The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-03-31
QUEEN RKGRNr MARIA CHRISTINA.

The propositions submitted by this
country contemplate a complete and
Immediate cessation OF hostilities In
Cuba, the return OF the reconcentradcs
TO their usual vocations and the inde-
pendence OF Cuba, this last feature to be
secured probably on an indemnity basis
by which the island would pay a. sub
stantial sum for Its freedom from Span
fsh rule. These propositions take a wide
scope. and there are many details in the
alternative propositions. the purpose
being TO present every possible plan
promising solution of the Cuban prob
lem so long as an end OF the Cuban war
and Cuban independence are embodied
In the ultimate result 1t has been made
perfectly clear to Spain that nothing
less than close OF the war and the in
dependence of the island will suffice as
an adequate settlement. Such lesser
methods as have been contemplated
from time TO time are now put aside
IT Is now for Spain to accept or reject
these tenders. There is no disposition
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 moment enter
tained such propositions. Now in the
stress OF the present emergency, with
declarations of war introduced in the
American congress, Spain has reluct-
antiy consented to consider them. This
In itself has given lively hope of salts
factory results, but IL involves a grave
crisis In Spain. and IL cannot be foretold
what the final action at Madrid will be.
Until yesterday IL was believed that
Spain would Indignantly reject a propo-
kstion involving the independence of
Cuba or American intervention or the
disappearance OF the Spanish flag from
the island either through purchase by
the Cubans or otherwise. There was the
best of reason for the official belief that.
as between peace and war on these
propositions, Spain would choose war
but more hope apparently is entertained
here of Spain being in Yielding mood
as the American plans for solution are
being carefully weighed with view to
final decision. AS stated, that answer
Is believed to only be a question of per-
haps two or three days. When IL is re-
ceived the future course of this gov
ernment will be determined. 1t is the
view Of the administration that the pres-
ent week will shape the policy Of the
future. whether IL is to be one Of peace
or one of war.
Naturally this critical juncture has oc-
casloned the greatest interest here,
coupled with no little excitement as word
was passed about that the last stage in
the negotiations with Spain was reached.
Many representative men OF congress,
senators and representatives called at
the White House and conferred with the
president. To the leaders in congress
the president stated that definite re-
suits were expected from Madrid by
Friday. This served TO allay the intense
feeling which had been manifested In
congress. and through the influence of
the leaders further action by the senate
and house was for the time being de-
ferred.
At the capitol excitement was un-
abated. The meeting of the senate
committee on foreign relations occas-
ioned great deal OF interest because OF
snc many warlike resolutions which
were referred to that committee. On
the house side there was an intensity OF
feeling After the vote on the Bailey
resolution, many Republicans went to
the White House to confer with the
president and TO express TO him their
hope that something might be promised