Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-03-30
SPANISH AFFAIRS.

that peaceful solution OF the CUBAN
question will be reached tomorrow,
when Minister Woodford is to have
another conference with Senior Sagasts,
the Spanish premier. General Wood
ford conferred with the premier yester-
day, but the conference was adjourned
| to allow time for q consultation with
the Queen Regent.
A dispatch from Madrid says among
the middle classes the idea of honor
able peace has taken firm hold and
prodgious will be the popularity of the
ministry when it announces peaceful
results. 1t is understood that the Pope
conveys his approval of peace under
the circumstances suggested. In the
palace there is no doubt of thu senti-
ment, for the Queen is the warmest ad-
vocate of peace, and has grieved three
years over the Cuban war. She will
support with all her strength the great
opportunity which has fallen to the lot
of her country to secure peace with
honor.
A dispatch from Havana says:
From an official within the palace and
very close to Gen. Blanco, it is learned
that the Spanish commission, under d.
rection of Admiral Manterola, is draw
| lag its work to q conclusion. More
than that, it comes from the same
official that the Spanish commit
tee will combat the findings OF the
| American court of inquiry at every
point. Its report will soon 60 to Mad
rid, and will be to the effect that the
Maine was destroyed by torpedo or
powder magazine within itself.'
The Journal Des Debats OF Paris
blames President Mckinley for his
"hurry in sending his message to Con-
gress," and expresses the hope that
Spain twill continue her admirable pa
thence and not play into Americas
hands,"
Count Geluchowski, the Austro-Hun-
garian foreign minister. has proposed,
according to special dispatches from
Vienna and Berlin, to M. Hanotaux,
the French foreign minister, joint
mediation by France and Austria
Hungary between the United States
and Spain.
A dispatch from Washington says:
After the adjournment OF Congress yes
terday conference was held and the
situation was discussed. Disappoint
m ant was expressed by members at the
Pre- sideDl'5 message. Vigorous speech
rs were made by representative men,
saying the time has come for interven-
ton 10 Cuba. Speaker Reed will be
informed of the programme in view,
and the President will also hear the
news.
Speaker Reed fully recognizes the
acute danger OF the situation, aud it is
said that he will leave the Speakers
chair, and going on the floor will APP
peal to the members of the House not
to fail the administration at this critical
hour, bat to rise above the selfishness
of personal politics, and express re-
newed confidence in the President. If
this appeal fails Speaker Reed will rule
the House with rod of iron. If any
attempt is made to attach to the joint
resolution granting the money which
the President will will request any
amendment which is not acceptable to
the administration, Mr. Reed will de.
clare it out of order, and will simply re-
fuse to entertain an appeal from his de-
cision.
The Vienna Reichswehr publishes
an interview with the Marquis de
Hoyos, the Spanish ambassador to
Austria, in which the ambassador
declared that Cuba was the key
of the Atlantic, and as soon
as the canal was cut across the
Isthmus of Panama it would be the
key to the Pacific, opening o way for
the United States to East Asia. It
could thus be seen what Americas pos
session of the island would mean fer
Europe.
A dispatch from Washington says:
1t is asserted on excellent authority
that solution of the Cuban problem is
close at hand. The general features of
the plan, it is understood, provide for
the recognition of the indepen-
dence of the Cuban republic.
and the payment by the new re-
public of an indemnity to the Spanish
government of two hundred million
dollars. An armisliceis to be declared,
during which the Spanish forces are to
he called in from the rural districts and
concentrated 10 Havana, preparatory to
embarking for homo. The reconcen-
trado policy is to be abolished at once,
and the sufferers are to be fed
by the United States, supplied with
farming implements and seeds for
fresh crops, and then sent to their
homes. This is the arrangement which,
it is asserted, Senior SagasIa will accept
on behalf of the Spanish government
Senior Palma, the representative of the
Cuban republic, arrived from New
York yesterday morning, and was re-
ceived by President Mckinley in the
afternoon. AS the representative of
the Cuban republic he was asked if the
Cuban insurgents would accept this
proposition. Senior Palma showed
| disposition to demur at the payment of
the enormous indemnity of two hun
dred millions, but it is stated that when
he learned from Mr.. Mckinley that this
condition would be insisted upon, he
finally consented. 1t is said that Presi.
dent Mckinley instructed Minister
Woodford to place this proposition be-
fore the Spanish government about ten
days ago. Senior Sagasta frankly stated
that he could not discuss any PROPOSE.
ton involving the freedom of Cuba
pending the elections. The elections
were held last Sunday. and Sagasta
u,on hv on ovarwhe1minp roaioritV He