Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1898-04-07
SPAIN COMES DOWN.
Reluctantly C0n="E!s to Consider
Our Propositions.

Reluctantly Coh="E:s to Consider
Our Propositions.
Washington, April /. - The vital
point Oh the Cuban situation, namely
independence, 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 re-
lations between Spain and the United
States. 1t is believed that it is now
but q question of gu exceedingly short
time before the inevitable crisis must
come. the Spanish ministry will hold
a cabinet council after the propositions
have been submitted to the queen re-
gent, and as q result of that confer
ence it is expected by the administra-
ton that a definite answer to its pro-
posals will he received. The PROPOSE
tons submitted by this country con-
template Il complete and immediate
cessation of hostilities in Cuba, the re-
turn of the rcconcentrados 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 Il substan-
tial sum for its freedom from Spanish
rule. IT has been made perfectly clear
to Spain that nothing less than close
of the war and the Independence Of
the island will suffice as an adequate
settlement. Such lesser methods as
have been contemplated from time to
time
Arc Now rut Aside
fer moro advanced and positive posi-
tons. 1t is now for Span. to accept or
reject these tenders. There is no dis
position to urge one rather than alt
other. so long us the conclusions ti,lnl-
ly reached brings the termination OF
the war aud Cuban Independence
Never before until now has the Span
ish government even for Il moment en-
tertained such propositions. Now. in
the stress OF the present emergency.
with declarations Of war introduced i'll
the American congress, Spain has re-
luctantly consented to consider them.
This in itself has given lively hope of
satisfactory results. But. it involves 4
grave crisis in Spain, and it cannot be
foretold what the final action ut Mad
rid will be. Until yesterday it was
believed that Spain would Indignantly
reject proposition involving the in
dependence of Cuba. or American in
tervention or the disappearance Of the
Spanish flag from the island. either
through purchase by the Cubans or
otherwise. There was the best of
reason for the official belief that as
between peace and war ON these prop
os!tions. Spain would choose war. but
more hope apparently is entertained
here of Spain being in Il yielding mood.
as the American plans fer solution are
Being Carefully Weighed
with view to final decision. AS
stated. that answer is believed to be
Oily Il question Of perhaps two or
three days. When it is received the
future course of this government will
be determined. II is the view of the
administration that the present week
will shape the policy OF the future,
whether it is to be one OF peace or one
Of war.
Naturally this critical juncturc has
Occa stoned the greatest interest here,
coupled With nc little excitement, as
word was passed about that the last
stage in the negotiations with Spain
was reached Many representative
men Of congress. senators and repre-
sentatives. called ut the White House
and conferred with the president. To
the leaders in congress he stated that
definite results were expected from
Madrid by Friday. This served to
allay the intense feeling which had
been manifested in congress, and
through the leaders further radical
action by the senate and house was
for the time being deferred.
The situation at the capitol is one of
waitiE" expectancy. Senators and rep
rcsentntivcS arc willing to give the
president an opportunity to carry OF;
his plans, but there is impaticncr to
have some information regarding these
plans and some assurances that they