The Mena star., 1898-04-06
THE END THIS WEEK.
Question of War or Peace Will Be
 Determined in a Few Days.
Presidents Message Forecasted--Minister Woodford Hopes for Peacc--spsnisrds Indifferent to war-Pops Lso
 Working for . Truce.

WASHINGTON, April 1.-The opinion almost universally held in Washing ton by leading public men and dip lomats is that the crisis will reach Its climax this week, and that tho question of war or peace will be de- termined within the next seven days. Senators and representatives met and conferred all day about the gravity of the situation, and at the whito house the president consulted with several members of his cabinet and other confidential advisers regarding the message which he is preparing to send to congress. At the state, war and navy building, active work was go- ing on, and altogether it iias been day of suppressed feeling. No sbso- lute day has been yet announced when the message is to be sent to congress. and all that seems to be absolutely certain is that it will not go in to-day; Tuesday, possibly, but more probably Wednesday or, perhaps, Thursday.
 There is still a divergence of opinion as to exactly what the president will recommend in his message; indeed. there seems to be still question whether the president will make any specific recommendations. Some of his most intimate friends, however, as- sert emphatically that his recommen- dations will be specified and vigorous. and such that his party and the coun- try will willingly follow when he points the way.
 Mtn,ster woodford stm Hopeful
 4 T quest from the Associated press, Gen. Woodford. the United States minister, has made the following statements:
 The obligations of my diplomatic position absolutely forbid my granting an interview or giving the slightest intimation to the pres ent condition of the dipom atic negotiations intrusted to my I came to Spain under instructions from President Mckinley to se- cure peace in Cuba with permanent peace between the United States and Spain, peace that should be built upon bedrock conditions; conditions of justice to Cuba with assured protection to the great American interests in that island have labored steadily to ob- tain this result l have never lost my faith, and doubtful as conditions may seem to-day still believe these great and good purposes of my president may yet be secured I shall not desist from my labors for U just and honorable peace until the guns actually open fire. and my faith is still strong that war. with all its hor- TOTS. can be avoided. Enough blood has been shed in Cuba already. and cannot believe the closing hours of the nineteenth century will be reddened by conflict between Spain and the United States.
 Spaniards Not Anxious for War.
 MADRID, April 4.-Despite the efforts of the press to work up patriotic en- thusiasm, the public seems indifferent to the situation. Excepting among of icials and officers, it is rarely dis cussed. Apparently the people are chiefly interested in the result of big lottery just announced and the prepa- rations for an extraordinary bull fight on Easter Sunday. at which celebra- tion toreadors from all parts of Spain will perform. The people do not wish war; rather they are indifferent, as they always have one in progress somewhere and do not regard war with the United States as different from the others. The feeling that ex- ists here exists also throughout the provinces
 Pope Wants Truce.
 ROME. April B. Ill is stated in vatican circles that the pople has not formally offered to mediate between Spain and the United States. because he has not been requested to do so by the Ameri- can government. It is true, however, that the pontiff has conveyed to Madrid his ardent wish for the avoid ance of a conflict, and has asked Spain to arrange for suspension of warlike measures or decisions.