CONDENSED CABLEGRAMS.

Manawatu Herald, 14 April 1898, Page 2

CONDENSED CABLEGRAMS.

America and Spain. , The inhabitants of the United States greatly appreciate the tact displayed by Sir Julian Pauncefote, British Ambassador, iu drafting Ihe recent appeal by the repreaentives of i he Powers to President McKinley in favour of peace. It is considered thai; the document wa3 couched in such term 3 that assistance was given to Mr Kinley's efforts to maintain peaca without offending the susceptibilities of the public. The United States navy h exhibiting extreme impatience on account of the Maine episode remaining unavenged. The Government is providing free transport for a larga number of citizens who are leaving Havannah for Florida. Mr E. J. Phelps, formerly United States Minister in Berlin states that the rebellion in Cuba would long since have snded if the United States had not supported the in aurgents. He expresses the opinion there would be deplorable political consequences if annexation were attempted to displace government by Spain. ' President McKinley's friends state that there will be no delay in sending a Presidential message to Congress on account of the granting of tho armistice, aud that the policy of intervention will not be interfered with. On the other hand, it is alleged that the Jingoes in Congress desire tho independence of Cuba, while a powerful party object to independence on the ground that it would create a second Hayti. The Cuban Junta derides the armistice. The Anti-Dynastic Party in Mid rid are prompting discontent. The Governor of the city consequently has prohibited all meetings. Lieutenant-General Correa, Minister of War, and Rear-Admiral Bermejo, Minister of Marine, at first strenuously opposed granting an armistice to the Cuban rebels, complaining against the disparag. monfc of Spanish arms. The Russian Ambassador, rep'ying to this, said the valour of Spain was beyond diepute. The Cabinet finally was unanimous. Mr Smalley, the New York cirres pondent of the Times, states tb.it, Mr Woodford, the American Minister at

Madrid, still believes that peace is probable. OUTLOOK BAD The Times states; that General Blanco, commander of the Spanish army in Cuba, has received instruc- ' tions that the length of the truce with the insurgent rests upon his discretion. The Spaniards in Chili have sub« scribed 1,000,000d0l hv the equip* ment of privateering vessels. The United States newspapers declare themselves generally in favour of the absolute lndep&aduice of Cuba, and express dissatisfaction with the armistice. Two thousand residents at the United States naval coaling station at Key West, Florida, have left for Cuba in vessels of the United Stages squadron. The squadron left at full speed. Gomez, leader of the Cuban insurgents, says that Spain would doubtless like an armistice during the rainy season. The question of the authorisation of the President to employ force to terminate the hostilities and secure stable government of the island ha? been referred to the Foreign Relations Committee. Spain re-offers to submit the question of the Maine disaster to experts to be appointed by the martime Powers. The Spanish Senate elections resulted in a Ministerial majority of over 100. THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE. President McKinley's Message assigns the following reasons for forcible intervention in the affairs of Cuba: —Firstly, in the cause of humanity we must stop the barbarities and hopeles3 sacrifice of life afc oui* doors ; secondly, we must terminate the conditions which are depriving American residents of their legal protection ; thirdly, on the ground of serious injury to commerce and insecurity of property ; fourthly, the constant menace to peace, involving enormous expense in maintaining the military and navy on a semi'war footing, the destruction of the Maine being impressive proof that Spain is unable to assure the safety of American vessels rightfully there on a peaceful errand. The Message directs the attention of Congress to the authority conferred on General Blanco to proclaim an armistice, the duration of whicb is unstated. If this measure is successful the Message says the American aspiration? will be realised. If it fails it will justify her coutem* plated action.