Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-04-07

ord as it stands between this govern
ment and Spain, but not insist upon
further time in which to continue the
negotiations looking to a peaceful So
luton of the Cuban problem. The
cabinet meeting yesterday morning
was unquestionably the most impor-
| tant in many years. 1t received
SPANS answer to the ultimatum Of
this government, finding it unsatts-
factory, and practically decided upon
a policy which at this hour seems GER
| tainly to involve hostilities. The
whole record will be laid before con-
gress, the question now under earnest
consideration is what special form the
policy shall take to secure tn
independence of Cuba. Propositions
ranging from a simple recognition OF
Cuban independence to straight
out declaration of war have been
urged at the capitol, but there is hard
ly a doubt that the majority of con-
gress will wait the executive lead
before taking action. 1t is thought
that not any of the resolutions, ex-
cept possibly that of simple independ-
ence, would lead to war. A member
! of the cabinet speaking yesterday said
substantially as follows: This morn
ing it was apparent to all,
that, having exhausted all diplomatic
| efforts to bring about better cond1-
ton of affairs in Cuba, and having
failed, the whole question must be
submitted to congress. At our after
noon meeting, the president re-
quested each member to express free
ly his individual opinion. Nothing
definite was decided upon,
no conclusions reached. The presi-
dent will now take views submitted
to him under consideration for the
preparatory message to congress.
Ny individual opinion is that little
faith can be put in the promises made
by Spain. There appears to be three
courses open to the president. To ac-
cept the proposals by Spain in reply
to the American representatives, to
relegate the whole matter to congress
and let that body do as it sees proper,
which | think would mean interven-
ton or to take middle stand. But
nothing was determined upon by the
president. reference was made by
Spain to the Maine matter in the re-
ply she sent through Woodford. She
made no offer to pay for the loss, but
suggested that it be settled by arbitra-
! ton. She expressed no regret for the
| sad occurrence and the whole thing
can be regarded as a cold blooded
statement" Both sides regard the is
sue as made up and there is no likeli-
| hood of further negotiations between
now and the time when the president
submits the whole case to congress.
Woodford remains at his post at Ma
drid and is said to be entirely safe
from harm.
From a Spanish standpoint there is
| the same disposition as shown here,
to regard the issue as made up. The
answer of Spain is looked upon as the
limit concession which Madrid will
grant. If there is to be
another move, it looks to
the United States to make it.
Of course it cannot be foretold what
| Madrid will do in the stress circum-
stances within the next two days, but
those best able to judge do 2ot expect
any further move from Madrid, as
they say Spain has reached the limit
| of her concessions. The Spanish min
lister was naturally the center of ex
citing incidents yesterday. He was
| fully conscious of the gravity of the
| situation and still expressing hope
| for peace. speaks to his friends of the
eventualities which may come. To
one of them he said that he could not
believe two nations made up of calm
and sensible people would rush into
the untold horrors of war He added
it would be a wicked and cruel crime
Late in the afternoon Madrid bull
letin was received stating that tn
pope was seeking to exercise his pa
cif1c influences, by inducing both Spaf
and the insurgents to accept an arms
tice in Cuba. If this be true, the pop
had not given any instructions or in
formation along this line to Martine1li
the papal delegate at Washington The
latter has taken no steps toward me-
diation. Furthermore, there is littl
reason to believe the administration
would receive with favor any PROPOSE
ton of this character from foreig
sources. In congress the situation
little changed from the tension of the
past two days. While the senate wa
in session, there was a great deal o
war talk. On the house side the mem