The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-03-31
the termination Of the war and Cuban
independence.
cpsTN'c STRAITS

independence
SPANS STRAITS.
Never before now has the Spanish Cow
ernment even FOR q moment entertained
such propositions. NOW In tho stress OF
the present emergency with declarations
OF war introduced IN the American Con-
gress. Spain has reluctantly consented TO
cons der them. This in itself has given
lively hope OF satisfactory results. but II
involves a grave crisis IN Spain ana IL
cannot be foretold what the final actien
az Madrid will be-
Until to-day II was believed that Spain
would Indignantly reject proposition IN
vOlving the Independence OF CUBA OF
American Intervention. or the disappear
ance of tho Spanish flag from the Island
either through purchase by Cubaus or
otherwise. There was the best Of reasons
for the official belief that as between
peace and war on these propositions.
Spain would choose war. but more nope
apparently Is entertained here Of Spain
being in a yielding mood as the American
plans for solution are being carefully
weighed with a view 10 a final decision.
CLIMAX APPROACHING
As stated. that answer is believed to
be only a question Of perhaps TWO or
threo days When IL IS received the fu-
ture course OF this Government Will be
ministration that the present week VIII
shape the policy Of the future. whether II
Is 10 he OF peace or one Of war.
Many representative men OF Congress
senators and representatives called az the
White House to-day and conferred WIN
the President
To the leaders IN Congress ne stated
that definite results were expected from
Madrid by Friday. This served 10 allay
nHHHH
the intense feeling which has been mann
Tested IN Congress. end through the iniu-
cuce Of the leaders further radical acuoh
by the Senate and House was for the time
bciog deferred. ..
EXCITEMENT UNABATED.
At the Capltol excitement was unabat-
ed. After tho vote on the Bailey reso'u-
fion many Republicans went 90 the White
House TO confer with the President ana
20 cxprcss 10 him their hope that some
thing might be promised which would re-
Hevc the strained situation. The assur-
ances Of the President was given to tnese
members that by Friday nieht at the lat-
est something definite could be expected.
The situation at the Capitol is one OF
waiting expectancy. Senator'S ana hepie-
sentativcs are willing 10 give the fIesl-
dent an opportunity 20 carry OUT hlS
plans. but there is impaiicnce TO nave
some information regarding those plans
and some assurances that they VIII not
delay action too long.
FRIENDLESS
II was stated to-day in high diplo-
matte quarter that the Spanish govern
ment within the last ten days had ad-
dressed a note 10 the great powers ol
Europe fully setting forth the grave as
pect OF the controversy with the United
o.. fnfnTnnNtNlIN
gesting that the time was now opportune
for European Influences 10 be exerted II
IS said that this note led TO the utterances
Of Premier HanotauX in the French
Chamber last Saturday and has been the
cause Of activity at European capitals
within the last few days IN connection
with Spanish-American affairs.
Up 10 the present time. however. no
actual step toward mediation or inter-
vention has been taken by any OF the
great powers. although there is little
doubt that France stands ready TO take
tho initiative if there IS the slightest evil
dence that the United States government
will view such a move with favor.
A LAST RESORT.
a tender of good offices is one Of the
last resorts of diplomacy when all other
means Of averting war seem 10 be- at an
end There is additional difficulty from
tho fact that when two nations are in
volved in a crisis any external influence
may be resented as an Intrusion. There
Is reason to believe that the French au-
thoritics are fully conscious OF these deli
cate and difficult phases and that no step
will be made unless IL IS clearly apparent
in advance that United states desires the
friendly offices Of other nations.
The Spanish government has earnestly
hoped within the last week that some Of
the European powers and more. likely
Austria or France would take the initia-
tive without waiting TO consult the desires
of this government. This hope has prov
cd vain. however, and it IS stated to-day
on high authority that recent negoua-
tions in Europe have disclosed positively
that while the sympathy Of some of the
continental powers was toward Spain no
one Of them stood ready 10 espouse her
cause by mediation or by arms.
GREAT SECRECY.
The greatest secrecy prevails Ia many
OF the bureaus of the War and Navy
Departments in regard TO the various
prOiects OF defense and naval movements
now going on and the officials In many
cases positively refuse 10 make public
steps that have been determined upon
The most notable instance Of this kind
probably. is I'm the Navy Department
where Captain Crowninshield Of the
Bureau Of Navigation has issued an order
forbidding subordinates to make public
any information except on permission
from himself