Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1898-04-02
RESTS WITH SPAIN.
Propositions Being Considered by
the Government at Madrid.
The Spanish Answer Believed to Be Only q
Question OF q Day or so-Cubans will
Ing to Pay 500, 100000 for
Their Independence.

WASHINGTON, March si.-The vital
point In the Cuban situation, viz, in
dependence, has shifted itself from
Washington to Madrid. where the
Spanish government Is now giving
grave and earnest consideration to
propositions presented by the govern
ment OF the United States. On the
answer to these propositions probably
depends the future course Of the rela-
tions between Spain and the United
States. 1t Is believed that II is now
but question OF an exceedingly short
time before the inevitable crisis must
come. The Spanish ministry will hold
q cabinet council to-day, after the
propositions have been submitted to the
queen regent, and as result OF that
conference it is expected by the admin
istration that definite answer to Its
proposals will be received.
The propositions submitted by this
country contemplate complete and
immediate cessation of hostilities in
Cuba, the return of the reconcentrados
to their usual vocation and the indie
pendenoe of Cuba, this last feature
to be secured probably on an indemnity
basis by which the island would pay
substantial sum for its freedom from
Spanish rule. These propositions take
a wide scope and there are many de-
tails in the alternative propositions,
the purpose being to present every
possible plan promising solution OF
the Cuban problem SO long as an end
OF the Cuban war and Cuban indie
pendence are embodied in the ultimate
result.
1t has been made perfectly clear to
Spain that nothing less than close OF
the war and the independence Of the
island will suffice as IN adequate set
Element. Such lesser methods as have
been contemplated from time to time
are now put aside for these more I'D
vanced and positive positions It Is
now for Spain to accept or reject thesN
tenders. There is no disposition to
urge one rather than another, SO long
as the conclusion finally reached
brings the termination Of the war and
Cuban independence.
Never before, until now, has the
Spanish government entertained such
propositions. Now, in the stress Of
the present emergency, with declara,
tions Of war introduced in the Ameri.
can congress, Spain has reluctantly
consented to consider them. This in
itself has given lively hope Of salts
factory result. But it involves grave
crisis in Spain and IL cannot be fore.
told what the final action at Madrid
will be. Until yesterday, 1t was be.
lieved that Spain would Indignantly re-
ject u proposition involving the inde-
pendence Of Cuba. of American inter
vention, or the disappearance of the
Spanish flag from the island, either
through purchase by the Cubans or
otherwise. There was the best OF rea-
son for the official belief that, us be-
tween peace and war on these propo-
sitions, Spain would choose war, but
more hope is entertained here Of Spain
being in a yielding mood. as the Amer
lean plans for solution are being care
fully weighed with view to a final
decision.
As stated, the Spanish answer is be-
lieved to be only question Of perhaps
two or three days. When 1t is received,
the future course Of this government
will be determined. 1t Is the view Of
the administration that the present
week will shape the policy of the
future, whether it is to be one of peace
or one of war.
READY TO BUY THEIR FREEDOM.
New YORK, March 3l.-The report
that Spain was ready to grant indie.
pendence TO Cuba in consideration of
m indemnity of $500, 600, 900, and that
President Palma, for the insurgents,
was favorable to the proposition, was
the subject Of considerable discussion
at the rooms of the Cuban junta yes
terday. In speaking for the members
of the junta. II. S. Rubens said:
This is the old plan revived Two years ago
we were perfectly willing and anxious TO settle
the trouble In this manner. but conditions have
changed since then. / am In q position 10 say.
with authority. that while the Cubans would
not consent to the payment OF ts0o,0N.0O for
their independence they are willing and able
TO pay half that sum.