New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-04

London. April 4.-The Madrid correspondent
Of The Standard" teegraphing late tonight
says:
Il have been able TO obtain an interview with
Senor Sagasta. the Premier and to elicit from
him a brief statement with reference to the
present critical situation In the course OF the
conversation senor Sagasta said
I'm our recent negotiations with the United
States We have used friendly and conciliatory
language in explaining our views. Respecting
the matters in dispute with regard 10 the Maine
disaster we said considered the question 10
be ono for diplomatic negotiation. and that II
we and the United states found ii impossible 10
come to an understanding the conflicting
opinions Of the American and Spanish commits
sions as 10 the cause OF the disaster. the mat
ter then ought to he submitted to technical ex-
perts and to the arbitration Of a naval or other
Power who might he selected by mutual agree
mcnt between the two Governments.
"On the second point we We're able 10 inform
United States Minister Wocdford that Governor
General Blanco had issued proclamation au-
thorizng the return Of the reconcentrados 10
their homes. and that the Spanish Government
had sent f12OOOO 10 the relief OF tho distressed
Cuhans. and would devote to the same object
all the proceeds of relief in kind and money
amounting to f2t0ooo which had been sent by
Spanish residents in Mexico. These measures
are supplemented by the assistance already
given by the Cuban Autonomist Government
We have never objected to relief being also sent
by the United States on condition that 1t did
not have an official character or bear the APP
pearance OF Intervention.
1--WE did not object IN principle TO an ar
n,stice for the Cuban insurgents. We are.
however OF opinion that It does not behoove
Spain TO take the initiative. and that sus-
pension Of hostilites ought to be asked for by
the insurgents. We suggested that the United
States Government. II So inclined. exercise its
influence with the insurgents to induce them to
apply for an armistice. with view TO further
the ends Of peace. on the understanding how
ever. that the arroistice would he destined 70
lead 10 the submission ~ the insurgents 10 tHe
new Autonomous regime
"Sehor Sagasta assured me- that the question
Of independence Of Cuba. or the sale OF that
colony or Of any invasion Of Spanish rights. was
not rnooted in the recent negotiations. Abiding
10 the report that Marshal Prm had intended
in 1870 10 sell Cuba, Senor Sagasta said that
such a suggestion made to Marshal Irm
by the Americans. but was never accepted. and
that the parleying on the subject was only KEEP;
up for some time to avoid increasing the acute
tension which then existed between the two
countries.
"senor Sagasta considers that since he took
+ Office in October last he has done everything pos
sihle 10 satisfy the Cubans and to preserve good
relations with the United States. and that con-
seouently n responsibility for the present crisis
should 1t lead to a rupture. will rest with Spain
He however. does not believe that the last
Spanish memorandum closes the door 10 further
negotiations. Those who had conducted them.
~l,, lggf ffn
t. promote cordial relations; and he only appre-
/ hended trouble from the pressure Of the Jingos
? on the Executive in Washington.
"sehor Sagas;a proceeded TO say that his Gov
eminent had addressed a memorandum TO the
European Powers but had not Officially taken
steps 10 solicit their Intervention. H called my
attention to the fact that the people and press
Of Spain had shown prudence. fOrhcaiaucc ana
patriotism during the crisis. even the Opposition
having put no obstacles in the way Of tho Gov
eminent This he said led him t. believe that
al classes would cooperate IN The work Of
realizing peace IN Cuba ard facing the contn-
/ Cencles Of the future lie spoke throughout
with the calm. sGbdued energy u a statesman
alive 10 the eventualities II N" situation. and
/ conscious that he had done his duty IN en-
/ doavoring to av.rt war without sacrificing the
rights Of Spain In n manner that would create
/ equally gra:e consequences n home.
Il regret 10 say that some of the Madrid
1 papers show i'll humor against England for not
showing as much sympathy with Spain In her
/ trial as the Continental Courts and Govern
rnents. as well as the press are supposed 20 DO.
| The Imparcia to-day has long and angry
article denounc!ng England seeking an
! American alliance 10 make Up for her isolG, %
position in Europe, and to strengthen her post
| ton in the Far East. and in China especially"
MAY YET HAVE PEACE. SAYS WOODFORD.
HIS FAITH STILL. STRONG THAT WAR. WITH ITS
HORRORS. WILL. AvERTED.
Madrid, Apr. 3--In answer to a request from
| the Associated Press. General Stewart /" Wood
ford the United States Minister. has made the
/ following statc'rcrt.
"The obligations Of ny diplomatic position alb
soluteIy forbid my granting an interview or Civ
/ ing the slightest intlmation as 10 the present
/ condition Of the diplomatic negotiations in
trusted 10 my care. came TO Spain under IN
s,ruc,ions from President Mckinley 10 secure
peace in Cuba, with permanent, peace between
the United States and Spain. a peace that
should be built upon bedrock conditions con
ditions Of justice TO Cuba. with assured protec-
ton 10 the great American interests In 'hat
island.
81 have laborcd steadily To obtain this result.
! have never lost my faith: and, doubtful as
| conditions may seem today stil "cheVc these
great and good purposes % my President may
vet be secured. / shall not desist from my IA
bors for Just and honorable peace until 'he
! guns actually o,,en fire: and my faith IS sun
strong that war with all It's horrors. can De
/ avcrted.
Enough blood has been shed in cuba aiready,
and / cannot believe that the closing hours Oh
tho ,ineteenth century Will he REDEEMED by a