The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-03-30

were all for Intervention or recognition
OF independence. There will be no APP
preparation OF $500. 900 for relief supplies
for the Cuban non-combatants as Is ex-
pected TO be requested by the president
unless simultaneously there is call for
intervention and Independence. be-
lieve IL will be found that not only ma
Jority on the Republican side OF the
house favor Intervention, but that a
majority OF the whole house can be found
on the Republican side with this disposi-
tlon.'
The cabinet meeting developed noth-
Ing new. The president remains stead
fast In his convictions as to what Ia his
duty. and adverse criticism. which II Is
asserted is mainly due to misinformation
as to. the situation or ignorance Of the
PRESIDENTS purpose, will not be per-
mitted to swerve him in the least from
the course he has planned. Some days
ago he made peremptory demand upon
Spain to put an end Immediately to hos
tilities I'm Cuba, TO release the concen-
trados and to permit them to return to
their homes. Since that demand was
communicated. the president has not
taken a step backward or modified IL in
the least particular. Spajn's final reply
TO this demand. II is known. is now re-
ceiving the earnest consideration OF the
Spanish authorities at Madrid, and the
reply may be expected within the next
few days. Should the demand be re-
jected. there is the highest authority for
stating that the president would inn
mediately lay the whole record before
congress and be guided by its instruc-
tions.
AS preliminary step toward peace,
1t has been proposed to Spain, though
the proposition has not taken the shape
OF demand as yet at least, that the
Spanish government withdraw its troops
from the island and that the Cubans be
given their independence on a basis of
indemnity that would be regarded as
just in amount by the United States and
other nations and fair to both contend
ing parties. The question of an armis-
tice has not been agreed to by either this
country or Spain. though there Is no
doubt that Spain suggested an armis-
tice.
What terms of peace will be aecep-
table to the president cannot be stated,
but 1t is asserted that no proposition will
be considered that does not involve the
practical, IL not the actual, indepen-
dence Of the Cubans. Under these cir
cumstances the upholders OF the admin
istration think IL only fair to Mr.. Nc
Kinley that the people should wait with
patience the result OF the pending nego-
tiations. since there is no more loyal
American than the president. or one who
will hesitate less than ne when the hour
for action has arrived.
The purpose and results OF the Span
ish minister's talk with Judge Day are
guarded with the usual secrecy that
prevails at the state department. In a
general way. however. 1t is said. II was
productive of further expressions from
high officials that the aspect continued
pacific. 1t was learned that the last
difference has disappeared as to Spain
objecting to the dispatch of relief sup
plies by the United States government
to Cuba. Spain has also expressed full
willingness 10 allow the re oncentrados
10 be assisted by agricultural imple-
ments. etc. or in any other way the
United States sees flt to adopt, so long
is IL does not assume form offensive
to Spain by being carried In war ships.
Beyond this, however. the plans of set
tlement have taken a very wide range.
and not one Of them is yet reduced to
such concrete form that II gives prom
Use Of acceptance by both governments.
Both sides, at is said by persons familiar
with the negotiations, appear to be ami
mated by an earnest desire to avoid war
by all honorable means. and for this
reason every possible proposition or
basis OF adjustment is being fully can
vassed. There is high authority for
saying, however that the Spanish at
titude up to the present time has not
been TO consider either the indepen-
dence of Cuba, forcible Intervention. or
the sale Of the island.
A gentleman we'll acquainted with
Spanish affairs points out that the talk
OF an armistice is out OF the question. as
Spain would never withdraw her forces
in Cuba while the rebellious element
was in arms. He said also that the
statements published concerning a
proposition fer enlarged autonomy. to
go into force Immediately after the COM
ing Cuban election, was not In fact un-
der consideration, as the reported terms
of this new autonomy are In detail en-
braced in the autonomy now about to be
put into force.
There is little doubt that the French
government is ready to tender It's good
offices as mediator between the United
States and Spain II any intimation Is
conveyed by this country that such Of
fees would be acceptable. Without such
intimation II Is doubtful whether Frsnce
will take the Initiative. In diplomatic
circles n Is pointed out that the interests
of France, both material and senti-
mental. favor an avoidance Of war. A
material reason is that France Is pre-
pairing for the International exposition
when the worlds travel will be turned
toward the French capital. II Is said
that war at such time would be seri-