The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-04-01
CUBAN INDEPENDENCE
THE VITAL QUESTION.
Impression That This Country
Will He Satisfied With Less.

Inpression That This Country
Will he Satisfied with Less.
WASHINGTON. March N-A feeling Of
profound anxiety was apparent throughout
all official circles today. as the time for
SPANS final answer to the specific repre-
sensations Of the United States draws
near. The state department has received
cablegram from Minister woodford at
Madrid expressing In = general way his
hopefulness that q solution will be effect
ed. and stating that his interview with
Premier Sagasta and the ministry was set
for O'Clock this afternoon. following the
cabinet council at noon.
It Is difficult to account for the differ
ence at the two capitals on the most vital
feature Of the negotiations. There is no
doubt that the authorities here regard the
immediate cessation OF hostilities on such
conditions as will bring about the independ-
ence Of Cuba as the essential features to
be considered. There may be some differ
ence as to how or when these results are
to be reached. but there appears to be no
doubt that the results are expected in this
country az the ultimate end of any nego-
tiatlonA
The understanding at Madrid as convey
ed by cable dispatches and from other high
sources. u that the actual independence OF
Cuba Is not involved in the present nego-
tiations.
How far Spain will aecede to the Amer
lean propositions can only be conjectured.
Gen. Woodford's dispatch il the most
hopeful Indication, and this may relate
to features Of the settlement less ad-
vanced than those generally understood
here az the requirements suitable to the
case. IL the complete independence OF
Cuba has been presented and insisted upon
by the United States government. there
is reason to believe that the situation may
become extremely grave.
On the other questions involved, the ces-
sation Of hostilities and the relief OF the
reconcentrados. the outlook is much more
hopeful. The dispatches received by the
Spanish legation last night stating tina:
the reconcentrado decree had been revoked
In the eastern provinces OF Cuba. Is looked
upon as a significant step IN the direction
OF the demands made by the United States.
and the order issued by Gen. Blanco ex-
tending It to Havana and the western
provinces is an even more significant fact.
AS to the cessation OF hostili;ies. there
are evidences that this also may be
favorably regarded by Spain. The only
difficulty in the way appears to be that
the Spanish government. does not wish
TO lay down arms while at the same time
the insurgents continue in arms. There
is no doubt that this branch Of the prop
ositioE Is being very seriously considered
at Madrid.
Among the callers at the state depart
ment, this being diplomatic day. were the
German ambassador. the Austrian min
lister. the Venezuelan minister and Mr.
Macarthur. secretary OF the United States
legation at Madrid. who has just arrived
irons Spain The presence OF the Austrian
minister. Mr.. Won Hengervar. was OF more
than passing interest owing to the close
relations between Spain and Austria. and
the reports from Vienna that the Aus
TRAN minister In Washington was in
structed to aid in any movement made by
France toward mediation. Mr.. Won
Hengervar saw both Secretary Sherman
and Secretary Day. The department Of
ficials were reticent as to the purpose OF
his cali. II is not believed. however. that
any European power has taken steps to-
ward mediation. though 1t is even appre-
hended at any tine.
The French ambassador, NJ. CANTON,
was not among ,oday's callers at the state
department SO that it was apparent that
France had not yet determined to make
the first overtures for mediation.
Among the leading diplomats the usual
course OF mediation Is being seriously dis
cussed. on the presumption that II will
become an actual factor in the situation.
X war crisis develops within the next
few days. A member Of the corps said
today that mediation might precede a
declaration OF war. and that IL the great
powers took any action II would follow
quickly when 1t became apparent, as the
result OF SPANS reply. that an inevitable