Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-04-07
SPANISH AFFAIRS.

SPANISH AFFAIRS.
AS stated in yesterdays Gazette the
Presidents message on Cuban affairs
probably will not be transmitted to
Congress until next week, and there is
possibility that it may not be sent
then in the form in which it was writ
ten for transmission yesterday.
There was another reason for with
holding the message beside Consul
General Lees advice to the President
that it would be impossible to get ell
the Americans out of Cuba before Sum
day, and that they would be in grave
peril if the message were cent to Con-
gress before their departure from the
island. The second reason was the
Presidents hope in view of develop
ments at Madril that the differences
between the United States and Spain
could be adjusted without resort to
war, the Spanish government having
manifested disposition to make con-
cessions which it had heretofore refused
to consider.
The aspect of affairs is considerably
more pacific and sufficient to renew the
hope of the President in a solution of the
Cuban question satisfactory to the
American people, and achieved without
| bloodshed. 1t is expected that between
DOW and Monday clearer light will
be thrown on the future by action at
Madrid, of which one important fea.
ture, at least, is the declaration of an
armistice by the Queen Regent OF
Spain. This armistice, it is expected,
will lead to ultimate independence OF
Cuba from Spanish rule. Much will
depend upon the insurgents.
The President is thought to be still
the master of the situation, as far as
Congress is concerned, and if further
postponement is considered necessary
it may be acquiesced in by Congress.
There were expressions of discomfort on
the part of republican members of the
House at the delay in transmitting the
message, and conference attended by
about fifty republican Representatives
was held after the adjournment of the
House. Vigorous speeches denoupcing
the policy of delay were made and it
was decided to appoint committee to
watch the situation.
The improved condition of affairs is
reflected ct the White House, among
cabinet officers and at the embassies
and legations, including the Spanish
legation. At the latter establishment
Senior Polo said that while he could not
disclose any of the information reach
ing him in an official character, yet he
felt that the strain of a Jew hours ago
was materially relieved and that the
prospects for peace looked much
brighter.
1t is semi-officially announced at
Rome that the Spanish government has
accepted the principle of an armistice
with the Cuban insurgents, as proposed
by the Pope. President McKinley's re-
ply is now awaited by the Pope. Upon
it depends the possibility of continuing
the negotiations at Madrid and Wash.
ipgton. 1t is believed in Rome that
the powers will take joint action to pre-
vent rupture. Another dispatch from
Rome says: 81 learn that President
McKinley's answer to the Pope's sug-
gestion for the preservation of peace is
that an armistice is question regard
ing Spain and Cuba alone, but between
Spain and the United States another
question is pending and must receive a
distinctly submissive concliatory an
5 8er from Spain"
A large number of American refugees
left Cuba yesterday OF steamers.
Consul-General Lee assured the cor
respondent of the Associated Press yes
terday that he had received no instruc-
tions to leave Havana.
The military element is said to be
threatening cabinet crisis in Madrid.
Senior Sagasta, according to his custom,
will attempt to conciliate the rival ten
denotes OF his cabinet, his intention be.
ing to endeavor to keep all of his pres
ent colleagues until the assembling Of
Parliament.