Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-31
MEDIATION FROM EUROPE.
Spain, Ii is Understood, Has Recently
Suggested Something Of The Sort.
siADRID OyTWAHDLY
United States Legation and spanish
Government, However, Both Re-
Woodford working for Peace.


WoOdford working for Peace.
WASHINGTON. p. c.. March 9O.-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 consideration 20 propositions pre-
sented by the Government Of the United
States. On the answer TO these PROPOSE
tions probably depends the future course
Of the relations between Spain and this
country. II is believed that IL is now but
a question Of an exceedingly short time
before the inevitable crisis must come
The Spanish Ministry will hold Cabinet
council tomorrow. after the propositions
have been submitted 10 the Queen Re-
gent and as a result Of that conference,
il Is said by the administration, a def
mite answer to its proposals will be re-
ceived
The propositions submitted by this
country contemplate complete and i'm
mediate cessation of hostilities in Cuba,
the return of the recOncentradOs TO their
usual avOcatiOns and the independence
Of cuba. this last feature to be secured
probably on an idemnity basis, by which
the island would pay a substantial sum
for its freedom from Spanish rule. These
propositions take a wide scope, and there
arc many details i'm the alternative pro-
positions the purpose being TO present
every possible plan promising a solution
of the Cuban problem. so long as an end
Of the Cuban war and Cuban indepen-
dence are embodied I'm the ultimate re-
suit. 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.
WHAT WILL SPAIN SAY?
u 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
termination of the war and Cuban inde-
pendence.
Never before now has the Spanish Gov
ernment. even for a moment. entertained
such propositions. Now, i'm the stress of
the present emergency. with declarations
Of war introduced in the American Con-
gress. Spain has reluctantly consented to
consider them. This in itself has given
lively hope of satisfactory results, but II
Involves
cannot be foretOld what the final action
al Madrid will be Until to-day 1t was be-
Heved that Spain would Indignantly reject
"a proposition 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 now entertained
here of Spain's being in a yielding mood
as the American plans for solution are
being carefully weighed, with a view TO
q final decision.
As stated. that answer is believed 70
be only a question of perhaps two or
shree days. When II is received, the fu-
ture course of this government will be
determined. II is the view Of the admin
tration that the present week Will shape
the policy of the future, whether
it is to be one of peace or one Of war.
CONGRESS GAINED
Many representative men of Congress,
Senators and Representatives. called at
the White House to-day, and conferred
with the President. To the leaders in
Congress he stated that the definite re-
suits we're expected from Madrid by Fri
day. This served TO allay the intense
feeling which has been manifested IN
Congress. and through the influence OF
the leaders further radical action by the
Senate and HOuse was for the time be-
ing deferred.
At the Capitol excitement was un-
abated. After the vote on the Balley |
resolution many Republicans went 10 the |
White House 10 confer with the President |
and TO express to him their nope that |
something might be promised when |
would relieve the strained situation. Inc
assurance of the President was given TO |
these members that by Friday night at |
the latest, something definite Gouid DE |
expected
The situation at the Capitol is one of |
waiting expectancy. Senators ana KEEP
resentativos are willing TO give the Presl-
dent an opportunity TO carry out ms
plans. but there is impatience 10 nave |
some information regarding those pans |
and some assurances that they VIII not |
delay action too long.
EUROPEAN MEDIATION.
II was stated to-day. in high %plo-
matte quarter. that the Spanish Govern
ment. within the last ten days. had ad-
dressed a note 10 the great Powers Oh
Europe. fully setting forth the grave
aspect Of the controversy with the Ohiteu
States. and al least inferentially suggest
AIs ludk iNt tlUtt was INV NfRN'f
European influences to be eXerted III
IS said that this note led 70 the utter
snces Of Premier Hanotaux in the frehch
Chamber last Saturday ana mas peeh
the cause of activity at European capi-
tails within the last few days. IN con-
nectlon with Spanish-American aHairs'
Up 10 the present time. however, no
actual step toward mediation or lnterVen-
ton has been taken by any OF the great
Powers, although there is little DOUBT
that France stands ready 10 take the
Initiative II there is the slightest eW-
dence that the United States Government
will view such a move with favor
tender Of good Offices Is one OF the iast
resorts OF diplomacy, when all other
means Of averting war seem tc De AK an
end. There is additional difficulty from
the fact that when two nations are IN
yolyed in a crisis. any external influence
may be resented as an Intrusion. 1DeTe
Is reason 10 believe that the French au-
thoriues are fully conscious OF these dell
cate and difficult phases, and that no
step will be made unless IL IL clearly ap-
Darent In advance that the United STATES