America and Spain.

Manawatu Herald, 5 April 1898, Page 2

America and Spain.

The Cortes, or Spanish Parliament, has voted £120,000 for the relief of the victim 3of the Cuban rebellion. President McKinley's immediate proposals required that Spain should proclaim an armistice with Cuba until* October, America using the interval to make peace permanent ; the time also to be occupied in relieving aistresg in the island. Congress is waiting the result of the negotiations now proceeding. The French Ambassador ot Washington has intimated willingness of France to assist in averting war. Senor Sagasta, the Premier, states that he has written a reply to Presi dent McKinley. which has been handed to General Woodfort, the American Minister. He say 3he has done everything to preserve peace. Marine underwriters in New York are asking 50 per cent, increase in premiums. Spain's reply to President McKinley's proposals in reference to Cuba is of an indefinite character. The Spanish Government has bought Mr H. L. B. McCalmont's yacht Giralda. The price paid is £100,000. The vessel has a speed of 22 knots. A performance given in the Madrid Opera House in aid of the National fund for strengthening the Navy netted £140,000. The Queen-Regent, and members of the CJabinet were present in boxes, for which they paid £5000 each. Congress has adjourned till Mon day in order to obtain the final answer. The Spanish Premier's reply resents, interference, and insists that the insurgents shall request an armistice, and proposes to confine the peace arrangements to the Cuban Parliament meeting in May. It signifies a preparedness to accepfc the proferred American assistance of 3,000,000 pesetas, which is to be granted to enable tb.B residents to resume their ordinary occupations. Reports from Madrid state that Spain will refuso to make further concessions. The Times states that President McKialey : s rnes3age on Monday will decide whether there is to ba p^ace or war. He will be able to throw in his weight for peace if Spain offers a reasonable compromise. News from Madrid, however, discourages thi~ hope. Some of the Powers are strongly pressing the Queen Regent and the Cibin^t to grant an immediate armistic to the Cuban insurgents.