The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-03-31

Washington, March So.-The vital
point in the Cuban situation, viz: Inde-
pendence has shifted itself from Washing
ton to Madrid, where the Spanish gov
eminent Is now giving grave and earnest
consideration to propositions by the gov
ernment Of the United States. On the
answer to these propositions probably de-
pends the future of the relations
between Spain and the United States. 1t
is believed that ii is now but a question
of an exceedingly short time before the
crisis must come. The Spanish ministry
will hold cabinet council tomorrow,
after the propositions have been submiE
ted to the Queen Regent, and as result
of that conference it is expected by the
administration that definite answer
to it's proposals will be received. The
propositions submitted by this country
contemplate complete and immediate
cessation of hostilities in Cuba, the re-
turn of the reconcentrados to their
usual vocation and the Independence OF
Cuba, this last feature to be secured
probably on an indemnity basis by which
the island would pay substantial sum
for it's freedom from Spanish rule.
These propositions take a wide scope
and there are many details in the alter
native propositions, the purpose being
to present every possible plan promising
q solution of the Cuban problem so long
as an end of the Cuban war and Cuban
independence are embodied in thu ultl.
mate result. 1t has been made perfectly
clear to Spain that nothing less than a
close OF the war and the Independence
of the island will suffice as an adequate
settlement. Such lesser methoas as have
been contemplated from time to time
are now put saide. 1t is now for Spain
to accept or reject these tenders.
There is no disposition to urge one
rather than another so long rs the con-
clusion finally reached brings the relmi-
nation of the war and Cuban indepen.
dence. Never before until now has the
Spanish government even for a moment
entertained such propositions. Now
in the stress of the present emergency
with declarations of war introduced in
the American Congress, Spain has re-
luctantly consented to consider them.
This in itself has given lively hope
of satisfactory results> but it involves a
grave crisis in Spain and it cannot be
foretol0 What the final action at Madrid
will Re. Until today it was believed that
Spain would Indignantly reject pro-
posal involving the independence of Cuba
or American Intervention or the disap-
pearance of the Spanish flag from the ISL
ani, either through purchase by the Gu
bans or otherwise. There was the best
of reason for the official belief that, as
between peace and war on these propo-
sitions, Spain would chose war, but more
hope apparently is entertained here of
Spain being in a yielding mood as the
American plans for solution are being
carefully weighed with a view to final
decision. AS stated, that answer is be-
lieved to be only question OF perhaps
two or three days. When it is received
the future course Of this government will
be determined. 1t is the view of the ad-
ministration that the present week will
shape the policy of the future, whether
it is to be one of peace or one of war.
Naturally this critical juncture has
occasioned the greatest interest here,
coupled with no little excitement as
word was passed about that the last stage
in the negotiations with Spain WAS
reached. Many representative men OF
Congress, senators and representatives,
called at the White House and conferred
with the President.
To the leaders in Congress the Presi-
dent stated that definite results were ex-
pected from Madrid by Friday. This
served to allay the intense feeling which
had been manifested in Congress and
through the influence of the leaders firth
er radical action by the Senate and House
was for the time being deferred. AT the
Capitol excitement was unabated. The
meeting of the Senate committee on for
eign relations occasioned great deal of
interest because of the many warlike re-
solutions which were introduced yester-
day and referred to that committee. On
the House side there was an intensity of
feeling. Alter the vote on the Bailey
resolution, many Republicans went to
the White House to confer with the Presi-
dent and to express to him their hope
that something might be promis ed which
would relieve the strained situation.
The assurance of the President was given
to these members that by Friday night
at the latest something definite could be
expected. The foreign relations COM
1nittee held an afternoon session at which
Capt. Bradford, chief of the bureau of
equipment of the navy, presented his
knowledge of the relative strength of the
Spanish and United States nayieg. This