The herald., 1898-03-27
WAR MUST Be ENDED
N JUSTICE TO THE STARVING
f. PEOPLE
FoEAsT OF sPAIN's ANSWER
Indicates That the optimists Will Be
pisappointed-Spain's Deluded
Hopes Of Europe Interfering
associated Press Special Wire

= WASHINGTON, March 26.-It can bt
stated on positive information that this
government will, II, indeed, It has no,
already done so, inform Spain that the
conditions now existing in Cuba have
become intoerable to the people of this
country, and that hostilities on the is
land must cease. This policy Is In di-
rect line with the views of the President
as expressed in his last message to Con-
gress on December Q.
In that message he said: 1.-THE in
structions given to our new Minister tt
Spain before his departure for his post
directed him to impress upon that gov
ernment the sincere wish of the United
States to lend it's aid toward the ending
of the war in Cuba by reaching a peace
full and lasting result, just and honorable
alike to Spain and the Cuban people
These instructions recited the character
and duration of the conflict, the wide.
spread losses it entails, the burdens and
restraints 1t imposes upon us, with con-
slant disturbance of national interests
and the injuries resulting from an in
definite continuance of this state OF
things.
"No solution was proposed to which
the slightest idea Of humiliation to
Spain could attach, and, indeed, precise
proposals were withheld to avoid en-
barrassment to that government"
After reading the substance Of Spain's
reply, received on October 23d last, the
President says:
1.-THE Immediate amelioration of exist
Ing conditions under the new admlnistra-
tion of Cuban affairs is predicted, and
therewithal the disturbance and all oc-
casion of any change of attitude on the
part of the United States.''
Since the delivery of this message evil
dence has accumulated showing beyond
question that the promise made in be-
half of the new administration. to re-
lieve the conditions in Cuba, have not
been fulfilled.
On the contrary, the evidence which
has reached the President shows con-
Clusively that the situation Is daily be-
coming more serious.
In view of these facts this government
has decided to take, IL it has not already
taken, definite action by informing
Spain, that while disowning any other
object than that dictated by a sense OF
honor and Justice. to stricken and
starving people. it must insist, nrst, that
hostilities be brought to speedy termi-
nation.
So far as known no specific date has
been fixed within which the war must be
terminated. but it Is believed that 1t is
the purpose Of the administration not to
permit of any unnecessary or extended
delay.
1t is known in high official circles thai
many of the people highest in authority
in Spain, including members of the Min
istry, are extremely weary Of the con-
hict in Cuba and would willingly accede
TO any reasonable terms for settlement
CT the whole question by granting to
Cuba her independence on an indemnity
basis. The opposition to the plan comes
from the factions opposed to the present
administration. who demand extreme
measures, II necessary, to control the
islands. In view of these conditions
what will be the answer to our demands
cannot be foretold.
THE SPANISH ANSWER
NEW YORK, March ga dispatch
to the Herald from Madrid says: At late
hour your correspondent finds that the
Spanish reply to the United States will
not be anything like what the sanguine
oPtiiiiStS cApeCteu, dIIu tHe OulIOOk, con-
sequently, is decidedly serious,
SAGASTA HOPES FOR PEACE
MADRID, March 26.-The Premier
Henor Sagasta, in an interview today,
declared the situation was not changed.
He added:
"Private advices from the United
States are contradictory, but my person
al opinion. unofficially, is that means still
exist for preventing a rupture"