The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1898-03-31
Special to EVENING HERALD.


Washington, March 31.-As an indication
of the feeling of the American people ever
the Cuban difficulty, the New York Legisla-
ture, in session at Albany. this morning
passed bill appropriating one million
dollars as q contingent war fund The resol-
ution was received by the members with
much enthusiasm, and was passed unani-
mously. Tho example set by the Empire
state will probably be followed by others.
The question of Cuban independence has
shifted itself from Washington to Madrid,
whore the Spanish government is considering
the grave propositions presented by this
government. The Spanish ministry held
cabinet council this afternoon, after the
propositions had been presented to the queen
regent and subsequently Minister WoOdford
will be given the final answer on the part Of
Spain. In anticipation of that answer the
capitol and Naval department to-day were
crowded with those seeking the latest news
The President and his advisers believe that
Spain will accept the terms submitted, but
sdvices from Madrid to-day give them little
hope for peaceful settlement. A despatch
terday's conference Sagasta was not inclined
to agree to Americas demands If this
should be verified officially, President Nc
Kinley will act at once.
The propositions submitted by this
country contemplate a complete and
immediate cessation of hostilities in
Cuba, the return of the reconcentra-
70 nd he
independence of Cuba, this last feat
ure to be secured probably on an in
demnity basis by which the island
would pay a substantial sum for its
freedom from Spanish rule. These prop
ositions take a wide scope, and there
are many details in the alternative
propositions, the purpose being to pre-
sent every possible plan promising a
solution of the Cuban problem so long
| as an end of the Cuban war and Cuban
| independence We're embodied in the ul-
innate result. 1t has been made per-
fectly clear to Spain that nothing less
than close of the war and the inde-
pendence 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 tenders. 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
conclusion finally reached brings the
termination of the war and Cuban in
dependence Never before until now
has the Spanish government, even for
q moment, entertained such PROPOSE
tions. Now, in the stress of the pres
ent emergency, with declarations of
war introduced in the American con-
gress Spain has reluctantly consented
to consider them. This in itself has
given lively hope of satisfactory re-
suits. But 1t involves a grave crisis
in Spain, and 1t cannot be foretold what
the final action at Madrid will be.
Until yesterday it was believed that
Spain would Indignantly reject a prop
osition involving the independence OF
Cuba or American Intervention or the
disappearance of the Spanish flag from
the island, either through purchase by
the Cubans or otherwise. There was
the best reason for the official belief
that as between peace and war on
these propositions Spain would choose
war, but more hope apparently is en-
tertained here of Spain being in a
yielding mood, as the American plans
for solution are being carefully weigh
ed with a view to final decision. AS
stated, that answer is believed to be
only a question of perhaps two ol
three days. When II is received the
future course of this government viii
. be determined. 1t is the view of th(
administration that the present weel
will shape the policy of the future
whether it is to be one of peace or one
of war.
Naturally this critical tuncture ha!
1 occasioned greatest interest here, cou
b pied with no little excitement as wort
was passed, about that the last stage
In the negotiations with Spain wa!
reached. Many representative men o
congress, senators and representatives
= called at the White House and con
i ferred with the president. To th
# leaders in congress he stated that def
II mite results were expected from Mad
Q rid by Friday This served to ALA!
the intense feeling which had beel
manifested in congress, and through
the influence of the leaders furthe
IS radical action by the senate and hous
was for the time being deferred.
At the Capitol excitement was un
! abated. The meeting of the senat
committee on foreign relations occa
. stoned a great deal of interest becaus
of the many warlike resolutions whic
were introduced on Tuesday and re
ferred TO that committee. on the hous
side there was an intensity Of feeling
IL After the vote on the Bailey resolutio
IL many Republicans went to the Whit
House TO confer with the presiden