Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-28
It is in the Hands of This Gov
ernment.
PRESENTED THROUGH Mr.. W00DF0RD
Cabinet Members Inclined to Be
Hopeful Of Peace.
SPECIAL CABINET MEETING

The United States government has pre-
| sented, through Minister Woodford at
| Madrid, a carefully worded note dealing
with the distressing condition of affairs in
Cuba, and maxi ig clear that this govern
| nent cannot much longer withhold such
definite action will bring the present
struggle and the suffering it is occasioning
! t" close. The note was submitted to the
Spanish government the latter part of last
week.
The Spanish government has made its
J 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 nave conveyed the Spanish reply rs
| 1t was confined largely to an inquiry 1t
can be stated positively, however, that the
Spanish answer has been made and 1t can
| not be doubted that it is in the hands of
the authorities here.
Both the note of the United States and
| the answer of Spain are marked by a con-
servat1ve tone. which, however does not
overcome the dignified firmness which
| characterizes the representations of botn
governments.
The United States note clearly indicated
that the situation in Cuba could not much
longer be tolerated. and in detail recited
the distressed conditions prevailing and
the apparent inability of the present Span
Ism policy In Cuba to bring these conui-
t1ons to close. The Spanish reply is re-
assuring and furnishes basis for a livey
nope that all differences may be adjusted
on basis satisfactory 10 this government.
Another Peace Wave.
The White House was engulfed in an
other peace we've today, ana cabinet mem
DGrS after II
meeting, proclaimed that the situation
looks more hopeful" Sagasta has made
more promises, and negotiations are Eow IN
progress between the two governments 10
find out exactly what the Spanish ministry
Will do.
This is the sum of the situation as seen
around the White House, where the day
has been IN active and Interesting one.
Early In the morning the President decid-
ed that he would send to Congress the tes-
tilnony of the Maine court OF inquiry, along
with the findings Of the court and his own
message About the same time he engaged
in long conference with Judge Day. as
sistant secretary of state, at the conclu-
sion Of which notifications were quickly
sent to cabinet members to appear at the
White House for a special session.
Before the cabinet adjourned the papers
of the Maine explosion were in the hands
of Congress.
Shortly after IL o'clock the cabinet ad-
journed, members claiming that the stua-
tion was decidedly more hopeful than it
was three days ago, and that the prospect
was fairly good fer an adjustment of the
differences between the two countries. The
cabinet officials would not go into dis
cUssion of this change in conditions, except
to say that certain negotiations are in pro-
Gress which promise to come to a head
The Presidents Next Message.
1t was also announced that the Presidents
message on the starvation in Cuba will
probably go to Congress tomorrow. The
President will suggest, it is said an APP
preparation of 100000 for relief, but will
intimate that he will be satisfied if the ap-
preparation is larger.
1t is understood that the negotiations in
progress were the results of representa-
tions made by this government that it de-
sired a change of conditions in Cuba
speedily possible. 1t is now admitted
that Sagasta has suggested another form
oe autonomy for the Cubans, the most lib
eral yet offered. His proposition is said
to be to give Cuba form of government
identical with that of the Canadians, "prac-
tically' independence, as it is now put.
The Spanish ministry has assured this
government of its desire for peace, and as
the propositions made tend that way, at
least temporarily, the administration an
rcunces a more hopeful outlook. Despite
this situation, it Is admitted that the plans
low framing are embryonic and likely to
go wrong at any minute. 1t is simply
natter Of hope with those who are exceed
ingly conservative.
Spain Not Likely to Object.
1t is said to be improbable that Spain
will resist the Official interference of this
country in the way of feeding the starving
people on the island.
President Mckinley has, it is claimed,
not changed his determination to put
stop to the war and the deplorable condi-
tons in Cuba. He is simply taking time
to see whether Spain can induce the insur-
gents to accept certain terms which may
or may not bring peace. If he finds that
the insurgents will accept no terms other
than independence he may decide to alter
the present program and to intervene for
chilly.
Senators Objected.
Members Of the foreign relations commit
tee Of the Senate made vigorous protests
program not to send in the testimony, say
ing that it would be great deal Of a farce
to refer to that committee the findings of
the court and withhold the testimony. The
committee desired the testimony at the
earliest possible moment
It was also pointed out that the with
holding of the testimony would be con-
strued by some persons to mean that an
attempt was being made to keep from
Congress and the people testimony which
was regarded as sensational.
The first plan adopted. Of having the
testimony printed before being sent to
CcEgress. II adopted, would not have de-
layed to any great extent IT'S considera-
ticn. as all the Documents VIII bave to be
printed before taken Mp in the comnaittee.
The Spanish Flotilla.
The cabinet do,s not appear to regard the
Spanish fiotilla as meracing. ana discusses
1t as matter of co consequence. The
members intimate that no action has been
taken by this government to stop the fo-