Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-19
Gossip in Regard TO Purchasing the
Islands Independence.
RESULT OF fHE MAINE DISASTER
Sentiment Against SPANS Future
Control of Affairs.
AN AVOIDANCE OF WAR

There is reason to believe that there Is
some foundation for the story published
this morning to the effect that the Presi-
dent hopes TO accomplish peace in Cuba
Though the purchase of the island by the
Cubans under the guarantee of the United
States. This is not new report, but the
statement that the question has been dis
cussed with renewed earnestness since the
Maine disaster, If 1t be true is significant
1t is said at the Capitol today that the
Pre- sdent has talked about the matter
with two senators, who have been sounding
the sentiment of Congress, and who con-
vey to the President the idea that the plan
would be approved by Congress. Their
judgment as to the sentiment Of Congress
is probably at fault. 1t is not probable
that Congress would approve of guaran-
tee of Cuban bonds, and in some quarters
the Suggestion Is made that the whole idea
is born of desire of holders of Cuban
credits to insure their investments before
the independence of Cuba is established.
The suggestion of a purchase is, of course,
based upon the assumption that the disas-
ter to the Maine will prove to have been an
accident.
Result of the Catastrophe.
The belief is becoming somewhat gen.
eTdl lHdt, III OHe way VI dilOlHtT, the ca
| tastrophe of the Havana harbor will lead
to a speedy termination of the Cuban
| rebellion and of Spanish control of that
| island. but it is not expected to be by
purchase, though it might be attended. if
peaceably brought about, by some sort
of adjustment of financial obligations. If
it is proven that the destruction of the
Maine was an act of treachery it is be-
lieved that the public sentiment of ma
tons would render the Spanish position
In Cuba untenable and that she would have
TO relinquish the island on the best terms
she could make. The sentiment of the
whole world would probably be against her
in d war with the United States after such
an act of barbarism had been disclosed
A war forced by her under such circum-
stances could not be confined to the ques-
| ton CT the restoration of peace in Cuba by
| the establishment Of Independence, but
would, it is believed, extend sto-the con-
tinent and involve the very existence of
the kingdom Of Spain. If she were de-
feated in the war. the mere taking from
her of that which she had already lost
would not suffice. This, it is said, would
be understood by all the world, and other
nations would probably feel it to be their
duty, in defense of the integrity of Eu-
pei Spain to make honorable amends and
TO remove the original cause of contention
Thus the liberty Of Cuba might be secured
without further shedding of American
blood.
Demand for Peace in Cuba,
On the other hand, if the Maine disaster
Is found to have resulted from an accident
or the cause of the disaster is left eternal
ly In Q0uDt ,f l.;
still make such an impression upon the
public mind that there will be a universal
demand that peace he restored in Cuba
upon some honorable conditions, and Spain
now FEELING the horror of a war dcstruc-
i've 10 her almost upon her, will be, 1t is
thought disposed to avoid the further risk
winch would be incurred by the continu-
aHce OF ner hopeless effort to vanquish the
insurgents However the investigation into
the Maine disaster. turns out, it is, there
lore, felt to be likely that Spain will be
forced to abandon her contention in Cuba
On the most honorable terms she can Sc
cure. Even though the Maine were de-
stroyed by accident, Spain could not hope
that public sentiment in this country or
elsewhere would continue hereafter even
| as tolerant as it has been heretofore. The
destruction Of the Maine, 1t is believed, will
ASSoie III TIC iosS VI SuDa 10 spain.
What Cabinet officer Says.
cabinet member who stands close to
the President said to Star reporter today
! that he had never heard the President
| speak Of forcing the Spaniards to allow
the CubaDs to purchase their liberty. The
idea has never been preached at a cabinet
! meeting Il have seen newspaper talk
! along that line" he said, but SO far as 1
know the idea has never entered the Presi-
dents head as a feasible one" He even
went SO far as to say that he did not be-
heve the latest story has any foundation.
He failed to see, he said, what the Maine
| tragedy had to do with the President de-
termining policy along that line or any
other line.
| The war debt Of Spain is q gigantic one,
and 1t Is said that she would not consent
| to let that go unpaid, or at least a large
portion Of it. The United States is already
paying millions of dollars a year in inter-
est on its own public debt. The guarantee
| of big debt for the Cubans would be an
| undertaking, it is claimed, too risky for
this country. The probahilityfof constant
| turmoil would endanger the guarantee of
| this country. q