The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1898-04-08
THE SPANISH TALK HOPEFULLY.
They Appear TO Think Chances of
Peace are Encouraging.

tBSy appear I'D IElDh SndhCcS OI
Peace are Encouraging.
MADRID, April 2.-The opinion is
expressed from an authoritative
source that IL is believed an agree
ment between the governments of
Spain ana the United States has been
reached, including the Maine and the
reconcentrado question, and also a
means of arriving at a durable peace
in Cuba. 1t is also stated that the
Cuban government and Captain Cen
eral Blanco are in complete accord
and that the %peninsular government
will assist in this work of peace.
Those who are best informed here
believe peace is assured unless Presi-
dent McKinley's hands are forced,
making him depart from the calm at
titude he has assumed throughout the
crisis. 1t is further semi-oficially
asserted that the Spanish govern
ment, believing they correctly in
terpret the sentiment of justice and
the lofty aims" of the president, as
sert that Spain will not hesitate to
do everything necessary to preserve
peace without other limits than ma
tional dignity and territorial integ-
rity."
The views from an authoritative
source already bulletined to the AS
ISOLATED Press from Madrid are the
substance of an official note on the
subject published here today. The
Spanish government takes a bright
view of the relations with the Unit
ed States and believes peace is Sc
cured. The important newspapers
comment on the note in this strain.
but INQUIRIES made last evening Of
the United States minister, General
Woodford, failed to secure anything
confirming the optimistic impressions
prevailing here. He has so earnestly
been the friend of peace throughout
that his silence now causes much
anxiety in diplomatic circles.
General Woodford was busy at the
United States legation until late last
night. The substance of yesterdays
proposals of the Spanish government,
the Associated Press correspondent
learns, is:
/. That the insurgents should ask
for an armistice and not the United
States.
2. That the request for an armistice
should he dealt with by the autono-
mist cabinet Of Cuba and without the
intervention or good offices of the
United States.
1t is curious t o note how little in
terest the general public took in yes
terday's important conference. Only
4 few reporters witnessed the arrival
n departure of the .cOnferees. Gen.
eral WOodford was the first to emerge
and, smoking a cigar, he walked
quitely to his residence. The min
listers soon followed and drove sepa-
rately to their homes.
When informed of the proposed
government measures for the relief
Of the reconcentradoes the queen re-
gent announced that she would ap-
point a woman's committee. over
which she will personally preside, to
take charge of and educate the Or
nhans of the war. both Cubans and
Spaniards.
The most imnortant comment on
the situation this afternoon is that
of the ministerial journal. Ell Liberal,
which may be looked upon as I'M
doubtedly rejecting the position Of
the Spanish government. The paper
says:
We have done all we can to remove
q preteXt for a rupture. If President
Mckinley refuses Our concessions. we,
with a quiet conscience, will await
any trials which may come and de-
fend u honor and our rights. The
entire nation supports the govern
ment. This was the meaning OF yes
terday evenings enthusiasm. Rich
and poor are working together. No
one asks whether the sum collected
goes for war ships. 1t sufiices to know
that it will be employed to resist n
foreign pressure. Spain must no long
er live under the continual menace
and unrest of the last three years. |
There must be no more debating or
haggliEg. Even rupture is preferred.
Intervention is de foCtO oven now.
We desire and appeal for peace. but
the limit Of Il long suffering is az
an end. We will not be the agrees |
sors, but we will defend OUT rights
with traditional tenaCitv and bravery.
The latest phase of the situation
this afternoon is a report that the
pope is urging Spain to offer an ar !
mistice and also that his holiness urg- !
es the insurgents to adOpt it. The |
note. which was transmitted TO Wash
ington, in addition to the PROPOSE
ton in regard to an aTmistice and
the recenceItradoes. expresses regret |
ish waters and offers to arbitrate the /!
matter.