Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-04-08
SPANISH AFFAIRS.

The result OF the Spanish cabinets
latest deliberations is believed to be
that it has taken a firm stand against
furthor concession to the United States.
An extraordinary session of the cabinet
was held in Madrid last night, at which
commur i,ation from Rone was
answered. The communication is re.
ported to have asked what conces-
sions Spain would make. The answer,
it is also stated, was that the govern
ment simply reaffirmed its former de-
cisions already known to President Nc
Kinley."
A dispatch from Madrid says: The
ambassadors of Great Britain, Ger.
many, France, Russia, Austria and
Italy yesterday evening visised Senior
Gullon, minister of foreign affairs, and
presented to him note in the interests
of peace, similar to the note presented
to President Mckinley. Senior Gullon,
in replying to the note, said that the
cabinet was in full agreement that
Spain had reached the limit in conced-
ing the demands or allowing the pre-
tentions of the United States.
A special cablegram from Madrid
states that the Sagasta ministry will
probably fall unless peace counsels pre-
vail. Senior Silvela, leader, of the OPP
position, has arrived in Madrid. The
Queen Regent was denounced on the
streets of Madrid for her efforts to Sc
cure peace.
Great activity is being displayed in
Spanish navy-yards, and merchant ves-
sells are being fitted out with rapid
firing guns and manned by strong
crews, commanded by officers of the
royal navy.
Minister Woodford, in second note
sent to the Spanish Council yesterday
evening stated that when he sent the
semi-private note published yesterday,
he had not received a dispatch from
President Mckinley announcing the
postponement OF the presentation Of
The latter's message to Congress, and
las that changes the aspect of affairs,
he withdraws the statements made in
the previous note"
A dispatch from Washington says
There is no longer any doubt as to the
purposes OF this government with re-
spect to the situation in Cuba. War,
10 the opinion of the administration, is
inevitable except in the unlocked for
event of q surrender on the part of
Spain. Any movement to avert war
now must come from Madrid, and must
concede American demands, including
an end to SPANS dominion in Cuba
The opinion is that diplomacy has been
exhaused, and that Spain must yield or
take the consequences. The Presidents
message will be sent to Congress on
Monday practically unchanged, unless
there are developments in the mean
time. On the highest authority it can
be stated that no instructions have been
given as yet to Minister Woodford con-
templating his withdrawal, the only
step in that direction being the deter
mination that General Lee will leave
Havana tomorrow.
The note of the powers, handed tu
the President yesterday, has not, in the
opinion of members Of the admnistrs-
ton, changed the situation in the
slightest degree. What pressure was
brought to bear TO secure even this
mildly expressed hope that further ne
gotiations would result in the mainte-
| nance of peace is not known, but it is
; confidently believed that it is the result
| of persistent appeals on the part oil
Spain for some expression in favor Of
I hot vi he
note is not regarded in any sense as q
protest against the course this govern
ment has pursued thus far, or is likely
to adopt to secure stable government
10 Cuba. Some of the governments
represented In the note are known tc
be 10 full accord with this government
in its purposes with respect to the Gu
ban question, and therefore any theory
that the note was intended as q remon
STRANGE is not regarded as tenable.
At the embassies and legations the
presentation of the joint note of the
powers was regarded as the event o.
the day. Ap ambassador from one o.
the great powers of continental Europe
stated that it was without a. parallel in
history; that it was the first and the
only time that the six great nations oil
Europe, representing in the aggregate
the power of civilization, had united in
this solemn manner to secure the peace
of the world. It was, this high au-
thority stated, a movement historical
in character and one fitting to occur on
the advent of the twentieth century.
Information from high source clearly
indicates that q naval demonstration
against Havana has been considered,
and is almost certain to be made within
the next few days, unless Spain yields,
aad if this demonstration results in
war, the President is ready to accept
the issue.
Consul General Lee will leave Ha-
vsna tomorrow for the United States
The government has made all neces-
sary arrangements for Americans to
leave Cuba by that time, and the Con-
sui General has been given authority to
charter steamers if necessary. Similar
arrangements have been made for the
protection of Americans in Porto Rico
A military draft has been issued in
Cuba requiring every able.bodied Span
lard to register for military duty.
SENATORIAL CONFERENCE.