The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-13
No Evidence Yet that the Insurgents
Intend to Accept the Offer
and Cease HOstilities.
SPANISH CONSUL ALARMED
FLED FROM KEY WEST TO TAMPA,
OWING TO ALLEGED THREATS.
Consul Brice and Other Refugees at
New YGrk-Situat ton at Havana
and Comments of the Press.

phase of the Spanish situation is in statu
quo. There are no new negotiations, and no
further developments in the old ones. 1t is
the expectation that this status will con-
tinue for the present, at least, while Con-
gress considers the subject A definite un-
Outstanding has been reached by the repre-
sentatives of the sikh great powers of Eu-
rope that no additional action from that
quarter would be opportune at this time.
This is not the result of any meeting of the
ambassadors and ministers, for they have
not met in body since the Presidents mes
sage went to Congress, but their personal
exchanges have been productive of a COM
mon understanding and their advices sent
to the capitals of Europe is that the present
situation calls for no further movement by
the powers.
The armistice has gene into effect in Gu
ba, but UP to late hour to-day no word
had come as to the attitude of the insur
gents. If they accept it the solution APP
pears to be simple. If they do not accept
it the expectation of the Spanish govern
ment is that this will be made manifest
within the next few days by continued hos
tilities by the forces of Gomez and others.
If the Spanish troops are attacked while in
garrison, they will defend themselves and
sive. In granting the aImistice, it is known
that the Spanish military authority did so
as tender to the insurgents for mutual
cessation Of hostilites, but it is viewed as
being a mutual understanding so that if
the insurgents do not accept the tender it
is understood that it will not continue TO
operate as a. means of keeping the Spanish
troops passive while under fire.
1t developed to-day that General Blanco's
proclamation of armistice specifically stated
that it was yielded at the solicitation of the
Pope and of the great powers of Europe.
The text of the proclamation made aVaila-
BILE yesterday, referred to the Pope, but
omitted the great powers of Europe. The
text was given, however, exactly as re-
ceived. 1t had the effect of creating some
feeling among the representatives of the
six powers, as it was thought to be surpris-
ing that General Blanco omitted all refer
ence to the influences the powers had joint
ly exerted, which influences were decisive
in bringing the final rsult. This led to the
development that General Blanco's proca-
nation in fact had specified the influences
of the great powers, we'll as those of the
Pope, and that the omission was through
inadvertence. General Blanco's language is
regarded as significant in two respects:
First, in showing that Spain yielded to the
great powers and the Pope and, second.
that the United States not included in
the influences which brought about the con-
cession.
Word reached here to-day that the Span
ish consul at Key West had retired from
the consulate there, because of threats said
to have been made against his life. This is
the first removal of Spanish official in the
fa1 tafa Of In coof
trouble. The consul at Key West reported
the circumstances in his care to the Spanish
minister at Washington and said the feeling
extended beyond the consul, and included
those Spaniards at Key West who support
ed the home government. AS a result the
consul and number of Spaniards who have
been living there have removed to Tampa,
where, it is said, their safety is better as
sured.
The Spanish minister, Senior Polo, feels
that his prediction Of more hopeful turn
in affairs has been verified, and there are
no signs of impending departure of the min
lister and his staff. He made specific deniaIs
to-day of two published reports. One of
these was to the effect that he had recently
asked an audience at the State Department
to submit certain new propositions, and
that considerable trouble had arisen over
the request, the audience at first being de-
MED and subsequently certain notes being
withdrawn. Senior Polo requested that the
statement be made that he had asked for no
such audience; that 1t had not been denied,
and that the withdrawal of notes as report
ed had not in fact occurred. The minister
also desired a denial of the published state
ment that he had been in conference with
those representing the plan for the pur-
chase of Cuba. He says he has never in his
life seen Colonel McCoolz, who is understood
to be at the head of this purchase plan.