Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-04-04
HIS REPLY TO THE ULTIMATUM
FEELS THAT IF WAR COMES SPAIN
WILL BE BLAMELEsS.
COnsiders That He Has Done Every.
thing Possible to Satisfy the
United States-SituatiOn in
Madrid Not Favorable
to Peace.
London, April 3-The Madrid correspond
ent of the Standard, teIegraphing late to-

nlght, says:
Il have been able to obtain an interview
with senor Sagasta, the premier. and to
elicit from him a brief statement with ref
ference to the present critical situation. In
the course Of the conversation, Senor Sa-
gasta said:
In our recent negotiations with the
United States We have used friendly and
conciiatory language in explaining our
views. Respecting the matters in dispute
with regard to the Maine disaster, We said
We considered the question to be one for
diplomatic negotiation, and that If We and
the United States found it impossible to
come to an understanding on the conflicting
opinions of the American and Spanish COM
missions as to the cause Of the disaster,
they ought to be submitted to technical ex-
perts and to the arbitration of a naval or
other power, who might be selected by mu-
tual agreement between the two govern
ments.
''On the second point, we were able to In
form United States Minister Woodford
that Governor General Blanco had issued
q proclamation authorizing the return OF
the reconcentrados to their homes and that
the Spanish government had sent 9l20.O00
($60O,OOO) to the relief Of the dis
tressed Cubans and would devote to the
same object all the proceeds Of relief in
81. 900. .OOO, which has been sent by
Spanish resident in Mexico. These meas
ures are supplemented by the assist
ance already given by the Cuban autono-
mist government. We have never object
ed to relief being also sent by the United
States. on condition that 1t did not have
an official character or bear the appear
ance of Intervention.
I'VE did not object. in principle, to an
armistice to the Cuban insurgents. We
are, however, of opinion that it does not
beEoove Spain to take the initiative. and
that a suspension of hostilities ought to
be asked for by the insurgents. We sug-
gested that the United States government
might. if Spain SO inclined. exercise its in
huerce with the insurgents to induce them
to apply for an armistice with view to
furthering the ends Of peace. on the un-
derstanding. however, that the armistIce
would be destined to lead to the submis-
sion Of the insurgents to the new autono-
nous regime
"Senor Sagasta assured me that the Ques-
ton Of Independence OF Cuba or of the
sale of that colony or any invasion Of Span
ish rights was not mooted in the recent
negotiations. Alluding to the report that
Marshal Prim had intended In 1870 to sell
Cuba, Senior Sagasta said that such sug-
gestion was made by Marshal Prim to the
Americans, but was never accepted, and
that the parleying on the subject was only
kept up for some time to avoid increasing
the acute tension which then existed be-
tween the two countries.
'Senor Sagasta considers that since he
took Office in October last he has done
everything possible to satisfy the Cubans
and to preserve good relations with the
United States and that, consequently. no
responsibility for the present crisis, should
1t lead to rupture, should rest with Spain
He. however, does not believe that the last
Spanish memorandum closes the door to
further negotiations. Those who conduct
ed them, he said, had. on both Sides shown
disposition to promote cordial relations,
and he only apprehended trouble from the
pressure of the jingoes on the executive in
Washington.
''Senor Sagasta proceeded to say that his
government had addressed a memorandum
to the European powers, but had not off,
cially taken steps to solicit their interven-
ton He called my attention 20 the fact the
people and press OF Spain had shown pru-
dence, forbearance and patriotism during
the crisis. even the opposition having put
no obstacles in the way of the govern
ment. This, he said, led him to believe
that all classes would Cooperate in the
work of realizing peace in Cuba and facing
the contingencies OF the future. He spoke
throughout with the calm subdued energy
of a statesman alive to the eventualities of
the situation, and conscious he had done
his duty in endeavoring to avert war, with
out sacrificing the rights Of Spain in man
ner that would create equally grave con-
sequences at home.
II regret to say that some of the Madrid
papers show ill-humor against England for
not showing as much sympathy with Spain
in a q
governments, as well as the press. are sup
posed to do. The impartial to-day has
long and angry article denouncing England
as seeking an American alliance to make
up for her isolated position in Europe and
strengthen her position in the far East and
in China especially"
The Madrid correspondent Of the Times
says: "Spain's reply to the American pro-
posals is reported to have done little or
nothing toward relaxing the intentions Of
the United States. The chances Of an amic-
able settlement are more remote than ever
and mems minds are prepared for the
worst.
President Mckinley. we learn. may or
may not, send one sharp ultimatum as a
deruier resort. If he does. and the ulti-
matum requires the evacuation of Cuba
by the Spanish troops. everything goes to
show it may as well be left unwritten. If
tno WOTSI udppcHS II - oDSlouS tHdt 0pdln
will go to war with the firm conviction that
she worked from first to last in the legiti-
mate interests of peace, making every con-
cession fairly compatible with national dig
nifty.
1.-The nation, from the highest to the
lowest, believes it has done what it can
and what it should toward a pacific solu-
ton of the difficulty. More, it is unlikely
even to attempt, and unless European in
tervention of diplomatic but strongly
persuasive and influential description be
Immediately brought to bear there seems
no possibility of avertins war.
1.-THE message OF protest forwarded to |
the United States by the Cuban autonomist
government is felt to be by no means the |
direct inspiration Of that body and eyokes
but little comment. All attention Is CEN
tered on the mother country and its pros
pective antagonist. Outside the office of
Ell Heraldo is posted notice that says the |
pope will mediate between the United States |
and SPAIN"
The Madrid correspondent of the Daily
Mail, telegraphing Saturday, says:
Information has been received here to |
the effect that an alliance has been con-
cluded between England and America for
mutual action in the far East alone. AS a |
matter OF fact. such an alliance If concIud- |
ed, would influence considerably any con-
fict between America and Spain.
There Is also a report current that
France and other powers, including En-
gland, propose that the Cuban people them
selves should decide the Cuban problem
by plebiscite. Cuba being civilized coun-
try In this connection n pnau H. |