The Saint Paul globe., 1898-02-25
SHARPENING HIS SWORD
MADRiD'S VIEW OF THE ATTITUDE OF
PRESIDENT MKINLEY
Much Comment Caused by the Bit
ter Language of Semi-OmciaI
Organ-New Minister to Wash
ingtOn D1ned by Mr.. Woodford-
Event Regarded as Significant.

MADRID. Feb. 24-The queen regent
today presided at a cabinet council
which discussed the relations between
Spain and the United States.
The United States minister, Mr.
Woodford, gave a banquet today in
honor of the new Spanish minister to
Washington, Senor Polo Bernabe The
guests included the Austrian, Russian,
French, German, Italian, Turkish
Dutch and British ministers, and the
Duke of Veragua, the lineal descendant
OF Columbus, who was the guest of the
United States at the time of the Chi
cago fair; the premier, Senior Sagasta;
two members of the cabinet, and the
staff of the United States legation.
Much political Importance was at
tached to the incident, and the ban
quet. coupled with the peaceful utter
ances of President Mckinley" accord
ing to a semi official report, has been
'optimistically utilized by the minis
terial press"
But the impartial today takes the
Spanish government to task for its
apathy, contrasted with the patriotic
feeling of the country" and warns the
nation against the "hypocritical Yam
kee policy, which really aims at the
independence of Cuba"
Continuing, the Impartial says:
President Mckinley may make and re-
tterate protestations of friendship and
pacific intentions, buttlis actions con-
tradict his words. While the president
of the United States is cajoling us with
words he sharpens his dagger to stab
us behind. While talking concord he
utiliZes his Sundays in unusual war
preparations at the docks and cancels
the furlOughS of the marines. Can we
trust those who are preventing the pa
cification of Cuba, and fomenting re-
bellion and filibustering expeditions,
sending warships under the pretext of
friendship, and preaching peace?
I'VE must prepare for war. There IS
no time to acquire warships, but we
should fit out Immediately what we
have, sending the Pelayo, Colon, Car
los V. and Maria Teresa to follow the
Almirante Oquenda and Vizcaya to Gu
ban waters, and the rest of the fleet TO
guard the peninsula. Any other policy
is only to play the Americans game
which is to exhaust our resources and
gain the independence of Cuba without
risking anything. How long does the
government mean to favor the Amer
lean plan? How long will the agon-
lied nation tolerate the apathy of the
government"
This language from semi-official or
gan is much commented upon.
The PaiX frankly declares that Cuban
independence is imminent.
LONDON, Feb. 25-The Madrid cor
respondent of the Standard says
Spanish statesmen of every shade of
opinion are simply amazed and indig-
nant at the idea that Spain would ever
consent TO sell Cuba. The suggestion
would expose the monarchy to an ir-
resistible movement of popular feeling,
shared by the army and navy"
LONDON, Feb. 24.-Spanish fours fell
IN the Paris bourse today from 60 11-16
to so 1-16. The Evening News alleges
that the Spanish bondholders have be-
come alarmed over the reports from
Madrid of a reservation taken by the
Bank of Spain regarding the payment
Of the April coupons.