The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1898-04-02
CASE RESTS WITH MADRID.
On the Decision of the Spanish
Cabinet Rests the Issues
of Peace or War.
CONSIDERED BY THE QUEEN REGENT,
Under Pressure Spain at Last Looks the
Ugly Situation in the Face and Con-
sents to Consider the Question of
Hauling Down Her Blood-S Stained En-
sign in Cuba.

point in the Cuban situation viz: In
dependence, has shifted itself from
Washington to Madrid. where the
Spanish government is now giving
grave and earnest consideration to
propositions presented by the govern
ment of the United States. On the
answer to these propositions probably
depends the future course of the rela-
tions between Spain and the United
States. 1t is believed t,Iat it is now
but a question of an exceeding short.
time before the inevitable crisis must
come.
The Spanish ministry will hold a
cabinet council to-day, after the prop
O~sitionS have been submitted to the
queen regent and. as Il result of that
conference, it is expected by the adj
ministratiOn that a definite answer to
its proposals will be received.
The propositions submitted by this
country contemplate an immediate
cessation of hOstilities in Cuba, the re-
turn of the re~concentrados to their
usual avocations and the independence
of Cuba, this last feature to be secured
probably on an indemnity basis, by
which the island would pay a substan-
tial sum for its freedom from Spanish
rule.
These propositions take a wide scope
and there are many details in the alter
native propositions, the purpose being
to present every possible plan promis-
ing a solution of the Cuban problem so
long as an end of the Cuban war and
Cuban independence were embodied in
the ultimate result.
1t has been made perfectly clear to
Spain hat nothing less than a close of
the war and the independence of the
island will suffice as an adequate set
Element. Such lesser methods as nave
been contemplated from time to time
are now put aside for these more adj
yanced 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 conclusion finally reached briiss
the termination of the wal and Cuban
independence.
Never before until now has the Span
ish government for a moment enter
tanned such propositions. Now, in the
stress of the present emergency, with
declarations of war introduced in the
American congress-, Spain has reluc-
family consented to consider them.
This in itself has given lively hope o.
a satisfactory result. But it involves a
grave crisis in Spain, and it cannot be
foretOld what the final action at
Madrid will be. Until yesterday it
was believed that Spain would indig-
nantly reject a proposition involving
the independence of Cuba or American
intervention, or the disappearance of
the Spanish flag from the island,
either through purchase by the Gu
bans or otherwise. 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 yield
ing mood, as the Americans plans for
solution are being carefully weighed
with a view to final decisio n.
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
administration that the present week
will shape the policy of the future.
Naturally this critical juncture has
occasioned the greatest interest here,
coupled with no little excitement. as
word was passed hat the last stage in
the negotiations with Spain was
reached.
Many representative men of con-
gress. senators and representatives,
called at the White House and con-
ferred with the president. To the
leaders in congress he stated that def
mite results were expected from Madrid
by Friday. This served to allay the in
tense feeling which had been mani
tested in congress, and through the in
iuence of the leaders further radical
action by the senate and house was for
the time being deferred.
At the capitol excitement was un
abated. The meeting of the senate
committee on foreign relations occa-
stoned a great deal of interest because
of the many warlike resolutions which
were introduced Tuesday and referred
to that committee.
On the house side there was an in
tensity of feeling. After the vote on
the Bailey resolution many republic
cans went to the White House to con-
fer with the president, and to express
to him their Ope that something might
be promised which would relieve the
strained situation. The assurance of
the president was given to these MEM
bers that by Friday night 1t the fastest,
something definite could be expected.
The senate committee held an after
noon session, at which Capt. 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 un-
der discussion, which was the value OF
the island of st. Thomas or some other
point Il the West Indies for a naval
station.
Congress is willing to give the pres.
dent an opportunity to carry out his