Worcester morning daily spy., 1898-03-31

work this morning. Before 10 o'clock
Washington was in ferment Of excite
ment. Confusion reigned, and no one
dared to predict what the day would
bring forth. All sorts of rumors few
thick and fast through the hotels and
streets. Congressman threatened dire
things. Senators were fearful of an ex-
plosion In congress which would result
in hasty action and shatter forever all
hope Of a peaceful settlement 1t
seemed as if by one mind senators and
members as well as cabinet officers,
rushed to the White House, either to
warn or advise the president.
To the surprise of all, they found Will
liam Mckinley in his office as calm as
firm and as confident as ever Senator
after senator came, talked with him and
left the executive mansion convinced
that the affairs of the government were
in masterful hands, and that there was
no fear of dishonor or harm to the ma
ton. 1t is doubtful if ever so large a
number of members of congress and of
a cabinet gathered at the White House
as did today between the hours of 10 and
II o'clock
Secretaries Bliss and Alger and Assist
ant Secretary Day; Senators Allison, AL
drich Hanna, Spocner. Foraker, Haw-
ley, Hale, Burrows, Fairbanks, Platt
Dingley, Babcock, and others almost too
numerous to mention, crowded about the
president and heard his words of adj
vice and confidence.
He carefully outlined to them as far
as was compatible with the nature of the
negotiations, his plan. He showed them
now criminal would be any outburst
from congress at this time. 1t did not
take him long to convince them that
10 ri cht nd a q
they had assembled, they left with a
feeling of assurance, and FASTENED to
the capitol, to use their influence for
patience and silence in congress today.
Senior Palma, the representative of the
Cuban republic, came here from New
York yesterday afternoon, and was In
consultation with high officials au-
thorized to treat with him. As the rep
resentative of the Cuban republic, he
was asked if the Cuban insurgents would
accept the proposition outlined above.
Senior Palma showed disposition to de-
muir at the payment of the enormous
indemnity of 100000, 600, but it is stated
that when he learned that President Nc
Kinley would insist on this condition,
he finally consented.
It is said that President Mckinley in
structed Minister Woodford TO place
this proposition before the Spanish gov
eminent about ten days ago. Senior Sa-
gasta frankly stated that he could not
discuss any proposition involving the
freedom of Cuba pending the elections.
The elections were held last Sunday and
| Senior Sagasta won by an overwhelming
majority. He is now in a position to
treat with President Mckinley.
The solution of the situation as out
lined, involving Cuban independence
and the payment OF a generous indemni-
ty to Spain by the new republic, is en-
tirely satisfactory to the friends OF
Cuba, and if President Mckinley can
promise Spain's acceptance of the prop
osition the money needed to feed the
starving Cubans will be granted with
out dissenting vote.
SAYS IT is ABSURD.
Washington, March S0-The Spanish
minister today declined to speak to the
press concerning the reports OF a Span
ish settlement. When pressed, how
ever as to the report published in New
York that a solution had been reached
comprising the payment by republic
of Cuba of 5000, 900, 900, the embarkatior
of Spanish troops for home, etc., the
minister said that the story as whole
was unwaTanted and absurd.