The herald., 1898-03-11
AID OF FRANCE AND Russia
Hoped for but Not Likely to Be Given.
France Is Anxious for
Arbitration

ouA 6SASS, tAuo 6lViAS Tie IIlllltdIy pOhCy
predomlnance over diplomacy. This
change Is due to the fear that IL the
Radical Autonomists insisted upon the
disarmament of the volunteers or In
cited the Constitutionalists to disaffec-
tion conflict would supervene, afford
ing the United States an opportunity for
an armed Intervention"
The presence in Madrid of the Span
ish Ambassador to France, Senior Leon
Castillo, has started rumors to the ef-
feet that Senior Gullon, Spanish Minister
for Foreign Affairs, is about to resign
and that he will be replaced by Senior
Castillo. This is denied in official cir
cles, where it is said the visit Of Castillo
Is connected with the governments ne
gotiations to obtain the support Of
France and Russia, which is favored by
all parties, as there is a general feeling
that in the event of war the racial and
commercial interests of Great Britain
will compel her to decide with the United
States. 1t Is understood the effort for
an understanding with France will be on
the basis that Spain shall receive finan-
cial assistance in order to avoid national
bankruptcy.
A FRENCH SUGGESTION
PARIS, March 10.-The Figaro this
morning makes a suggestion in an edi-
torial on the relations of Spain and the
United States. After referring to the
preparations for defense on both Sides
the Figaro says: Does this mean that
war is more probable today than it was
yesterday, or Is 1t less probable? AS
the hour for decisive resolution ap-
ha nf ho iro n
results of conflict becomes more clear
ly impressed upon the minds of the
statesmen of both countries. The evils
which war would bring in its train,
even to the victor, represents terrible
total, before which the conscience stag
gers.
1.-THE attitude of the government both
in Madrid and Washington seems to
prove that the two nations are animated
by the common desire of maintaining
peace. Perhaps they are embarrassed
as to the means of conciliation, but in
that case, why not have recourse to the
principle Of international arbitration.
which the United States years ago had
the glory Of introducing into treaty,
submitted for the acceptance Of Eu
ropean power?
Arbitration, in fact by the Pope or
the Gear. not upon the Cuban question.
but upon the respective procedures of
American and Spanish diplomatists,
might restore calm and quiet
THE CUBAN ELECTIONS
NEW YORK, March 1O.-A dispatch
to the World from Madrid says: The
insular government of Havana, cable
grams report, has fixed on April 24th
as the date of the election for members
of the lower house of the Colonial Par
Lament, and April 2Sth for members of
the upper house. Both bodies are to
meet May 4th.
There is considerable rivalry between
the Radical and moderate Autonomists
over the share to be allotted to each Sec
tion of the party in the colonial assem-
blies. That point the managing COM
mittees Of the Autonomists will deter
mine soon.
General Blanco and General Galvez,
the President of the Insular Cabinet,
have been notified by the Marquis of APP
eztequia that the old Spanish party in
tends to take an active part in the cleo
tions.
1t is the intention Of the government to
allot to them sixteen seats in the lower
house and eight in the upper house.
1t seems again that in the coming
West Indian elections the colonial and
imperial Cabinets contemplate select
ing as candidates to represent Cuba and
Porto Rico in the Spanish Senate and
House Of Spanish Deputies, Spanish pol
iticians and military men.
AN INSURGENT VICTORY
NEW YORK. March 1O.-The Cuban
Junta has received by messenger the Of
fetal report of General Recio, who
commanded the Cuban forces at the bat
tie of Najasa on February 21st to oath
The details of the battle show that while
the Cubans were outnumbered four to
one for four days they held their posi-
ton and caused the Spanish troops to
retreat, leaving .293 dead men upon the
field.
On the morning of February 21st, while
more than ten miles from Najasa, the
vanguard of the Spanish army, COM
posed of guerrillas, under Lieutenant
Perojo, was attacked at a turn in the
road. The Cuban cavalry, under Briga-
dier Branlio Pena, numbered seventy
men. The vanguard comprised fifty
men. OF the fifty three escaped and
forty-seven were killed. The Cubans
lost fourteen men. The Spanish cavalry
under Major Copaz was attacked by the
full Cuban cavalry. 500 strong The loss
in this charge by the Cubans was slight
The men under Copaz were defeated
without their firing shot, the Cubans
charging from the front and rear. The
men were literally cut to pieces. They
defended themselved with the butts Of
their carbines.
The Cubans secured eighty cavalry
horses, with equipments; one hundred
carbines and ammunition. After the
cavalry rout they were forced to re-
treat, as the Spanish army. 1000 strong,
came into action. Retreating for more
than mile. the Cubans made a stand
behind rocks and checked the advance
of Castellanos' troops until nightfall. In
the night the Cuban wounded were sent
to the rear and earthworks thrown up
that would each protect half a dozen
rebels. The troops were moved to higher
ground and everything possible done to
make fortihcations. The battle Of the
second day opened with an attempt by
the Spanish to take a knoll of ground
holding twenty men. After several in
effectual attempts one Of the Krupp
guns was used and the position was
abandoned for one higher. During the
shelling Of the small fortiflcations the
Cubans twice caused the piece to be
Withdrawn out of rifle range
There vas no attempt made to ad-