The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1898-03-31
TALKS OF HIS POLICY


Washington, March 2s.-President
Mckinley talked freely with his con-
gressional visitors Saturday, both in re-
gard to his plans for the future and his
appreciation Of the situation with ref
erence to Cuba. '@ "a .s .,
The president indicated to his callers an
abiding faith that peace still may be pre-
served and determination on his part to
accomplish that end If it may be done with
honor to our own country and without dis
regarding the demands OF humanity. He
frankly and repeatedly averred his desire
to prevent a conflict, while at the same time
indicating firm purpose to secure relief
for the starving reconcentrados.
Indeed. the latter purpose appeared to be
the topic uppermost iii the presidents mind.
He dwelt upon the fact that the recogni-
ton OF belligerent rights or Of independence
would not be of any material service to
these unfortunates. He admitted that such
action might be of assistance to the men,
alarms. the insurgent army, but they, he
SAID, have shown capacity to take care
or themselves and do not stand in pressing
need of our kind offices. T., >,
The president believes Spain will inter-
pose no obstacles to our sending succor to
her INDECENT people, and he will ask con-
gress to act promptly that the aid to be
given. may not arrive too late to relieve
the present pressing necessities.
This done. the president is hopeful that
congress will remain quiet while the execu-
tive branch Of the government continues its
efforts to secure a peaceful settlement OF
the d1hiculty.' He thinks it not too late to
90 this. and he made the assertion
that Spain was willing to meet the United
States half way in adjusting the entngle-
ment without coming to blows. He referred
only casually to the sailing of Spain's tor
DedO fleet 1aaV no ~
minds of his visitors; that he considered
that so far in this matter Spain is acting
within the bounds of her own rights, and
that no just complaint can be made by this
country in regard to this course.
He did not enter into details regarding the
propositions he may make or may have
made to Spain, for undoubtedly some are
now pending. but he left the impression
that he woul9 be sa tisfied with no settle
ment that would not give the Cubans a
very liberal form of government. He ad-
mitted frankly that autonomy had proved
failure and expressed the opinion that it
would be as difficult to satisfy the Ameri-
cans with any settlement that might be
made as 1T would be to satisfy the Cubans
themselves.
he reasserted the possibility of securing
an agreement on the part Of Spain to allow
Cuba to conduct her own affairs with abso-
lutte freedom except that the island should
oe required 10 pay the mother country &
specified sum in the way of tribute every
year out of her revenues, seeming to think
that this would form a. basis upon which
both Spain and the Cubans could agree
without the sacrifice of too much pride on
either side.
Mr.. Mckinley reverted often in his con-
versations to his desire to maintain peace.
and dwelt upon the fact that war mea mt
aot only the loss of life and property, but
hat 1t also would injure our commerce.
disturb business conditions generally, in
crease our public debt, add to our pension
roll, and result in many ways to our disad-
vantage and distress. He made it clear also
that, whatever course he might pursue in
the future, he would not at present dema nd
any indemnity at the hands of Spain for
the loss of the Maine, preferring to leave
that matter to the adjustment of a more
quiet period. The president also spoke of
possible complications with other nations.
but did not manifest any uneasiness on
this score.
On the score of politics he would rather
see the republican party fail Of future sue
cess than to wage an unjust war, but If
war must come it must be a war for hu-
mainly, and this fact must be made so evil
dent that he will have the entire nation be-
hind him in conflict at arms.