The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-04-01
PROFOUND ANXIETY.
woodford's Message Was of Hopeful
Nature.

Washington. March 3l.-A feeling oi
| profound anxiety was apparent to-day
| throughout all official circles as the
| time for Spain's final answer to the
| specific representations of the United
| States draws near. The state depart
| nent has received cablegram from
| Minister Woodford at Madrid exp-e ss-
| ing In a general way his hopefulness
that n solution will be effected. and
| stating that his interview with Premier
| Sagasta and the ministry was set for
| 4 o'clock this afternoon, following the
cabinet council at noon.
II is difficult to account for this diff.
ference at the two capitals on the most
vital feature of the negotiation. There
is no doubt that the authorities here
regard the immediate cessation OF hos
tilities. and such a condition as vii.
bring about the independence as essen
tial features to be considered. There
may be some difference as to how or
when these results are to be reached.
but there appears to be no doubt that
the results are expected in this Iun-
try as the ultimate end of any negotia-
tions. The understanding at Madrid as
conveyed by cable dispatches and from
oh sources, Is that the actua
independence OF cuba is not involved
In the present negotiations.
How far Spain will accede TO the
American propositions can only be con-
jectured. General Woodford's dispatch
is the most hopeful indication, and yet
this may relate to features of settle
ment less advanced than those gen.
orally understood here. as the require
ments suitable to the case. II the corn
plete independence OF Cuba has been
presented and insisted upon by the
United states government, there is rea-
son to believe that the situation MAY
become extremely grave
on the other questions involved, the
cessation of hostilities and relief OF the
reconcentrados. the hopeful outlook Is
much stronger. The dispatches re-
ceived by the Spanish legation last
night stating that the reconcentrado
decree had been revoked I'm the eastern
provinces Of Cuba. Is looked upon as n
significant step In the direction of the
demands made by the United States.
and the order issued by General
Blanco extending IL To- Havana and
western provinces is an even more
significant act.
AS to the cessation of hostilities.
there are evidences that these also may
favOrably be regarded by Spain. Tn.
only difficulty in the way appears 10
be that the Spanish government does
rot wish 20 Law down arms while al
the same time the insurgents continue
in arms. There Is no doub. that this
branch Of the proposition is being Tery
seriously considered at MadriI.
Among the callers at The state de-
partment. this being diplomatic day,
were the German ambassador. the Aus
trian minister. the Venezuelan minister
and Mr.. McArthur secretary Of the
United States legation at Madrid, who
has just arrived from Spain. The pres
ence Of the Austrian minister. Mr. Won
Hengel-Muller. was Of more than pass
ing interest owing to the close rela-
tiOns between Spain and Austria, and |
the representation from Vienna that
the Austrian minister at Washington |
was instructed to aid in any movement |
initiated by France toward mediation. |