The herald., 1898-03-27


merely acquaints the Madrid government
with the fact that the naval court OF IN
quiry finds that the ship was blown up II
Havana harbor by an external agency
and nothing but mine or torpedo OF the
largest size could have wrought such de-
struction. The president submits the facts
to the Spanish government and awaits re-
ply.
AS to the war In Cuba, President Nc.
Kinley advised the Spanish government
In the politest terms that the time Is fast
drawing near when the United States
would be compelled to act upon the warn.
ings so often given to Spain since the
struggle in Cuba began.
The president clearly intimated that the
war In Cuba must cease but he fixed nc
date. The note thus makes the question
Of Cuban Intervention paramount to the
Maine disaster, which the presidents men,
orandum refers to merely as lamentable
incident. The issues and problemt of the
Cuban war, the United States government
now calls urgently to the attention OF
Spain, declaring that the conditions now
prevailing In Cuba, so near the shores of
the United States, have long been intolera-
BILE to the American people.
Spain was reminded by Minister Wood
ford that the action of the president and
his representatives during the present and
late administration has always been aimed
at the preservation of peace and the pro-
motion of cordial relations with Spain.
She had the widest scope In choosing her
own methods to restore peace in her Amer
icop co,oujoS md hae failad
The United States, against its own
wishes and desires. has become convinced
that Spain has made no substantial prog
ress either toward the paciflcation of Cuba
or the realization of the aspirations Of the
people of her colonies.
Reports from the United States consuls,
like those of agents Of all European powers
who have opportunities for inquiry, have
been most unfavorable to Spain.
President Mckinley signifies to the gov
ernment Of Spain his intention of imme-
diately communicating all the official facts
In his possession respecting Cuba. and the
Maine report probably also, 10 congress
He further contemplates steps which Will
make the distribution of relief by the
United States to the Cubans more ef-
fctive and upon a much larger scale.
The nearest approach to threat IN Pres
ident McKinley's memorandum, which Is
said to be strongly argued and couched in
the most diffident but unmistakable terms,
is the statement that, in making fresh con-
tributions for the relief of the suffering
people in Cuba, the American people ex-
pect practical term assigned for the COM
plete restoration of peace and order in that
island.
The Spanish reply is equally firm. 1t
resolutely asserts the intention of Spain
not to tolerate any invasion of Spanish
rights or any step intended to lead to the
overthrow of the Spanish rule in Cuba.
Spain deprecates sending wholesale relief
In the manner suggested by President Nc
Kinley, on the ground that 1t will encour-
age rebels (separatists is the term appliedD,
even If 1t does not lead to actual conflict
between the authorities OF the United
States and Spain. But Spain does not re-
fuse the aims. She will not resist this step,
probably.
Spain lays much stress upon the efforts
she has made to satisfy the views of the
United States and to preserve cordial re-
lations, while endeavoring to implant home
rule and thus hasten the pacification of
Cuba, which has been retarded SO long only
because of the moral and material assist
ance given from the United States and the
large rebellion fund raised in North Amer
lea.
On the Maine question, Spain makes con-
ciliatory but vague response, hoping that
a just solution will be found; declining to
accept the American naval court verdict as
final. and suggesting arbitration of the
entire question, along with her claims
against the United States.
THE SPANISH FLEET
NEW YORK, March 27.-The Worlds
Madrid correspondent says that the Span
ish f1otilla now on the way from the Canary
islands consists of three torpedo boats,
three destroyers and the merchant steam
er City of Cadiz. carrying coal. 1t has
been stated that there were thirteen ves-
sells in the fleet. The Spanish government
is endeavoring to secure torpedo destroy
ers and cruisers in England and cruiser
from Italy.
Great activity is reported at Cadiz. Fer
rol and Cartagena arsenals. Coast de-
fenses are being strengthened in Spain, the
Balaric islands, Ceuta and the Canary is
lands. The minister of war has obtained a
credit of 81 300 900 for war stores. Intense
excitement has been caused in political and
financial circles and, in fact, among all
classes of society by the news of the re-
port on the Maine.
A disposition is still manifested by the
press and governing classes to expect
moral and material assistance from Eu-
ropean powers If war or a serious conflict
arises. In court circles Germany and
Austria are said to be willing to interpose
when opportunity arises.
WILLIAMS OPINION
LONDON, March N.-The Sunday Spe-
ciars Berlin correspondent telegraphs:
II have learned from Ambassador
White that Emperor William has ex-