The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-04-01

MADRID, March 31.-The conferences
with Gen. Woodford lasted an bo,Ir;
The ministers submitted fresh pronos.
ais, which Gen. Woodford teleera r1heS
to Washington. Their nature was nod
disclosed.
1t has been day of great anxiety,'
The papers have confined themselves
to antiquities on the subject of the
caplnet council. 1t should be said to
thelr credit that they have displayed
great prudence in their suppositfons
ana comments. showing their apprecIa-
ton of the fact that in the present
critical time it is hazardous and might
De pre1udicial to the country to dis
cuss the situation without sufficient
knowledge of the conditions.
The evening papers, without exceD-
ton, consider the situation UNCHANGED.
Notwithstanding the recent confereu-
ces. They generally admit that Min
1ster Woodford's conduct of the al.
plomatic negotiations IS very friendly,
ana that he Is desiroIs Of peace. but
1he spanish government Is reported as
xunHlnchlns and opposeI to any, even
if1enoiy, interference 10 terminate the
war. except through its own effoIts"-
a war which, they claim, is nearing
the end and is daily crushing the re-
bellioa"
There is anxious expectancy respect
ing the reply from Washington.
Cabinet Council.
AT the cabinet council, Senior Sagasta.
the premier, explained with extreme
precision all the details of the confer
ences and negotiations. together with
the state of the country and existing
conditions, which he regarded as nee
essary to the formation of a proper
judgment Another minister then
spoke, Senior Sagasta listening atten-
lively.
1t Is needless to say, after the emo
fions or recent days and in view OF
the serious issues depending, every
minister poured out all he had in mis-
heart
After four hours discussion. the min
listers were still without a solution.
probably because Senior Sagasta judged
1T inopportune to make a decision at
the present stage, and advisable to
wait for the issue of tomorrow's meet
ings.
Prior to the council, a note briefly
relating the queen regents ideas on the
subject of the reply to be given the
United States was written. On this
being read at the council. Senior Sagas-
Id, tdhluS d paper MS pocket, an
nounced that he also had condensed
his opinion into a few lines, which he
proceeded to read. 1t is understood
that he touched, one by one, upon all
the questions raised by the United
States, and indicated the limits to
which, in his opinion. it would be pos
sible to go without prejudice to the
national honor or dignity.
Sagasta's Answer.
All the ministers, including Gen.
Correa. minister Of war; "saw their
thoughts reflected in Senior Sagasta's
expose, which they unanimously ap-
proved"
The ministers then proceeded to the
palace, where they gave an account Of
the proceedings to the queen regent,
who approved them.
At Minister Woodford's conference
with Seniors Sagasta. Gullon and Moret.
Senior Sagasta's note, translated into
ford, who, after reading 1t. said: 'T
am solely authorized to negotiate ad
referendum, and, therefore, 1 will trans
nit the cabinets reply to Washington"
The text of the Sagasta note has not
been made known, the ministers main
tanning absolute reserve. but the cab
met is said to have given proof of
After the cabinet meeting, which was
presided over by the queen regent, the
ministers had another hours confer
ence, after which the following semi
official note was issued
Capt. Gen. Blanco telegraphs an account
of glorious combat OF Gen. Luque against
the insurgents, commanded by CalixtO Gar
cia, and also makes excellent reports Of
the progress Of the operations. setting forth
that the pacifcations are so advanced in
the western provinces that the concentra-
ton of the peasants has been revoked.
Public works are also being commenced
to give employment to all applicants In
view of this, and important submis-
sions are expected.
The minister of public works, in an
interview today, said that the twenty
four hours had brought a favorable
change in the situation. When the
asked If he meant on account
Of news from Washington he replied:
mo, our feelings of satisfaction do not
refer to the United States"
The cabinet council lasted an hour
and q half Crowds of people watched
the arrival and departure of the nota-
bilities; but otherwise there was no
evidence Of interest in the subject in
Madrid.
Nothing definite is yet known con-
cerning the decision arrived at. The
prevails. however, that
Spain will not agree to the proposals
Of the United States.
Senior Sagasta. the premier, in an
interview today, declared he would do