Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-28


news Of the developments which showed
that the Maine was blown up. Neverths-
less this campaign of patriotism has been
directed to definite end and a premature
showing of 1t might defeat the purpose.
The government officials have had since
Thursday night their otders from Madrid to
prepare the army and navy and the civil
powers for war with the United States. In
the intensity of loyalty the Spanish classes
trust the authorities implicitly. They may
restrain themselves from indulging in anti
American demonstrations until the signal
is given. This applies alike to the army,
to the volunteers and to the populace.
What they will do If a reversal of policy
should come from Madrid and concessions
be made which are hateful to them need
not be guessed at until the change of front
is made in Spain.
Maine Incident II Separated.
The Maine incident is treated as entire
ly separate and distinct from the general
situation. This will be pleasing to the
Spanish authorities. If it is treated as a
part of the general Generalization which
exists, and which shows that there is
practically no such thing as sovereignty
in Cuba today, the irritation will be very
great. Nevertheless they will be able to
STAND THIS ana even more.
Some hints have been given them that
recognition Of Cuban independence is under
consideration. The certainty that this
was coming might set them wild. But
the Sagasta ministry would be looked to
for direction. All realize that the day for
the recognition Of belligerency has passed.
Should the policy decided on in Wash
ingtou be final offer of mediation between
Spain and the insurgents before acknowl-
edging independence some members Of the
autonomist government would welcome
1t, but they would be the few Cubans
who were drawn into a political move
ment that has failed and who want to be
relieved of their burden. The dominating
government class, which is Spanish, would
tlnd little choice between Intervention
based on the terms for arranging indepen-
dence and the recognition of indepen-
dence itself. The latter might enable them
to keep up the fiction that the Spanish
arms in Cuba are doing some fighting
against the insurgents. 1t will also satisfy
their desire to yield Cuba with honor"
Intervention Not Considered.
Direct armed Intervention by the United
States has apparently not been considered
probable Neither the government nor it's
supporters are ready for that.
Representatives of European CONNER
cial houses in Havana are watching ex-
pected developments in Washington keenly.
In some respects their opportunities for
forming opinions are better than those of
the Americans. Their judgment is abso-
lutely cold blooded.
Said one of them to me:
your people need not look for an i'm
mediate outburst here, but they will make
a grave mistake if they assume that these
crazy Spaniards are not likely to fight
perhaps just when everything seems most
peaceful. Their hope of putting down the
insurrection is gone and they may do some
wild things while they are trying to let
go.
1.-The United States must settle this
Cuban question, for it will never settle it
self. If your statesmen do not begin a
definite settlement soon they will find
it harder to settle three months from now.
1t is not our affair, yet we are all praying
that you will be speedy about it,
l have heard the same views from others
in almost the words with scarcely
an exception. This is the kind of informa-
ton that is going from Havana to the
banking and commercial houses in London,
Berlin and Paris. Possibly it is having
some influence that will be seen later. No
idea or that point can be formed here.
These Opinions Valuable.
If there are persons in the United States
who think that the crisis in the relations
with Spain can be averted by giving auton-
omy further time to demonstrate it's fail
ure, they might study with advantage the
opinions Of these financial and commercial
representatives
A question has been raised whether the
reconcentrados will be in ISSUE" and
whether further irritation will not be
caused by the President or Congress max
ing a point of their condition before the
whole world. The fear is groundless. Span
ish honor" withstood the wound which
was inflicted when the system of American
relief was inaugurated. 1t cannot be hurt
by anything said on the subject at this late
period.
An intention to continue the succor with
out removing the cause of the starving
would be accepted by the authorities as
giving them another period for temporizing
Ihey might then look upon the delays pro-
posed at Madrid as giving real ground for
the hope that the insurgents would receive
no substantial encouragement from the
United States until the rainy season is well
advanced. Some of the Spanish officials
who are close to Gen. Blanco cherish that
delusion. They again talk about military
operations" and what Gen. Pando may do
II he has further time.
New Recruits Nearly All There.
All but 5000 Of the 1900 new recruits
have arrived, and are scattered over the
Island. With more time these officials hope
something might be done toward weaken
btt ~
hope. the highest military officials do not
entertain It, The members of the autono-
mist cabinet do not put faith in it. They
Know that the only way the insurrection
can be ended is through the United States
CHAS. NJ. PEPPER.
BURGLARS BOLD ACT.