The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-03-31
PRESIDENT WINS THEM OVER ST
Senators Who Call Upon Him and Urge Action are Pac-
fed to Some Extent He Unfolds His Plans
10 Some of Them Will Not
Insist on ArmistiCe.

Washington, ID. c., March 30.-The
vital point in the Cuban situation. viz,
independence, has shifted itself from
Washington to Madrid, where the Span
ish government is now giving grave and
earnest consideration to propositions pre-
scented 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. 1t is believed that tits now but
a question of an exceedingly short. time
before the inevitable crisis must come. |
The Spanish ministry will hold a Cabi-
net council tomorrow after the PROPOSE
lions have been submitted to the Queen
regent, and as 4 result of that, confer
ence it is expected by the administration
that definite answer to its proposals
will he received. The propositions sub
mitted by this country contemplate a
complete and immediate cessation OF hos
tilities in Cuba, the return OF the re-
concentrates to their usual avocations,
and the independence of Cuba, this last
feature to be secured probably by an in
demnity basis by which the island would
pay a substantial sum for its freedom
from Spanish rule These propositions
(
details in the alternative propositions,
tho purpose being TO present every pos
siblc plan promising a solution Of the
Cuban problem. so long as an end of
the Cuban war and Cuban independence
We're eInbodied- in 4hes ultimate result.
IT mas been made perfectly clear to
Spain that nothing less than the close of
the war, and the independence Of the
issiand will suffice as an adequate settlc-
ment
SPANS SORE PLIGHT.
iis 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 a
moment entertained such propositions.
Now, in the stress of the present emerg-
ency. with declarations of war intro
dnced in the American Congress, Spain
has reluctantly consented to consider
them. This in itself has given lively
hope of satisfactory results. But it in-
wolves a grave crisis in Spain. and it
cannot be foretold what the final ac-
tion at Madrid will be. Until today il
Wills believed that Spain would indig-
nantly reject proposition involving the
independence of Cuba. or American in
teryeation or the disappearance of the
Spanish flag from the island, either
through purchase by Cubans or other
wise. 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 a yielding mood. as the Ameri-
can plans for solution are being carefully
weighed with view to n final decision
As stated, that answer is believed TO be
only question OF perhaps two or three
days. When ii is received the future
course of This government will be de-
termined. 1t is the view of the admin
istration that the present week will
shape the policy of the future, whether
IL is 10 be one of peace or one of war
CALL OK THE PRESIDENT.
Many representative men of Congress.
Senators and Representatives. called at
the White House today and conferred
with the President. TO the leaders in
Congress he stated that definite
results 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 radical action by the
Senate and House was for the time
being deferred.
At the capitol excitement was nnaba-
ted. After the vote on the Bailey reso-
lntion many Republicans went TO the
White House to confer with the Presi-
dent and 10 express to him their hone
that something might be promised which
would reEeve the strained situation
The assurances of the President was
gwen to these members that by Fri
day night at the latest something defn-
ite conld be expected.
The situation ut the capitol is one of
waiting expectancy. Senators and Rem
resentatives are willing to give the Pres
ident an opportunity to carry ont his
plans but there is impatience to have
some information regarding those mans
and some assurances that they will not
delay action too long.
SPAIN APPEALS TO EUROPE
1t was stated to-day in high diplo-
matte quarter that the Spanish govern
ment, within the last ten days had adj
dressed a note to the great powers Of
Europe, fnlly setting forth the grave
aspect of the controversy with the Uni
ted States and at least inferentially .sug
costing that the time was now oppnr
tune for European influences to be ex
erted Tt is said that this note led to III,
uttcrances OF Premier HanotauX in TIN
French Chamber last Saturday, and ha