re-
ceived.
The propositions submitted by this
country contemplate a complete and imme-
date cessation of hostilities in Cuba, the
return of the reconcentradoes to their US
nal -aYocations, and the independence of
Cuba, this last feature to be secured prob
ably on an indemnity basis by which the
island would pay a substantial sum for
its freedom from Spanish rule.
These propositions take wide scope,
and there are many details in the alterna-
tive propositions, the purpose being to pre-
sent every possible plan promising a So
luton of the Cuban problem so long as
an end of the Cuban war and Cuban inde-
pendence were embodied in the ultimate
result.
1t has been made perfectly clear to
Spain that nothing less than the close
OF the war and the independence of the
island will suffice as an adequate settle
ment. It is now for Spain to accept or
reject these tenders. There is no dispo-
sition to urge one rather than another,
so long as the conclusion finally reached
brings the termination of the war and
Cuban independence.
never before until now has the Spanish
government, even for a moment entertain
ed such propositions. Now, in the stress
oI the present emergency. with declara-
ions of war introduced In the American
congress, Spain has reluctantly consented
10 consider them. This in itself has given
hVely hope of satisfactory results. But it
Involves grave crisis in Spain and it
cannot be foretold what the final action
at Madrid will be.
OhtI to-day it was believed that Spain
would Indignantly reject proposition in
FolFlhg The Independence of Cuba, or
american Intervention or the disappear
ahce OF the Spanish flag from the island,
either through purchase by the Cubans
OF otherwise. There was the best of rea,
son Tor the official belief that as between
peace ana war on these propositions
spain would choose war, but more hope,
apparently, is entertained here of Spain
peihg IN yielding mood as the American
pans for solution are being carefully
weighed with a view to a final decision.
AS stated, that answer is believed TO be
only question of perhaps two or three
days.
when it is received. the future course
VI thls government will be determined. 1t
's the view of the administration that the
present week will shape the policy of the
luture, whether it is to be one of peace
or one OF war.
Many representative men of Congress,
senators and representatives, called at the
"hite House to-day and conferred with
the president. To the leaders in Congress
ne stated that definite results were ex-
pected from Madrid by Friday. This sorv-
ca to allay the feeling which had teen
manifested in Congress, and through the
influence of the leaders further radical
oction by the Senate and Housewives for
'ne tlme being deferred
Al the capitol excitement was unabated
after the vote in the House on the Bailey
resolution, many Republicans went 10 the
white House to confer and to express to
MN their hope that something might be
promised which would relieve the strained
situation. The assurance of the Prcsi-
uent was given to these members that by
friday night, at the latest, something def.
mite could be expected
The situation at the capitol Is one of
waiting expectancy, senators and rerre
tentatves are willing TO give the Presi-
cent an opportunity TO carry out his