The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-31
FRANCE rs A PEACEMAKER
CANNON TENDERS HIS
COUNTRY'S GOOD OFFICES.
Failure of Spanish Efforts to In
duce European Powers to Assist
Either by Arms or Mediation.
Associated Press Dispatch.


Associated Press Dispatch.
WASHINGTON. March SO.-The vital
point on the Cuban situation namely, indie
pendence, has shifted itself from Washing
ton to Madrid where the Spanish govern
ment is now giving grave and earnest con-
sideration to propositions presented by the
government of the United States. On the
answer to these propositions probably de-
ponds the future course Of the relations be-
tween Spain and the United States. 1t is
believed that it is now but question of an
exceedingly short time before the inevitable
crisis must come. The Spanish Ministry
will hold Cabinet council tomorrow after
the propositions have been submitted to the
Queen Regent and as result of that con-
ference it is expected by the administration
that definite answer to its proposals will
be received. The propositions submitted by
this country contemplate complete and
immediate cessation of hOstilities in Cuba,
the return of the reconcentrados to their
usual vocations, and the independence OF
Cuba. shis last feature to be secured prob
ably On an indemnity basis by which the
island would pay a substantial sum for it's
freedom from Spanish rule.
These propositions take wide scope and
propositions. the purpose being to present
every possible plan promising solution of
the Cuban problem so long as end of the
Cuban war and Cuban independence were
embodied in the ultimate result. 1t has
been made perfectly clear to Spain that
nothing less than close of the war and
the independence of the island will suffice
as an adequate settlement. Such lesser
methods as have been contemplated from
time to time are now put aside for these
more advanced and positive positions. 1t is
now for Spain to accept or reject these
tenders. There is no disposition to urge. one
rather than another so long as the con-
clusion finally reached brings the termina-
ton of the war and Cuban independence.
Never before until now has the Spanish
government even for a moment entertained
such propositions. Now, in the stress of
the present emergency with the declara-
tons of war introduced in the American
Congress, Spain has reluctantly consented
to consider them. This in itself has given
lively hope of satisfactory result But it
involves a grave crisis in Spain, and it cam
not be foretold what the final action at
Madrid will be-
SPAIN MAY YIELD.
Until to-day it was believed that Spain
WOuIQ Indignantly IcJeCL iJIOpOolllOI III
voving the independence of Cuba, or
American Intervention or the disappearance
of the Spanish flag from the island. either
through purchase by the Cubans or other
wise. There was the best of reason for the
official belief that as between peace and war
on these propositions, Spain would choose
war, but more hope apparently is enter
tanned 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
believed to be only a 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 admins
tration 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 occa-
stoned the greatest interest here, coupled
with no little excitement as word was
passed about that the last stage in the ne
gttlations with Spain was reached. Many
representative men of Congress- senator's
and representatives, called at the White
iflouse and conferred with the President
To the leaders in Congress he stated. that
definite results were expected from Madrid
by Friday This served to allay the intense
gress and through the influence of the
leaders further radical action by the Sem
ate and House was. for the time being, de-
ferred.
At the Capitol excitement was undated.
The meeting Of the Senate committee on
foreign relations occasioned great deal of
interest because of the many warlike reso-
lutlons which were introduced yesterday
and referred to that committee On the
House SIDE there was an intensity of feel
ing After the vote on the Bailey resolution
many Republicans went to the White
House to confer with the President and to
express to him their hope that something
might be promised which would relieve the
strained situation. The assurance Of the
President was given to these members that
by Friday night at latest. something def
mite could be expected. The Senate commit
tee held afternoon session at which
Captain Bradford, chief of the Bureau OF
Equipment of the navy, presented his
knowledge of the relative strength of the
Spanish and United States navies. This
proved only incidental to the main subject
under discussion, which was the value of
the island of ST. Thomas or some other
point in the West Indies. for "A naval sta
tioa The situation at the Capitol Is one
of waiting expectancy. Senators and repre-
sentaIives are willing to give the President
an opportunity TO carry out his plans. but
there IS iInpatlence to have Some informa-
ton regarding these plans and some assur-
ances that they will not delay action too
long
FRANCE. WILLING TO MEDIATE
1t WAS stated to-day IL a high diplomatic
quarter TIA; the Spanish government. with
in tic last ten days. had addressed note
to the great powers of Europe. fully setting
forth the grave aspect OF the controversy
with the United States and at least inferen-
tally suggesting that the time was now OPP
perfume for European influences To DO ex-
erte1. II is saio that this note led to the
utterances OF Premier Hanotaux in the
LNrcrnh C.l,..r-,l.... a....ll.... -.