The herald., 1898-02-17

WAS SHOCKED
At News of the Disaster to
the Maine
De LONE ENTIRELY CERTAIN
THAT SPANISH AGENCY WAS NOT
THE CAUSE
Woodford Has Received Spain's Reply
and the Discourteous Letter In
cident Is Closed
De LONE ENTIRELY CERTAIN
associated Press Special Wire

NEW YORK, Feb. 16-Senor De LONE
heard the news of the disaster to the
Maine at the Hotel st. Marck at 2:30 o. clock
this morning. At first De LONE refused to
credit the news, but when the truth
dawned upon him. he said 'It is terrible
You may be sure of one thing, however
no Spaniard did this. 1t cannot be the re-
suit of any Spanish agency at all. The
Spanish ministry and the Spanish people
have been greatly misunderstood in this
country. They all desire peace. They all
want peace with the America and Ameri-
cans, not only from motives of policy, but
because they love America
Spain cannot afford to have war with
the United States. If only from motives
Of policy, they are determined not to have
any war. There can be no war between
this country and Spain. Such thing is
out of the question.
IF the Maine has blown up in Havana
harbor it is the result of an accident That
is absolutely certain. There will be no
war"
Senior de LONE sailed on the steamship
Britannia for Liverpool today. Compn-
mentary resolutions were presented to him
on board by a delegation of Spaniards.
There was no hostile demonstration of
any kind.
THE SPANISH REPLY
NEW YORK, Feb. ia dispatch to the
World from Madrid says:
The minister of foreign affairs will draw
up Immediately a note in reply to the one
presented by Gen. Woodford. The Spanish
note will express surprise at the United
States government having expected any ex-
plantations concerning private letter OF
its late representative, considering the
fact that the government cannot be held
responsible for the unauthorized and un-
warranted assertion of De LONE. imply
ing lack of sincerity in the Cuban home
rule proposition. The Spanish note will be
as strong in its censure of De Lome's re-
marks on the president as could be desired
and fully recognize the sincerity and the
friendly conduct in the past of Mckinley
towards Spain.
The Liberal papers express the opinion
that the cabinet could not honorably re-
fuse the disclaimer desired by the United
States, and believe that De LONE will be
called to account for his conduct while he
held an official position. The other news
papers echo the general feeling of relief
at the prospect that relations have not been
further disturbed as it is generally sup
posed that the United States will accept
the note.
INTENSE FEELING
NEW YORK, Feb. ia dispatch to the
Herald from Madrid says:
The public feeling here against the
United States is highly strung. In the
public mind the firm conviction is that the
United States means to force war upon
Spain, and that the latter must absolutely
stand her ground, and that in Cuba the
autonomists Would side with Spain, fight
ing against the United States troops, and
that If the Spahfards would encourage the
landing of troops in the greatest number
possible. now that the unhealthy season
is coming on, it would kill them Off like
flies. FWsss
At the same time the ships OF war could
lombard the coast towns, which, with
the exception of New York, are considered
unprotected, the United States not hav-
ing sufficient warships to protect them.
At the same time, also, great calculations
are made upon the widespread ruin which
would fall upon business men in the United
States, whereas the bourse here would
scarcely change, as is the case with the
United States. 1t would merely be the
first step toward the solution of the ques-
tion which is slowly bleeding the resources
of the country to death. Such is the rep
resentative idea of public Spanish feeling
today.
Ell Heraldo refers to the almost contin-
uOuS CidliiiS that tIc Oillttu 0ldteS Keeps
bringing against Spain and says that this
reflects the public opinion that the United
States wishes by these constant claims to
force war with Spain. This view is taken
on change, where there is general de-
cline. Public feeling is much strained and
irritated. The government has no easy
time.
A CRUISER COMING
NEW YORK, Feb. 16.-The Spanish ar
mored cruiser Vizcaya, with a crew Of 4S4
men, is expected to arrive in New York
harbor any time now. The Vizcaya comes
here on visit of courtesy, reciprocal
compliment for what turned out to be the
disastrous visit of the warship Maine to
Havana.
THE INCIDENT ENDED
MADRID, Feb. 16.-El Correo, the Off
cial organ, announces that United States
Minister Woodford tonight received
Spain's reply concerning the De LONE let
ter, and it adds that the incident is regard
ed as terminated.