The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-03-29

polls; would result in a sweeping Dem
ocratic victory, and would pave the
way for a free silver administration.
They may reckon without proper con-
ception of the feeling of the people,
but this is undoubtedly the line of
thought they follow.
1t has been noticeable, too, that the
southern senators have grown luke
warm. Senator Bacon, of Georgia, has
introduced resolutions declaring for
peace. Senator Morgan, of Alabama,
has held his tongue, except when urg-
ing moderation.
Other southern senators, like Jones,
of Arkansas; McLaurin of South Caro-
lima; Bate, of Tennessee, and Caffery,
of Louisiana, also deprecate radical
measures. These southern men are ac-
tuated by varying motives. Some fear
that war would have a serious effect
upon the exports of cotton, which
would he subject to seizure on the high
seas. Others are alarmed at the de-
fenseless condition of southern ports.
New Orleans, Mobile and Charleston,
in particular, would be vulnerable
points. Still others fear the letting
down of quarantine regulations and the
introduction of the dreaded yellow
fever through the passage of troops
between Cuba and the United States.
In short, it is coming home to these
southern men that a war with Spain
would tell with peculiar force against
the intere SITS of their sections OF the
country, and their sympathy for Cuba
is tempered with considerations for
their own material welfare.
In harmony with these are conserva-
tive senator's on the Republican side,
like Hanna and Elkins, Aldrich, Alli-
son, Platt and Mcmillan.
In the house it would be different
story, for there the feeling is more in
tense for Cuban independence, and
even those who have hitherto been
regarded as conservative are now intol-
Grant of any talk which looks like COM
promise.
The president, therefore, in spite of
his personal inclination, and the pres
sure from members of his cabinet and
certain business interests, is not by
any means committed to the tempor-
ary autonomy scheme. and it is not
at all certain that he will formally
propose it to congress. One member Of
with it, declared with emphasis that
no such plan will be endorsed by the
president
THAT is a question" he said "for
Spain and Cuba to settle between
themselves. The administration is not
committed to any policy having in view
an implied betrayal of the Cuban cause.
| When the presidents work is accom-
plished, the American people will be
satisfied with the results"
The administration is exceedingly
anxious to hit upon a solution for the
Cuban problem at once, and the nego-
| tiations and cabled communications
! for the past two days have had this end
| in view. On Thursday the president
| in talking with leading members and
| senators was noticeably strong in his
| determination to have no settlement OF
the question which did not involve the
complete independence and the driving
| of Spain from the island. If he has
| considered with any favor propositions
| looking to a more moderate course
that is due to his intense desire to
close the business up at once.
There is reason to believe that Spain
is getting ready to surrender abso-
lutely if the United States takes a firm
and unqualified position and that the
suggestions emanating from the Span.
ish legation have for their object the
letting down easy of the governmen,
at Madrid. The elections yesterday
having returned strong liberal ma
jority to the Cortes with the assur.
ance of continuance in power, the
| Spanish ministry NAV be more ready
to come to the terms dictated by the
| administration. 1t is known that the
response of Spain to our latest note
is very peaceful and that it indicates
a disposition to yield to our demands
1t looks now like a collapse on the
part of the government at Madrid and
it would not be strange to see a com.
plete surrender almost any day.