The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-03-14
SPANS WHITE FEATHER
CLAIMED THAT AT LAST 1T HAS
+,
BEEN SHOWN
Chicago Tribune Correspondent Says
Secret Negotiations Are in Prog
ress for the Recognition of Prac-
teal Independence of Cuba-In-
surgents Recognized.

CHICAGO, March 13.-special to the
Tribune from Washington: Spain has
shown the white feather.
The supposed naughty Spaniards
have at last become impressed by the
hostile preparations Of the United
States and have begun secret negotia-
lions to withdraw their troops from
Cuba and to restore peace there. A
secret agent Of the Spanish govern
ment is now in this country for this
purpose.
He had an interview with President
Mckinley today and proposed that the
insurgents should accept independence
in everything but name. He proposed
that Spain should withdraw her troops
and permit the inhabitants of Cuba to
form government to suit themselves,
retaining only shadowy allegiance to
the mother country. His offer was dis
tinctly a preliminary surrender, and it
was intimated that it's object was to
let Spain down easily and permit OF
actual independence after affairs had
quoted down In Cuba.
President Mckinley declined to con-
slider the offer until he knew how the
insurgents looked upon it. The presi-
dent himself referred the secret envoy
to Secretary Quesada, who represents
the Cuban republic in this city.
The Spanish agent swallowed his
pride and sued for peace from the rebel
representative. His offer was declined,
with the statement that the cuban re-
public would not accept loyalty to
Spain even in name only.
To Make Another Effort.
T spafn's peace commissioner left for
New York tonight to make a final APP
peal to Estrada Palma, the Cuban del
egate to this country, and head Of the
1unta. The objects Of his journey have
been telegraphed to Palma, and there is
little or no doubt that the representa-
tive of the Spanish monarchy will be
further Inundated by the diplomatic
agent of the republic Of Cuba.
Spain has gone down on her marrow
bones to the insurgents and whined for
peace like a whipped dog. For the
first time since the rebellion broke out
the insurgents have been automatically
recognized by Spain. The insurgents
are In a position to demand absolute
independence, and this is what they
have done 1t looks like the beginning
Of the end, for If Spain fights now it
must be for an empty name and moth
ing more.
There will be no effective denials of
this remarkable news, for the CORE
spondent Of the Tribune learned the
facts from one who knew all about
them. On the same steamer with the
new Spanish minister, Polo Bernabe,
there was a well-known resident of
Madrid, whose wealth, political affilia-
lions and confidential relations with
Prime Minister Sagasta are beyond
question. He had authority from the
Queen regent Of Spain to conduct the
preliminary negotiations looking to-
ward a peaceable settlement OF the
Cuban question.
Acknowledges Defeat.
There is no doubt as to the authority
under which he acted or the facts that
he came here for the specific purpose Of
acknowledging the defeat Of Spain and
begging for peace, with the single pro-
vieo THAT It should come in such a way
as not to touch to the quick the sensi-
bilities Of the Spanish people, and thus
induce them to overthrow the mon
archy or force the country into war
with the United States, which the
Spanish government knew would have
but one ending.
Armed with extraordinary powers
and with credentials which gave him
immediate standing, this confidential