The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1898-04-06
IJIdmatunl Of the United
States to Spain.
THIS WEEK WILL SHAPE
TIE POLICY OF THE
FUTURE,
Whether It be One of Peace
OF One Of War.

Washington, March 30.-The vital
point in the Cuban situation-viz !,
independence-has shifted itself from
Washington to Madrid, where the
Spanish government is now giving
grave and earnest consideration to
propositions presented by the gov
ernment of the United States On the
answer to the propositions probably
depends the future course of the rela.
ton between Spain and this. country.
It believed that it is now but ques-
ton Of an exceedingly short time be
fore the inevitable crisis must come.
The Spanish ministry will hold cab
met counciE to morrow, after the
propositions have been submitted to
the queen regent. and as a result
of that conference il is expected by
the administration that definite
answer to its proposals will be re-
ceived
The propositions submitted By this
country contemplate a complete and
immediate cessation of hostilisies in
Cuba, the return Of The reconcentra-
dos 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 s substantial sum for its
freedom from Spanish rule.
These propositions take wide
scope, and there are many details in
the alternative proportions. the pur-
pose being to present every possible
plan promising solution of the Gu
ban problem 80 long as an end of the
Cuban war and Cuban independence
were embodied in the ultimate result.
1t has been made perfectly clear to
Spain that nothing less than the close
Of the war and the independence of
the island will suffice as an adequate
settlement.
1T REMAINS WITH SPAIN
1t is now for Spain to accept or re-
iect these tenders There is no dis
position to urge one rather than an
other, so long as the conclusion final
y reached brings the termination Of
the war and Cuba1 independence
Never before until now has the Span.
ish government, even for moment,
entertained such propositions. Now,
in the stress of che present emer
gency, vita declarations of war In
troduced in the American Congress,
Spain has reluctantly consented to
consider them. This in itself has
given lively hope of satisfactory re.
suits But it involves grave crisis
in Spain, and it cannot be foreto'd
what the fnal action at Madrid will
be. Until to day it was believed
that Spain would Indignantly reject
proposition involving the inde
pendeoce of Cuba, or American In
,ervention, or the disappearance of
the Spaish flag from the islaud, either
through purchase by Cabans or other
wise.
SPAIN IN YIELDING MOOD
There was the best of reason for
the official belief that as between
peace and war OH these propositions
Spain would choose war, but more
hope apparently is entertained here
of Spain being in yielding mood as
the American plans for solution are
being carefully weighed with a view
to 6nal decision AS stated, that
answer is believed to be only ques-
tion Of perhaps two OF three days.
When it is received, the future
course of shis government will be
determined. 1t is tie 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.
Many representative men of Con-
gress, Senators and representatives.
called at the white house to day and
conferred with the President. To
the leaders in Congress he stated that
definite reeults were expected ffom
Madrid by Friday This served to
aIlay 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 for the time being de
ferred
At the capitol excitement was una
bated After the vote on the Bailey
resolution naay Republicans vert
to the White House to confer with
the President and to express to him
their hope that something might be
promised which would relieve the
strained situation. The assurances
Of the President was given to these
members that By Friday night at the