The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1898-04-14
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80 as TO present, IL possible, solid
front when the Democrats were finally
called in for action.
Pressure from every quarter was
brought to bear. Radicals and conser-
vatives strained every nerve. The vital
point of the contest hinged upon whether
the resolution should go further than
the president had gone and declare for
the independence of Cuba from Span
ish domination. a compromise propo.
sition seems certain to be reported at
both ends of the capitol. The senate
committees resolution will be the more
radical Of the two. 1t will surely be
reported today and will declare for inn
mediate intervention general recog-
milton Of the rights of the Cuban peo-
pie to freedom and independence and
will demand the withdrawal of the
Spanish forces from the island.
There is strong impression that the
debate in the house will be made short
to prevent undue criticism Of the ad-
ministration. Many of the Republicans
are in favor of no debate at all, contend
ing that the passage of a resolution
without debate would strengthen our
position before the world. In the sem
ate it is impossible to predict how long
the debate will run. There is a general
feeling in Washington among public
men that the action of congress, as fore
shadowed in the resolutions, renders
the situation extremely critical and con-
servative leaders of both parties con-
slider war inevitable, as result Of their
adoption, unless Spain makes final
and complete surrender by giving up
the island of Cuba. The situation is
regarded as so critical that the Repub-
licans of the ways and means commit
tee, as a result of private conferences,
have reached an agreement as to a
method of raising $100,OOO,OOO addi-
tional revenue annually for the prosecu.
ton of the war by increasing the tax
on beer and tobacco and placing tax
on tea and coffee. They also agreed to
authorize the issue of q popular loan of
$500, ,000,0 and the issue of certificates
of indebtedness to meet emergencies.
The diplomatic phase Of the Spanish
situation is in statu quo. There are nc
new negotiations, and no further de
velopments in the old ones. 1t is the
expectation that this status will con
tinue for the present at least, while con
gress considers the subject. A definite
understanding has been reached by the
representatives of the six great powers
of Europe that no additional actor
from that quarter would be opportunt
at this time This is not the result O
any meeting Of the ambassadors ant
ministers, for they have not met in {
body since the presidents message wen
to congress, but their personal ex
changes have been productive Of com
mon understanding, and their advice
sent to the capitals Of Europe is tina
the present situation calls for no furthe
movement by the powers.
The armistice has gone into effect il
Cuba, but no word has come as to tn
attitude of the insurgents. If they ac
cept it the solution appears to be simple
If they do not accept it the expectation
of the Spanish government is that thi
will be made manifest within the mex
few days by continued hostllities by tn
, forces of Gomez and others. If tn
Spanish troops are attacked while il
garrison they will defend themselve
and thereafter will feel free to take tn
aggressive. In granting the armistice
it is known that the Spanish militar.
authority did so as a tender to the in
surgents for mutual cessation of hos
tiities, but it is viewed as being a mu
, tual undertaking, so that if the insuI
gents no not accept the tender it is un
derstood that it will not continue t
, operate as a means of keeping the Span
ish troops passive while under fire.
1t developed that General Blanco'
, proclamation of armistice is regards
, as significant in two respects: First, il
, showing that Spain yielded to the graa
powers and the pope, and second, tina
the United States was not included il
the influences which brought about tn
concession.
Word reached here that the Spanis,
consul at Key West had retired iron
! the consulate there because of threat
said to have been made against his life
This is the first removal Of a Spanis
. official in the United States, as resul
! Of present trouble. The consul and
number of Spaniards have removed t
Tampa, where it is said their safety
better assured.
The Spanish minister. Senior PolC
feels that his prediction Of more hope
full turn in affairs has been verified
and there are no signs Of impending dt
parture of the minister and his staff.