The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-03-31
THE CRISIS IS COMING
AND Is SCHEDULED TO ARRIVE
ON FRIDAY
SPAIN MAY CHOOSE HER TERMS
But They Must Include the Cessation
Of War and the Independence
Of the Cubans


Associated Press Special Wire
WASHINGTON, March 3O.-The vital
point in the Cuban situation, viz, inde-
pendence, has shifted itself from WASH
ington to Madrid, where the Spanish gov.
ernment is now giving grave and earnest
consideration to propositions presented by
the government Of the United States. On
the answer to these propositions depends
the future course of the relations between
Spain and the United States. 1t is be-
lieved that 1t is now but question Of ALI
exceedingly short time before the inevf-
table crisis must come. The Spanish min
istry will hold a cabinet council tomorrow
after the propositions have been submit-
ted to the queen regent, and as result OF
that conference it is expected by the adj
ministration that definite answer to its
proposals will be received. The PROPOSE
tions submitted by this country contem-
plate a complete and immediate cessation
of hostilities in Cuba, the return Of tho
reconcentrados to their usual avocations
and the independence of Cuba, the latter
to be secured probably on the indemnity
basis by which the island will pay a SUBJ
stantial sum for its freedom from Spanish
rule. These propositions take wide scope
and there are many details in the all
tentative propositions. the purpose being
to present every possible plan promising
a solution of the Cuban problem so long
as an end Of the Cuban war and Cuban in
dependence were embodied in the ultimate
result. 1t has been made perfectly clear
to Spain that nothing less than a close OF
the war and the independence of the
island will suffice as an adequate set
tlement. Such lesser methods as have
been contemplated from time to time are
now put aside for these more advanced
and positive positions. 1t is now for Spain
to accept or reject these tenders.
SPAIN MAY CHOOSE
There is no disposition to urge one
rather than another so long as the con-
clusion finally reached brings the termina.
ton Of the war and Cuban Independence.
Never before now has the Spanish govern
ment even for a moment entertained such
propositions. Now, in the stress OF the
present emergency, with declarations of
war introduced in the American congress,
Spain has reluctantly consented to con-
slider them. This in itself has given lively
hope of satisfactory result But it in
wolves grave crisis in Spain, and it cannot
w
will be. Until today 1t was believed that
Spain would Indignantly reject propositions
involving the independence Of Cuba or
American Intervention or the disappear
ance of the Spanish flag from the island.
either through purchase by the Cubans or
otherwise. There was the best of reason
for official belief that as between peace
and war on these propositions Spain would
ahn0SQ W. anti
entertained here of Spain being In a Yield
ing mood, as the American plans for solu-
ton are being carefully weighed with a
view to a general decision. AS stated, that
answer is stated to be believed to BE onlya a
question Of perhaps two or three days.
When 1t is received, the future course Of
this government will be determined. tits
the view of the administration that the
present week will shape the policy of the
future, whether it is to be one of peace or
one of war;
A CRITICAL JUNCTURE
Naturally this critical juncture has oc.
casioned the greatest interest here, coupled
with no little excitement, as word was
passed about that the last stage in the
negotiations with Spain was reached.
Many representative men Of congress, sem
ators and representatives called at the
White House and conferred with the pres
ident. To the leaders in congress he stated
that definite results were expected from
Madrid by Friday. This served to allay the
intense feeling which had been manifested
in congress and through the influence Of
the leaders further radical action by the
senate and house was for the time being
deferred.
a IN nito1 V1yoo hat
The meeting of the senate committee on
foreign relations occasioned great deal
of interest because of the many warlike
resolutions which were introduced yester-
day and referred to that committee.
On the house side there was an intensity
of feeling. After the vote on the Bailey
resolution many Republicans went to the
White House to confer with the president
and to express to him their hope that
something might be promised which would
relieve the strained situation. The assur-
ance of the president was given to these
members that by Friday night at the
latest something definite could be ex-
pected.
The senate committee had an afternoon
session at which Captain Bradford. the
chief of the bureau Of equipment of the
tive strength of the Spanish and United
States navies. This proved only incidental
to the main subject under discussion, which
was the value of the island of st. Thomas
or some other point in the West Indies for
a naval station.
GROWING INPATIENT
The situation at the capitol is one of watt
ing expectancy. Senators and representa-
tives are willing to give the president an
opportunity to carry out his plans. but
there is impatience to have these planss
and many say they will not delay action
too long.
1t was stated today in high diplomatic
quarter that the Spanish government,
within the last ten days, had addressed Z
mote to the great powers Of Europes fully