Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-03-31
JUDGE Vim. K. DAY,

sage and particularly to consider the
latest Developments in the negotia-
tons now proceeding with Spain. The
answer of Spain was in hand to the
firm note sent through Minister
Woodford last week stating that Gu
ban affairs have become so intOlerable
that the United States could not much
longer remain inactive toward them.
The general tone of the Spanish an
swer impressed the president and the
cabinet and it was stated that the
outlook is now far more assuring. 1t
was stated that Spain has shown such
a conciliatory tone that it is believed
that she would make concessions suf-
ficient to permit of an amicable ad-
justment of the present strained re-
Iations. This was qualified, however,
by the statement that the danger
poiat has not yet been passed and
that war was yet possibility.
At the state department cablegrams
were received from Woodford and
the Spanish minister, Senior Polo Y
Barnabe, was in lengthy con-
ference with Judge Day rs to pros
pective adjustment. At least two new
phases were submitted by the Spanish
minister that were exceedingly dlplo-
matte. The Spanish government has
made known that no objection would
be made to the humanitarian objects
Of the United States government in
extending relief to sufferers in Cuba
contemplated. 1t is not expected that
relief will be carried in warships, rs
this would introduce a political aspect
into the project purely humane. This
acquiescence by Spain has cleared
the way for the presidents message
in the next few days, asking large
appropriation for the relief of the
destitute in Cuba.
Another important Spanish docu-
ment which reached the government
during the day was an abstract of the
report Of the Spanish naval commits
sion which investigated the destruc-
ton of the Maine. It is the only an
swer Spain has thus far made to the
action of this government submitting
IuIOuSL "OOulOIu the uHuIHSo VI tue
American court. The conclusions
reached by the Spanish commission
are directly opposite to those of the
American court. No demands have
been made in connection with the
Maine, therefore there is no response
beyond the submission Of the Spanish
report.
French Ambassador M. Cambon had
conference with Judge Day. This
renewed the talk of European medi-
alton, which is assuming a tangibl,
form. The speech of Premier Hano-
taux in the Paris chamber Saturday
is looked upon as foreshadowing at
least sympathy, if not direct steps
toward mediation by France and other
continental powers. There is good
reason to believe that Spain is ready
and anxious for this move and has
been encouraging it at European CAPT
tails. It would not be an offensive in
trusion, but a friendly offer to medi-
ate the differences.
At the war and navy departments
preparations continued as usual. The |
navy department has made plans for
mosquito feet" to be composed of |
the tugs and steam yachts recently |
purchased and armed as an auxiliary |
feet. The war department has made |
numerous shifts in locating troops in |
the west, with view to speedy con-
centration. General Flagler, chief of |
ordnance of the war department, |
awarded to a number of companies |
contracts for furnishing the depart |
rent with disappearing carriages for |
eight, ten and twelve-inch guns, en- |
placements for which are now being |
constructed at the seacoast fortica- |
tons.