The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-04-10

WASHINGTON, April 8 Today
brought no change in the Spanish stu
alton. and save for unconfirmed re-
ports that the queen regent of Spain
was about to issue a decree of armis-
tice. 1t was the most uneventful since
the present crisis began, and opinion
has almost settled into conviction that
hostilities must certainly follow very
soon.
That an armistice would change the
situation is regarded now as improb-
able There is no doubt that the Span
ish government is seriously consider
ing the granting of complete armls-
tice and ample relief TO the reconcen-
trados. With such relief cooperation
from the United States as this govern
ment may see fit to extend. The propo-
sition has been pending for the last
four days. being vigorously urged by
one element in the ministry and fiercely
resisted by another element.
Some of the continental powers have
cast. their influence in behalf of the
armistice. but an actual decision by
the ministry, or the issuance OF a de-
cree has not resulted. so far as known
here. When the officials of the state
department left DIT 4 O'Clock they had
received no notitica ton that, an arms
tice was determined upon or was near
at hand. The Spanish minister. was
also without information.
Message Monday.
The president and his advisers pro-
Ceeded today on the plans heretofore
determined upon. The message. will be
sent to congress on Monday and will be
accompanied by the voluminous reports
of United States cOnsuls stationed in
Cuba. which have been accommodating
for many months :.
During the day the president con-
1t-ith number of OOpr2SSlOnal
leaders as to the form of the resolution
to be passed by congress following the
presentation of his message. 1t Is now
practically decided to separate inter-
vention and independence. A resolu-
ton will be passed speedily confined to
simple intervention. leaving the ques-
ton of independence to be determined
by subsequent action of congress. This
is in accordance with the president
expressed desire. =. =.
Sir Julian Pauncefote called at the
state department late in the day and
this led to conjecture that the powers
of Europe were contemplating another
move 1t can be stated positively,
however, that the visit of the British
ambassador had no reference to the
action of the powers or to the Spanish
situation.
The powers have taken their action,
so far as the United States is con-
pated from that quarter.
No Armfsttce.
Mr. Quesada, the diplomatic repre-
sentative of the Cuban insurgents in
this city, was seen this afternoon with
regard to the constantly reiterated re-
pert from Madrid that the queen re-
gent might issue an armistice procla-
nation.
1t is useless for u.s. said Mr.. QUE
sada, Ito reiterate again for the thou
sandth time that we will not accept
an armistice and give up the adVan-
tages we naturally possess in the rainy
season. We understand perfectly that
Spain seeks only delay. We shall have |
nothing but independence.
LAS a matter of fact. an armistice is
a suspension of hostilities to be ar
ranged by the opposing generals. Gen. |
Blanco and Gen. Gomez would have |
to agree to an armistice. Does any |
one think Gen. Gomez would agree to
suspend hOstilitieS just as we are
about to win the great boon for which
our people have fought and struggled
so long? Besides. who Is to take the
proposition for an armistice to Gen.
Gomez? The constitution of the Gu
ban republic and the civil law abso-
lutely forbid the general-in- chief, I'M
der penalty of death, to entertain or
receive any offer from the Spanish
lines. unless it has for its basis the
absolute independence of Cuba. Who
is to carry the offer? The fate of Ruiz
is warning of the fate which would
await such an envoy
Mr.. Quesada has a letter from Gen. |
Gomez. under date of March 9, which |
shows how hopeful he is of success, |
and how. even then, he spoke of the ut |
ter futility of attempting negotiations
with Spain. A portion of the letter is
as follows:
Gomez Determined.
This province Santa Cara as we'll as
Santiago de Cuba and Puerto Principe is
ours. The enemy has departed, ceasing mill
itary operations and abandoning the garri-
sons and forts, which constituted its base
Of operations. Days, weeks and months
pass without column of troops appearing
within our radius of action, which is of
many leagues. In the conditions in which
we 1t is my opinion that all we need
to end the quickly is cannon-cannon
and great deal of dynamite-so that we can
expel them by fire and stee, from the towns.
Notwithstanding the opinion of the opti-
msts. l adhere to the idea that we will
never make Spain come to terms but in
that manner. and in that it Is a loss Of