The record-union., 1898-03-31
As to Nature Of Reply Depends
Future Course of this
Government.
Believed That II is Nov But Question Of
an Exceedingly Short Time Before
taG Inevitable Crisis
Must Come.

WASHINGTON, March oV-1H ne VI
tai 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 10
propositions presented by the Govern
ment Of the United States. On the
answer to these propositions depends
the future course of the relations be-
tween Spain and the United States. 1t
is believed that it is now but ques-
ton of an exceedingly short time be-
fore the inevitable crisis must come.
The Spanish Ministry viii hold Cab
met Council tomorrow after the prop
ositions have been submitted to the
Queen Regent, and as a result of thar
conference it is expected by the Admin
istration that a definite answer to it's
proposals viii be received.
The propositions submitted by this
country contemplate a complete and
immediate cessation of hostilities III
Cuba the return of the reconcentrados
to their usual avocations, and the in
dependence of Cuba. this last feature
to be secured probably on an indemnity
oasis by which the island would pay
a substantial sum for it's freedom fl
Spanish rule These propositions take
a wide scope, and there are many de-
tails in the alternative propositions. the
purpose being to present every posi-
BILE plan promising a solution Of the
Cuban problem so long as an end OF
the Cuban war and Cuban indepcnd-
ence were embodied in the ultimate re
suit
It has been made perfectly clear TO
Spain that nothing less than a close
Of the war and the independence Of
the island will suffice as an adequate
settlement. Such lesser methods as
have been contemplated from time to
time are now put aside for these more
advanced and positive positions. 1t IS
now for Spain to accept or reject these
tenders. There is no disposition to urge
ore rather than another. so long as the
conclusion finally reached brings the
termination of the war for Cuban in
dependence. Never before now has the
Spanish Government even for mo-
ment entertained such propositions.
Now. in the stress of the present
emergency. with declarations Of war
introduced in the American Congress.
Spain has reluctantly consented to con-
cyiN
lively hope of satisfactory result. Gut
it involves a grave crisis in Spain, and
It cannot be foretold what the 1tnal
action at Madrid will be.
SPAIN IN A YIELDING MOOD.
Until to-day it was believed that
Spain would Indignantly reject prop
osition 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 be-
lief that as between peace and war on
these propositions Spain would choose
war, but more hope apparently IS en-
tertained here of Spain being in 4
Welding mood. as the American plans
for solution are being carefully weigh
ed with a view to a general decision.
As stated. that answer is stated 20
be believed to be only a question of
perhaps two or three days. When it is
received the future course of this Gov
ernment viii be determined. It is the
view of the Administration that the
present week will shape the policy OF
the future. whether it is be one Of
peace or one of war.
Naturally this critical juncture has
occasioned the greatest interest here,
coupled with no little excitement. rs
word was passed about that the last
stage in the negotiations with Spain
was reached. Many representative men
of Congress, Senators and Representa-
tives. called at the White House 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.
EXCITEMENT UNABATED.
at the Capitol excitement was una