The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-03-31


point of the Cuban situation, viz. in
| dependence. has shifted from Wash
inton TO Madrid. where the Spanish gov
ernment is now giving grave and earn
est consideration to propositions pre-
| sented by the government of the United
States. On the answer to these propo-
sitions depends the future course of the
relations between Spain and the
United States. 1t is believed that it is
now but question of an exceedingly
short time before the inevitable crisis
must come. The Spanish ministry will
hold a cabinet council tomorrow after
the propositions have been submitted
to the queen regent. and as a result
of that conference 1t is expected by the
administration that a definite answer
to its proposals will be received.
The propositions submitted by this
country contemplate a complete and
immediate cessation of hostilites i'm
Cuba, the return of the reconcentrados
to their usual avocations, and the in
dependence of Cuba. the last feature to
be secured by an indemnity basis by
which the island would pay a substan-
tial sum for it's freedom from Spanish
rule.
These propositions take wide sphere
and there are many details i'm the al
tentative propositions, the purpose be-
ing TO present every possible plan
promising solution of the Cuban
problem so long as an end of the Gu
ban war and Cuban independence were
embodied i'm the ultimate result. 1t
has been made perfectly clear to Spain
that nothing less than close of the
war and the independence of the ISL
and will suffice as an adequate settle
ment. Such lesser methods as have
been contemplated from time TO time
are now put aside for those more ad-
vanced and positive positions. 1t is
now for Spain to accept or reject these
tenders. There is no disposition to
urge one more than another so long
as the conclusion of the finality reached
brings the termination of the war and
Cuban independence. Never before
now has the Spanish government en-
tertained such propositions. In the
stress of the present emergency, with
declarations of war introduced in the
American congress. Spain has consent
ed to consider them. This in itself has
given lively hope of satisfactory re-
suits. But IL involves a grave crisis in
Spain. and it cannot be foretold what
the final action at Madrid will be. I'm
I'll tO-udN IL was DelleNeQ tnat Spain
would Indignantly reject a proposition
involving the independence of Cuba. or
American intervention. or the disap-
pearance Of the Spanish flag from the
island, either through purchase by the
Cubans or otherwise. There was the
best of reasons for the official belief
that as between peace and war on those
propositions Spain would choose war.
but more hope apparently is enter
tot an1 hA..A safc cv.s.s i'll lxxs.-
mood, as the American plans for solu-
ton are being carefully weighed with
a view to general decision. AS stated.
that answer is stated to be believed to
be only question of perhaps two or
three days. When it is received the fu-
ture course of this government will be
determined Ii is the view OF the ad-
ministration that the present week will
shape the policy of the future. whether
IL is 10 be one of peace or one of war.
Naturally this critical juncture has
occasioned the greatest interest here.
coupled with no little excitement as
word was passed about that the last
stage in the negotiations with Spain
was developed. Many representative
men OF congress. senators and repre-
sentatives, called at 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 al
lay the intense feeling which had been
manifested in congress. and through the
influence Of the leaders. further radical
action by the senate and house was be-
ing deferred.
AT the capitol excitement was un-
abated. The meeting OF the senate
committee on foreign relations raised a
great deal of interest because Of the
many warlike resolutions introduced
H. a
tee.
on the house side there was an in
tensity of feeling. After the vote on the
Bailey resolution, many republicans
went to the white house TO confer with
the president and TO express to him a