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Page 6
The dock, however, has not yet arrived in Cuba, and it is whispered that
the real object of the visit of these ships is to be in readiness in
case war is declared between the United States and Spain.
The Spaniards are very angry with us just now, and the Madrid papers
publish statements which assert that there is no possibility of avoiding
the war.
They think that we sympathize with the Cubans, and would be so glad to
see Cuba free that we are helping the insurgents to defy them.
They will not believe that General Woodford's mission to Spain is
peaceful and kindly meant. In spite of the statement made by the Duke
of Tetuan about the friendliness of the meeting, the Madrid papers
insist that the United States sent an ultimatum to Spain, which means
that she sent a message, that either the war must be immediately brought
to a close, or we would fight her.
There are rumors that Austria will join with Spain, in case such a war
should break out. The Queen Regent was an Austrian princess before she
became Queen of Spain, and therefore the Spaniards think that Austria
would be certain to help them.
There is little foundation for all this wild talk. We do not want a war
with Spain, nor, for the matter of that, with any other nation. We would
prefer to live in peace with all men. We cannot, however, see the
struggle in Cuba without suffering grief and pain, and trying to do what
we can to bring it to an end.
Both President McKinley and President Cleveland were most careful to
keep on good terms with Spain, and the mission of General Woodford has
been undertaken with the desire of being helpful to both Cuba and Spain.
All our friendship for one party or the other cannot blind us to the
fact that Spain is losing ground in Cuba.
Despite our care, and the watchfulness of the gunboats stationed along
the coast, expeditions are constantly leaving our shores and taking
supplies to the rebels from their friends over here. The cause seems
stronger than ever, and it seems merely a waste of men and money to
prolong the struggle.
Our President, understanding this, and seeing how Spain is harassed in
other ways with the Carlists, and the Government, and the war in the
Philippine Islands, thinks this is a good time to try and make peace.
It is quite sure that General Woodford has said nothing to anger Spain,
but it has not been thought advisable to publish the note which he
presented, and so it is not possible to tell you just what he did say.
It is supposed, however, that the note contained an offer to make peace
between the combatants on the ground of the purchase of Cuba by the
Cubans, the United States to guarantee the payment of the sum of money
agreed upon.
General Woodford has cabled to the State Department asking permission to
publish the contents of the note he gave the Duke of Tetuan.
The President is considering the matter, and will probably call a
Cabinet council to discuss it before anything is decided.
In the mean time, the Spanish are in such an excited state that the
Government of Spain fears for the safety of our minister. A special
guard was therefore ordered to accompany him from San Sebastian to
Madrid.
On his arrival at Madrid, the guard, which had travelled with him on the
train, again took him in charge, and conducted him safely to the
American legation.
It is to be hoped that this angry feeling will soon subside, and that
the Spaniards may allow the United States to show that her only wish in
the matter of Cuba is to do what is just and right for all parties
concerned.
The resignation of the Spanish ministry will of course delay the answer
to our letter, as it would be wrong for the Government to press for an
answer while affairs are so unsettled in Spain.
* * * * *
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