The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1898-03-31

Washington, March SO.-The vital
point in the Cuban situation, viz, indie
pendence, has shifted itself from Wash
ington to Madrid. where the Spanish
government is now giving grave and
earnest consideration to propositions
presented by the government of the
United States
On the answer TO these propositions
probably depends the future course of
the relations between Spain and the
United States. 1t is believed that it is
now but a question of an exceedingly
short time before the inevitable crisis
must come. The Spanish ministry viii
hold a cabinet council tomorrow, after
the propositions have been submitted
to the queen regent, and as result of
that conference it 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 hOstilities in Cuba, the re-
turn of the reconcentradOs 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 a substan-
tial sum for its freedom from Spanish
rule.
These propositions take a wide scope,
and there are many details in the al
tentative propositions. the purpose be-
ing to present every possible plan prom
ising a solution of the Cuban problem
so long as an end of the Cuban war
and Cuban independence were embodied
in the ultimate result.
YES OR NO..
1t has been made perfectly clear to
Spain that nothing less than a close of
the war and the independence of the
island will suffice as an adequate set
tlement Such lesser methods as have
been contemplated from time ito time
are now put aside for those more ad-
vanced and positive positions. 1t is now
for Spain to accept of reject these ten
ders-
There is no disposition to urge one
rather than another so long as the
conclusion finally reached brings the
termination of the war and Cuban in
dependence.
Never before now has the Spanish
government even for a moment enter
tanned such propositions. Now, IN the
stress of the present emergency, with
declarations of war introduced in the
American congress. Spain has reluc-
tantly consented to consider them This
in itself has given lively hope of salts
factory results. But it involves grave
crisis in Spain, and it cannot be fore
told what the final alton at Madrid VIII
be. Until today it was believed that
Spain would Indignantly reject a prop
osition involving the independence of
Cuba, or American intervention, or the
disappearance of the Spanish flag from
the island. either through purchase by
the Cubans or otherwise. There was the
best of reason for the official belief
that as between peace and war on these
propositions. Spain would choose war,
but more hope apparently is entertained
here of Spain being in a yielding mood,
as the American plans for solution are
being carefully weighed with a view to
a general decision. As stated. that an
swer is stated to be believed to be only
a question of perhaps two or three
days.
THIS WEEK WILL TELL
When it is received. the future course
of this government will be determined
II is the view of the administration
that the present week will shape the
| policy of the future, whether 1t is TO be
! enc OF peace or one of war.
Naturally this critical juncture has
occasioned the greatest interest mere,
| coIpled with no little excitement, as
word was passed about that the last
! stage in the negotiations with Spain
was reached.
Many representative men of congress.
senators and representatives. called at
| the White House and conferred with
the president. To the leaders in con-
gress he stated that definite results
were expected from Madrid by Friday
This served to allay the intense feel
ing which had been manifested in con-
gress. and through the influence of the
! leaders, the radical action by the SEN
| ate and house was for the time being
! deferred.
At the capitol excitement was I'M
abated. The meeting of the senate COM
mittee on foreign relations occasloned a
! great deal of interest, because of the
many warlike resolutions which were
/ introduced yesterday and referred to
| that committee. On the house side
there was an intensity of feeling
SOMETHING DEFINITE TOMOR-
ROW
After the vote on the Bailey resolu-
ton, many Republicans went to the
| White House to confer with the presi-
| dent, and to express to him their hope
that something might be promised
which would relieve the strained situa-
| ton. The assurance of the president
was given to these members that by
! Friday night, at the latest, something
definite could be expected.
The senate committee had an AFTER
noon session, at which Captain Brad
| ford. chief of the bureau of equipment
of the navy, presented his knowledge
/ of the relative strength of the Spanish
| and United States navies. This proved
only Incidental TO the main subject un-
| der discussion. which was the value of
! the island of st. Thomas. or some other
point in the West Indies, for a naval
| station.
The situation at the capitol is one
of waiting expectancy. Senators and
representatives are willing TO give the
president an opportunity to carry out
his plans. but there is impotence to
have these plans. and many say they
/ will not delay action too long