The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-03-28
PEACE OR WAR.
Spain Has Answered the Note
Addressed
To Her by the United States
Government.
THERE MAY BE PEACE.
Spain May Withdraw Her
Troops From Cuba
And Make Other Important
Concessions to United States.

Washington, March 28.-The United
States government has presented,
through Minister Woodford at Madrid,
a carefully prepared note dealing with
the distressing condition of affairs in
Cuba, and making clear that this gov
ernment can not much longer withhold
such definite action as will bring the
present struggle of the suffering it is
occasioning, to a close. The note was
submitted to the Spanish government
the later part of last week
The Spanish government has made its
reply to the note of the United States
thus submitted by Minister WOodford.
A brief cable dispatch was received
from Minister Woodford last night, but
this is believed not to have conveyed
the Spanish reply, as it is was confined
largely to an inquiry. 1t can be stated
positively, however, that the Spanish
answer has been made, and it can not
be doubted that is in the hands of the
authorities here.
Both the note of the United States
and the answer of Spain are marked by
a conservative tone, which, however
does not overcome the dignified firm
ness which chaFacteriZeS the repreSen-
ions of both governments.
A cabinet meeting which was called
at 1920 o'clock today was largely de-
voted to the reading of the presidents s
message sent to congress at noon. Sew
eral changes were made in the wording
of the message and after it had been
dispatched to the capitol some time
was spent in the consideration of late
messages from Minister WoOdford. Al
though the details of these dispatches
are not made public, it is known that
they are reaSSuring in character and give
a basis for the belief that the present
q "a iCf r.
tOrily relieved. Although reticent as
to the details, a, member of the ca binet
said after the meeting today that the
conditions were much more hopeful
than three days ago.
1t is undoubtedly true that Spain is
willing to make important concessions
to the United States and is willing to
go so far as to agree to withdraw her
troops from Cuba, on conditions which,
if not satisfactory to this government,
are more liberal and cOnciliatOrV than
anything hitherto received and clearly
indicate a purpose to avoid war even if
to attain that end she is compelled to
make sacrifices never before cOnsid-
cred. Notwithstanding these hopeful
signs, the negotiations have not passed
the danger point, nor is it believed that
this government will accept any COM
promise that does not involve prompt
| cessation of hOstilities, even if the ques-
ton of the future government of Cuba
be left to future negotiations
New York, March 2S-Spain, al
| though defiant, has asked for further
| delay before the United States does
| anything more about Cuba, says the
Washington correspondent of the Her
| aid.
This request was made through Sc
nor Polo Y Bernabe. He promised in
| Spain's behalf that she would lay be-
| fore the state department at an early
| day a plan for a more liberal govern
ment in Cuba.
This plan, the minister declared,
would be SO fair and liberal that it
| would be satisfactory to the United
| States and the Cuban insurgents and
would bring about peace on the island.
! Spain's proposal is generally believed
| in Washington to have come too late.
| President Mckinley and the Spanish
| diplomats are. however, still hopeful.
| The president has not yet given up
| hope of averting war and with char
| acteristic patience is ready to consid-
| eAr anything that might lead to the
| peaceful solution of the Cuban question.
! Details of Spain's new plan were not
! made known by Minister Polo, but he
| explained to Assistant Secretary Day
! that Spain would not yield her SOW
| ereignty over Cuba.