The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-02-16
Spain. Ii Is Believed, Will Accept Tn
Gle Sam as Mediator, and May Even
Part with Her Colony.
NO ADyICES FROM WOODFORD
DISAvOWAL OF DE LOME'S CRITICISM
EXPECTED FROM MADRID.
Spaniards Excited over Report that
Disgraced Minister at New York.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.

obctielA ~ the 3idldidItJilS
WASHINGTON, Feb. 1.-THE prediction
is heard on every hand these days that the
Cuban war will be over within the next
ninety days. The basis for this belief Is that
Spain will soon be in a mood to listen to
suggestions from President Mckinley look
ing to a settlement of the trouble with her
rebellious colony, and negotiations once
commenced the end viii be certain. The up
permost thought is that the communication
which the President will send to Congress
in response to yesterdays resolutions, VIII
open the eyes of Spain for the first time to
the utter hopelessness of her case IN Cuba
and lead her to a realization that she can
never again regain control of the island.
The next step. according to what is becom-
ing the underlying belief in well-informed
quarters, will be an agreement as to the
terms of the settlement, and i'll the negotia-
tons to that end the United States will be
expected to act the part of mediator, referee,
and, possibly, indorser for the good faith
Of all hands and also guarantOr in a sub
stantial way, on Cuban paper given in pay
ment for independence and the possession of
the island. What was vague speculation
along these lines short time ago is assum-
ing definite form in the popular mind as
events bring the climax nearer. No one
1OA 1llOluClll thai OPdliA WIZ SOi1AS "
this realization and act in accordance there
with without entering a mighty protest, and
perhaps making demonstration which will
brighten timid people into the settled con-
viction that we are the verge of war.
That would be the natural exhibition for
Spain to make as preliminary move look
ing to the obtaining of the highest price for
her real estate. The situation is tremulous
with excitement and a deep-seated feeling
that we are on the edge of big history MAX
ing.
Contrary to common expectation the Cab
met meeting to-day did not discuss the De
LONE letter in any aspect. The attendance
was SMALL and there was little business
transacted. Secretary Sherman. who is one
of the most regular attendants. was report
ed to be confined to his home by cold;
Secretary Alger is ut Fort Monroe con-
valescing from his severe illness; Secretary
Bliss is in New York, and Secretary Gage
in Chicago While there was no discussion
of relations with Spain, the members of the
Cabinet. one and all. are officially satisfied
with the situation and expect that advices
that are due from Madrid may bring news
of the ending of the De LONE episode in
manner that will be satisfactory 10 the
United States and Spain.
partment had no additional word from Min
ister Woodford. While there had been an
impression all day that a dispatch might be
received at any hour, the absence of mes
sage was not looked on as AN indication of
any change in the status of the incident,
which is now considered practically closed.
AS matters stand, the only further action
to be expected from Spain is d disaVoWal
of the sentiments expressed by Dupuy DE
LONE concerning President Mckinley, Dut
this if made will come as a voluntary
courtesy A definite announcement that this
has or has not been made is, in the ordl-
nary course of events, the next news eX-
pected from Madrid.
Some interest was aroused tonight by
the presence at the White House of several
members Of the Cabinet, among them being
Secretaries Lcng, Gary and Wilson, Attor-
ney. General Griggs and Assistant Secretary
of State Day The gathering was purely
social affair however, the President at the
Cabinet meeting to-day having asked such
members as were at liberty to meet his
guests, Mr. and Mrs. Herrick, at dinner.