New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-01
THE MADRID NEGOTIATIONS.

The compendium Of the negotiations between
the American Minister TO Spain and the Spanish
Government which was sent 10 "Ihe LONDON
Times" by its Madrid correspondent, and which
we print this morning.. is obviously authentic,
however obtained. 1t Is full Of interest, more
over and so far II goes, gratifying 10
the feelings Of sober-minded and intelligent
citizens Of this country who have desired their
Government aud It's representative at the Span
Ssh capital to conduct a delicate and difficult
controversy in the best manner. and have be-
lieved that the record would reveal no defect OF
Judgment or demeanOr in their proceedings.
This account of the earnest efforts which uti-
mately failed to effect peaceful cure of ntoler-
able conditions in Cuba shows that at least
down TO the point at which the correspondents
first !nstalment ends General Woodford's atti-
tude was recognized by the Spanish Foreign Of
fee as not only studiously correct but wholly
friendly 1t establishes. moreover, the impor-
tant fact that. in accordance with his instruc-
lions he made II clearly understood ut once that
his mission was Of the most serious character,
being directed to the accomplishment Of a GER
tain well-detincd object, and thus precluded the
possibility of a subsequent complaint that the
purpose and temper Of our Government had
changed.
From Mr.. Clevcland's Administration. draw
ing 10 a close while Cuban troubles were APP
proa ching a elimination. the Spanish Govern
mont apprehcnded no serious interference, but
with the advent of President Mckinley ''indlca-
"tions were given that only short time would
"be accorded for the suppression Of the rebel
"lion." and 1.-THE Spanish Government perceived
that there was danger ahead" The Ameri-
ytpic
II eventually subjugated. could never bear TO
"Spain anything like the relations which she
"once bore" that in being made worthless to the
Cubans the island must he made equally worth
less 10 Spain, and that self-intcrest and human
ity alike imposed the duty Of stopping the war
md arranging a settlement just and honorable
TO all concerned. In the same note while af-
firming that the President and people of the
United States were sollcitous that no humilia-
ton should be inflicted on Spain, he urged the
view that this country could not long remain a
passive spectator and firmly added that the
gravity Of the situation which would result
from a refusal of the good offices which this
Government was then offering through him
could not be disguised.
TO this note, a change of Cabinet having fol-
lowed the assassination of Canovas, Senior Gul
lon replied In Oct0cer accepting the IrleHuI! as-
surances of the United States, admitting that In
1uries inflicted on this country justified its soc-
itude and desire for peace. but not interference
or intrusion and encouraged the expectation
that the new Spanish Ministry would accom-
plish the objec:s of peace and autonomy which
It was well fitted to undertake. Then followed
IN allusion to 1.-The indestructbe nature Of
Spanish sovereignty over the island" and an ac-
count of grievances due to the infraction Of neu-
trality laws Of which Sefor Gullon recon-
mended a more conscientious enforcement by
President Mckinley. On December 20 another
note from the American Minister recognized the
efforts Of the Spanish Government to improve