The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-03-27
PEACE STILL POSSIBLE.
Plan 10 Avert War to Be Sent
Spain by President.
REJECTION MEANS A ROW.
Proposal Will Make Cuba Prac-
tiCaIly Free.
MAINE INDEMNITY MONEY
Adjustment to Be Deferred to a
Quister Period.

Washington, March 2e.-Presldent Nc
Kinley talked freely with his congressional
visitors to-day both in regard to his plans
for the future and his appreciation. of the
situation with reference to Cuba. His
programme as thus outlined is as follows:
To send the report of the Maine court of
inquiry to Congress on Monday without
recommendations and without explanation
on his part further than to say that he has
acquainted Spain with the finding of the
court; to follow this Tuesday or Wednes-
day with a message dealing with the con-
dition of the noE-combatants in Cuba, and
asking for an appropriation of $50O,O0O for
their Immediate relief; to present anew
this condition to Spain, ask that country
to make provision for the care of her own
helpless people and to come to some terms
with the Cubans which will be satisfactory
to them and put an end to the war. This
failing, TO forcibly intervene on humanita-
rian grounds.
The President indicated to his callers an
ABIDING faith that peace still may be pre-
served and a determination on his part to
accomplish that end If it may be done with
honor to our own country and without dis
regard for the demands of humanity.
He frankly and repeatedly averred to-
day his desire to prevent conflict, while
at the same time indicating a firm pur-
pose to secure relief for the starving re-
concentradoes. Indeed, the latter purpose
appeared to be the topic uppermost in the
Presidents mind.
He dwelt upon the fact that the recog-
milton of belligerent rights or of independ-
ence would not be of any material service
TO these unfortunates He admitted that
such action might be of assistance to the
men at arms the insurgent army, but they,
he said, have shown a capacity to take care
of themselves and do not stand in pressing
need Of our kind offices.
The President believes Spain will inter-
pose no obstacles to our sending succor to
her INDECENT people, and he will ask Con-
gress to act promptly that the aid to be
given may not arrive too late to relieve the
present pressing necessity. This done, the
President is hopeful that Congress will re-
main quiet while the executive branch of
the government continues its effort to Sc
cure a peaceful settlement of the Difficult
ty. He thinks it not too late to do this, and
he made the assertion to-day that Spain
was willing to meet the United Safes half
way in adjusting the ENHANCEMENT without
going to blows.
He referred only casually to the sailing
OF the Spanish torpedo fleet leaving the
impression on his visitors that he consid-
cred that so far in this matter Spain is
aclng within the bounds of her own rights
and that no just complaint can yet be
made by this country in regard to this
course,
Tie did not enter into details regarding
the proposition he may make or may have
made to Spain, for undoubtedly some are
now pending, but he left the impression
That he would be satisfied with no settle
ment that would not give the Cubans a
very liberal form of government. He ad-
matted frankly that autonomy had proved
failure, and expressed the opinion that it
would be as difficult to satisfy the Ameri-
cans with any settlement that might be
made as it would be to satisfy the Cubans
themselves.
re reasserted the possibility of securing
On asreement on the part of Spain to allow
CUBA to conduct her own affairs with abb
S''u'e freedom except that the island
should be required to pay the mother coun-
"y a specified sum in the way of tribute
every year out of her revenues, seeming to
'Aink that this would form basis upon
winch both Spain and the Cubans could
'Slee without the sacrifice of too much
PRIDE on either side.
-4' Mckinley reverted often in his con-
''alonS to mis- desire to maintain peace,
1 0Welt upon the fact that war meant
'o' only the loss of life and property, but
SH1l it also would injure our commerce,
'7'urD business conditions generally, In
-Sdse our public debt, add TO our pension
~" ana result in many ways to our dis
'Yyantage and distress
ne also made it clear that whatever
eo1rse he might pursue in the future he
"oud not at present demand any indem-
.| at the hands of Spain for the loss of
| Maine, preferring TO leave that mat
Period
me President also spoke of possible COM
'yauons with other nations, but did not
''llest any uneasiness on this score.