New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-05
PRICE THREE CENTS.
POWERS FOR MEDIATION
AN EXCHANGE OF NOTES BETWEEN THE
EUROPEAN CAPITALS.
A CABINET MEMBER SAYS THIS COUNTRY WILL
ACCEPT NO PROPOSAL THAT DOES NOT LEAD
TO INDEPENDENCE FOR CUBA-No


TO INDEPENDENCE FOR cUBA-No
FORMAL OFFER YET MADE
washington. April 4.-The two foremost
branches Of the Cuban question in Washington
to-day were the Presidents Message and Eu-
ropean mediation. which now has taken an
active form in the courts OF Europe according
to advices received at foreign embassies here
Members Of President McKinleys Cabinet and
MS friends in Congress declare that the Powers
must exercise their suasion on Spain for this
Government will insist on the independence Of
cuba as sine qua non. unless the insurgents
themselves should consent to less, and this they
nave hatly refused to do. Speaking on this mat.
ter one OF the Cabinet officers said to-day:
You can say for me that all the Powers OF
Europe and the heads Of all the churches may
propose mediation to Spain IL they DESIRE but
the United States will positively not listen to
mediation Of any kind that does not lead to the
acceptance Of our condition. which is the inde-
pendence OF Cuba"
Notwithstanding the many reports Of Eu-
ropean mediation they assumed their nrst
tangible form this afternoon, when at least two
Of the foreign legations in Washington received
official information that an exchange OF notes
between the great Powers now in progress
they could make a Joint proposal for media
ton. 1t Is evident that the exchange has not
yet been productive OF a common understand
ing as the Ambassadors and Ministers here
have not yet received instructions 10 initiate the
movement. The only information thus far Is
that the notes are passing by telegraph between
the capitals Of Europe.
IL had been understood that France and
Austria were most active In bringing about this
movement, and that Great Britain had held
aoof from IT,; but 1t developed to-day that the
British Government was also taking part In the
exchange. and that in of concerted action
by the Powers Great Britain probably would act
with the others.
What common grounds the Powers seek
ing to reach only be conJectured. The
Spanish Government seems to be hopeful OF re-
suits from this movement. and this inspired ad-
ditional ground for the belief that it will not
be regarded with favor by the United States.
The diplomats, however. think that II COM
mon understanding should be reached by the
great Powers of Europe such suggestions as
these combined Powers might make could not
be lightly set aside. The general view or the
diplomats is that the movement Is not so much
toward reconcng the United States apd Spain
as 1t IS TO preserve the peace Of the world by
combined action. SPANS policy In this matter
f. 70 urge the European Powers that II Cuba
were free from Spanish sovereignty. the next
move under the Monroe Doctrine would be TO
bring an end OF European control over other
West Indian possessions. Great Britain, France
and Denmark have interests In that Locality. IN
otHet IL was Sdiu eAe-' ei.S -
the Powers was more likely TO be eXerted on
Spain in urging her to the largest possible
measure OF concession.
Sir Julian Pauncefote. the British Ambas-
sador made a short call on Judge Day to-day.
1t is understood. however. that IL did not relate
TO the Cuban question, as the Ambassador has
not received instructions concerning mediation
or any course Of action.
Paris, April A semi-official denial has been
issued OF the report that Jules Cambon, French
Ambassador to the United States. had intimated
to the American Government that France would
not intervene unless asked TO do so by America.
The denial is significant in view OF the report
that the European governments are exchanging
notes.
1t is semi-offcially announced that the Pow
ers are continuing their earnest efforts 10 find
q common ground which they could jointly
offer mediation between the United States and
Spain