The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-04-05

Washington, March 5.-The two fore
most branches of the Cuban question
In Washington Monday were the presi-
dents message and European mediation.
which now has taken an active form I'm
the courts Of Europe. according to sd-
vices received at foreign embassies here.
though no proffer has been made to the
United States Regarding the first, II
can be stated that II IL fully expected
BY the administration that the message
will be sent to congress Wednesday in
all probability. and certainly by Thurs
day. 1t will deal vigorously with the
question. Will include the Maine incident.
and will make definite recommendation
to congress. one of which will be the
recognition of Cuban independence. AS
to the Mediation of Europe Or the pope.
they declare that these Material and
moral powers must exercise their suasion
on Spain, Tor this government Il will insist
on the independence OF Cuba as an ulti-
mate sine qua non unless the insurgents
themselves should consent to less. and
this they have fatty refused to do.
Speaking on this point one Of the cab
met officers said: You can say for me
that all the powers of Europe and the
heads OF all the churches may propose
mediation to Spain II they desire. but
the United States will positively not
listen to mediation Of any kind that does
not lead to the acceptance Of our condi-
tion, which is the independence OF Cuba"
Notwithstanding the many reports of
European mediation. they assumed their
first tangible form Monday afternoon,
when at least two of the foreign en-
bassies In Washington received official
Information that an exchange Of notes
between the great powers was now in
progress with q view to arriving at q
basis on which they could make joint
proposal for mediation. 1t is evident
that the exchange has not yet been pro-
ductive of common understanding, as
the ambassadors and ministers her
have not received instructions to initiate
the movement. Their only information
thus far is that the notes are passing by
telegraph between the capitals of
Europe. 1t had been understood that
France and Austria were most active in
bringing about this movement, and that
IA N3t bAA AAeoAii Aoo httd aiOOA AiOiil IT, DuL
1t develops that the British government
is also taking part in the exchange, and
that In case of concerted action by the
powers Great Britain probably will act
with the others.
What common grounds the powers are
seeking to reach can only be conjectured.
The Spanish government seems to be
hopeful of results from this movement
and this inspired additional ground for
the belief that IL will not be regarded
with favor by the United States The
diplomats. however. think that II that
common understanding were reached by
the great powers of Europe such sug-
gestions as these combined powers might
make could not be lightly set aside. The
general view OF the diplomats is that the
movement Is not so much one toward
reconciliDg the United States and Spain
as II is to preserve the peace of the world
by combined action. Spain's policy in
this matter is one Of urging upon the
European powers that If Cuba were free
from Spanish sovereignty the next move
under the Monroe doctrine would be to
bring to an end European control over
other West Indian possessions. Great
Britain, France and Denmark have in
terests in that locality. In other quar-
ters 1t was stated that the influence Of
the powers was more likely to be exert
ed on Spain in urging her to the largest
possible measure of concession.
Walt for Wednesday," was the word
passed about the capital Monday, and
general understanding to that effect was
reached. The Republicans will not in
ftiate and the Democrats will not try to
force any action on Cuba until tomorrow,
when the presidents message will be re-
ceived in all probability. With that un-
Outstanding the senate foreign relations
committee did not report, and the house
foreign affairs committee took no ac-
ton. 1t is known that the senate COM
mittee has agreed to report practically
the Foraker resolution, declaring inde-
pendence and Intervention, with an
amendment fixing the responsibility for
the destruction OF the Maine upon Spain,
either by design or criminal negligence.
The house committee will report, If pos
sible. a resolution in line with the presi-
dents recommendations. and 1t is known
that efforts are being made to have the
resolutions of both committees agree