The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-04-01
MADRID N MYSTERY.
Sagasta's Reply 10 M'KlnIay
Kept Secret.
SURRENDER FAR FROM SURE
Cabinet Apt to Refuse to Give Up
Cuba.
PRESS FULL OF PATRIOTISM
Conservative Party's Leaders Fa-
VOr War.

Madrid, March Silt has been day of
out exception, consider the situation un-
changed, Notwithstanding the recent con-
ferences. They generally admit that Min
ister Woodford's conduct of the diplomatic
negotiations is very friendly, and that he
is desirous of peace, but the Spanish gov
ernment is reported as "unfinching and
opposed to any. even friendly, interfer-
ence to terminate the war, except through
its own effoIts''-a war which they claim
is nearing the end and is daily crushing
the rebellion
El Epoca Conservative says: "The
Queen Regent, presiding at the cabinet
council to-day, encourage her ministers
to continue their animated patriotic sem
timents toward maintaining national
honor and territorial integrity"
There is anxious expectancy respecting
the reply from Washington.
At the cabinet council Senor Sagasta,
the premier, explained with extreme pre-
cision all the details of the conference
and negotiations, together with the state
Of the country and existing conditions,
which he regarded as necessary to the
formation of a proper judgment.
After four hours discussion the minis
ters were still without a solution, proba-
bly because Senior Sagasta judged it in
opportune to take a decision at the pre-
sent stage and advisable to wait for the
issue of to-morrow's meetings.
Prior to the council, a note briefly re-
lating the Queen Regents ideas on the
subject of the reply TO be given to the
United States were written. On this be-
ing read at the council, Senor Sagasta,
taking a paper from his pocket announc-
ed that he had also condensed his opinion
into a few lines, which he proceeded to
read. 1t is understood that he touched,
one by one, upon all the questions raised
by the United States and indicated the
limits to which, in his opinion, 1t would
be possible to go without prejudice to
the national honor and dignity.
All the ministers, including Gen. Cor
rea, minister of war saw their thoughts
reflected in Senior sagasta's expose, which
they unanimously approved"
The ministers then proceeded to the pal
ace, where they gave an account of the
approved them.
At Minister Woodford's conference with
Senors Sagasta, Gullon and Moret, Senor
Sagasta's note, translated into English,
was submitted to Gen. Woodford, who,
after reading it, said:
81 am solely authorized to negotiate ed
referendum, and therefore, will transmit
the cabinets reply to Washington"
The text of the Sagasta note has not
been made known, the ministers maintain
ing absolute reserve, but the cabinet is
said to have given proof of sentiments of
the greatest cancellation"
El. Liberal says: THE moment of de-
nouement (solution Of the crisis) has
drawn much nearer. There may yet be
found means TO delay matters; but we
doubt it,"
The paper then adds: I'VE ought to ap-
ply ourselves TO obtain gain of time, or
heartily devote ourselves TO the contrary.
In our opinion it would be acceptable,
even preferable, to accept any extreme
measure Wnlcn WOul0 cut the knot IL we
failed TO unite it. The situation is such
that by avoiding external struggle we
may fall into a still graver one"
FL Liberal concludes by calling upon the
ministry to identify itself with the unani-
nous feeling Of the country to place before
everything the primary interest of the ma
ton and proceed with discretion and cool
ness; but, at the same time, with un-
6aunted firmness, "for there Is a limit
which Spain cannot and VIII not overstep
that limit IS marked by the respect 1t
owes the world and its own sovereignty"
The impartial independently says: DE-
spite the hopes of the last few days, 1t Is
now believed that a conflict Is near. We
are confronted with a danger, which what
ever may be thought, President Mckinley
cannot change. The nerves Of spaniards
are being hardened to resist cooliy the
consequences of this danger. We are all
Spaniards, our mission is to save the ma
tional honor, and 1t rests with the gov
ernment TO take energetic resolutions.
"It Is urgent that We should prepare
warships and send them to Cuba The
cruisers Cristobal Colon and Priucesa de
Astur.as and the Destructor now at Ca
diz. should start as soon as possible. and
the first class iron clads Pelayo and EN-
perador Carlos V should follow promptly.
1.-THE United States, who, during the
delicate and strained relations between
the two countries, has sent ships 10 our