Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-03-11
REALIZES THAT SHE Is FACING a
GRAVE PROBLEM.
CHANGES HER CUBAN POLICY
WILL PUSH THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST
THE INSURGENTS.
Government Negotiating to Obtain
support of France and Russin-
Places Large Orders for
War Materials In
Italy.

Madrid March 10.-Political and financial
circles here now realize that Spain is fac
ing grave problem. In view of the atti-
tude of the United States it is understood
the Spanish government has changed It's
policy toward Cuba, and Is now courting
the cooperation of the Cuban constitu-
tional party, urging the maintenance of
volunteers and the pushing of the CAM
paign against the insurgents. thus giving
the military policy predominance over di-
plomacy.
This change is due TO the fear that. If
the radical autonomists insisted upon the
disarmament of the volunteers or melted
the constitutonalists to disaffection, con-
flict would supervene. ..affording the United
States an opportunity for an armed inter-
yention."
The presence in Madrid of the Spanish
ambassador to France. Senor Leon Castil-
10. has started rumors to the effect that
Senor Gulon, the Spanish minister for for
eign affairs. is about to resign. and that he
will be replaced by Senor Castillo. This is
denied in official circles where it is said
the visit of Castillo is connected with the
governments negotiations TO obtain the
support of France and Russia. which is fav-
ored by all parties, as there is 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 first effect
OF the understanding with France will be
that Spain will receive financial assistance
in order to avert her national bankruptcy.
Senior Sagasta, the premier. denies the
rumors of ministerial changes. He says:
The responsibilities of power under pres
ent conditions are certainly not agreeable.
but all the ministers regard IL as ques
ton OF nonor TO remain at their posts.
Senor Leon Castillo. the Spanish ambas-
sador to France. will soon return to Paris.
New York, March I0.-A special to the
World from Rome says:
There is feverish activity in the Italian
government manufactures of arms and
ammunition at Turin, Florence and Naples.
After idleness since the end of the Afri-
can campaign. they are now running over
time.
Tie World correspondent learns on au-
thority large orders for munitions Of war
have been received from Spain. and that
the Italian government is willing to fill
them in an indirect way by placing new
arms in the hands of Italian troops and
selling the old ones to intermediary traders,
who would hand them over to the Spanish
authorities.
Spain has depended largely on Italy lat
terly for arms.
There is at this moment an order with
the Italian Branch of the Armstrong Els
wick Company: which has foundry near
Cristobal Colon, which was built in Genoa.
Spain is said to be negotiating for the
purchase of a heavily armored cruiser,
which is nearing completion at the ship
yard at Genoa.
Paris. March 1O-The Figaro this morn
ing makes timely suggestion in an editor
iai on the relations of Spain and the United
States. After referring to the preparations
for defense on both sides. the Figaro edi-
torially says:
Does this mean that war is more prob
able to-day than it was yesterday, or is
it less probable? AS the hour for decisive
resolution approaches. the notion of the
inevitable results of conflict becomes more
clearly impressed upon the minds of the
statesmen of both countries. The evils
which war would bring in it's train, even
to the victor, represent terrible total,
before which the conscience staggers.
THE attitude of the governments both in
Madrid and in Washington. seems to prove
that the two nations are animated by the
common desire of maintaining peace Per-
haps they are embarrassed as to the means
of cancellation, but in that case why not
have recourse to the principle of interna-
tional arbitration which the United States
n year ago had the glory of first introduc-
ing into a treaty submitted for the accep-
tance OF a European power?
Arbitration. in fact. by the pope or the
czar not upon thu Cuban question. but upon
/ the respective procedures of American and
Spanish diplomatists, might restore calm
| and quiet"