The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-04-10


no change in the Spanish situation. and
save for unconfirmed reports that the
queen regent of Spain was about to is
sue a decree of armistice, it was the
most uneventful since the present crisis
began. and opinion has almost settled
into the conviction that ,hostilities must
certainly follow soon. That an armis-
tice would change the situation is re-
garded now as improbable. There is no
doubt that the Spanish government is
seriously considering the granting of a
complete armstice and ample relief to
the reconcentrados with such relief by
cooperation by the United States as
this government may see fit to extend.
This proposition has been pending for
the last four days. being vigorously
urged by an element in the ministry and
forcibIy resisted by another element.
Some Of the continental powers have
cast their influence in behalf of the
armistice, but the actual decision by
the ministry for the issuance Of a decree
has not resulted, so far as known here.
When the officials of the state depart
ment left at 4 o'clock they had received
no notification that an armistice was
OeteTfnlneu upon OF was near at mana.
The Spanish minister was equally with
out information.
The president and his advisers pro-
ceeded to-day on the plans heretofore
determined upon. The message will be
sent to congress on Monday and will be
accompanied by the voluminous reports
of the United States consuls stationed in
Cuba, which have been accommodating
for many months.
nnrinU the dnV the nrqlidanf
ferred with a number of congressional
leaders as to the form Of the resolution
to be passed by congress following the
presentation of the message. 1t is now
practically decided to separate inter-
vention and independence. A resolution
will be passed speedily. confined to SIM
pie Intervention, leaving the question OF
independence to be determined by SUBJ
sequent action of congress. This is in
accordance with the presidents ex-
pressed desire.
The military and naval preparations
continue unabated and the experts are
formulating prospective plans of opera
tion. Ii seems to be the view that it
will not be necessary to extend the cam
paign beyond the island of Cuba. un-
less Spain assumes an aggressive atti-
ude, in which case the operations of
the United States naval and military
forces will be extended to the Spanish
possessions in Porto Rico, the Philip
pines, the Canaries and possibly Spain
itself 1t is the opinion. however. that
the fighting will not extend far beyond
Cuba and Cuban waters. and that with
the United States in control of Cuba.
hostilities would not be prolonged. This
view, however, leaves out the fact that
after fighting once begins. it cannot be
foretold how far 1t will go. and the
government is preparing for any emer-
gency.
Sir Julian Pauncefote called at the
state department late in the day, and
this led to the conjecture that the
powers of Europe were contemplating
another move. 1t can be stated posi-
lively. however. that the visit of the
British ambassador had no reference
to the action of the powers or to the
taken their action and nothing further
is anticipated from that quarter.
Mr.. Quesada. the diplomatic repre-
sentative of the Cuban insurgents in
this city, was seen this afternoon by
an associated press reporter with re-
gard to the constantly reiterated re-
port from Madrid that the queen re-
gent might issue an armistice.
1T is useless for me-" said Mr..
Quesada. Ito reiterate again for the
thousandth time that we will not ac-
cept an armistice and give up the ad-
vantages We naturally possess in the
rainy season. We understand perfect
ly that Spain seeks only delay. We
will have nothing but independence.
AS a matter Of fact. an armistice Is q
suspension of hostilities to be arranged
by the opposing generals.
General Blanco and General Gomez
would have to agree to an armistice.
Does anyone think General Gomez
would agree to suspend hostilities Just
as we are about to win the great boon
for which our people have fought and
struggled so long? Besides. who IL to
take the proposition for an armistice
to General Gomez? The constitution
Of the Cuban republic and the civil law
absolutely forbid the general in chief.
under penalty Of death. to entertain OF
receive any offer from the Spanish lines
unless II has for its basis the absolute
Independence of Cuba Who Is to
Cos -