The record-union., 1898-04-03
Expected Action Will Then be Taken
Seyering Diplomatic Relations.
No Offer Of European Mediation as Yet
Officially Transmitted to the
Government at Wash
ingtOn.

W NASt11NGION, Ap1n Z.-1ne issue
between the United States and Spain
remains unchanged. No communica
tfons having any bearing upon the situ-
alton have passed between this Gov
eminent and Spain since last Thurs
day night when Minister Woodford
transmitted the reply of the Sagasta
Ministry to the Presidents proposition
of two weeks ago. Both Governments
appear to accept this issue as made
up, and are shaping their course ac-
cordingly. This beilng the case, the
view is universally entertained, even by
representative men of the Adminstra-
ton, that Congress, upon receipt of the
Presidents message early next week,
will take action which it is almost sure
ly expected, must result in a severing
of the relations of thel two countries.
This was in part foreshadowed by the
action of the Senate Committee on For
eign Relations in agreeing to a resolu-
tion recognizing the independence of
Cuba, and for armed intervention, if
necessary, to secure independence
NO OFFER OF MEDIATION.
With the crisis so near at hand, it
is believed that-if Intervention o. ne
diauon is to come it will be within the
next few days. 1t was said, however,
at the State Department late this after
noon that no offer of European media
tion had yet been officially transmitted
to this Government. 1t was the gem
eral understanding that friendly over
lures of this nature were looked for at
any time from France or Austria, and
it was reported during the day that the
presence in Washington of Cardinal
Gibbons and Archbishop Ireland was in
connection with mediation from Rome !;
but it was stated on high authority at
the State Department that no overture
of this character had taken official
form, nor was the State Department
advised that any such steps We're in
contemplation.
STEPS PRECEDING ACTUAL DE-
CLARATION OF WAR.
IT is the understanding in official cir
cles, based upon information. that the
recognition of Cuban independence
would not in itself be regarded by
Spain as casus belli But at the same
time there is little doubt that such
recognition of Cuban independence
would be followed by the withdrawal of
the Spanish Minister and his entire
suite from Washington. and the ter
mination of Spains diplomatic repre-
sentation at Washington. Such a thing
is one of the last steps preceding act
ual recourse to war.
1t is probable. however. that the
withdrawal of the Spanish Minister
following a recognition of the independ-
ence of Cuba would not be such an in
dication of war as it would be an en-
phatic protest by the Spanish Govern
ment against the recognition of the in
Spain processes to exercise complete
sovereignty.
Although this recognition of inde-
pendence is not considered a casus belli
by which Spain could declare war. yet
it is believed in diplomatic circles that
such a step would have consequences
inevitably terminating in war For
that reason it is believed recognition Of
Independence is likely to be no less
grave than intervention.
THE SPANISH MINISTER.
The Spanish Minister continues to
preserve his outward calm. although he
feels that the relations are extremely
strained, and that his stay in Washing
ton may not be long continued. To
some of his diplomatic associates who
called to-day he said that his con-
science was perfectly clear, as he
thought that Spains cause was just
one, and for this reason he felt no agi-
tation.
His position is trying, however, as
the Spanish Legation has been subject
ed to a number of petty indignities
recently These are of such petty
character that they have not been
called to the Government officials at
tention, although police officers were
detailed to see that the offenses were
not continued, and no acts of vandal-
ism or personal indignity were commit
ted.