Mr. Woodford to Mr. Day.
Madrid, April 6, 1898.
Sir: In continuation of my dispatch of this date, No. 210, I have the honor to report that I have this afternoon at 6 o’clock sent to the Spanish ministers, who are now in conference, and by the hands of the secretary of this legation, an official note reading as follows:
Madrid, April 6, 1898.
No. 98.]
Excellency.
My Dear Sir: I had hoped to be officially informed before 12 o’clock noon of this day that His Majesty’s Government had proclaimed definite suspension of hostilities in the island of Cuba.
The President of the United States has this afternoon transmitted to the American Congress a message covering the entire Cuban question, with such recommendations as he has deemed necessary and expedient. The repose and welfare of the American people require the restoration of peace and stable government in Cuba. If armistice had been offered by the Government of Spain the President would have communicated that fact to Congress. He has recounted the conditions in Cuba, the injurious effect upon our people, the character and conditions of the conflict, and the hopelessness of the strife. He has not advised the recognition of the independence of the insurgents, but has recommended measures looking to the cessation of hostilities, restoration of the peace, and stability of government in the island. He has done this in the-interests of humanity and for the safety and tranquillity of the United States.
Should His Majesty’s Government arrive this day at final decision with regard to an armistice, I will telegraph the text of the same to my Government, should I receive it before 12 o’clock to-night. It will thus reach the President to-morrow (Thursday) morning in time to be communicated by him to Congress to-morrow (Thursday).
With a sorrow deeper than I can express, I regret that His Majesty’s Government has not yet communicated to me its purpose to proclaim an immediate and effective armistice or suspension of hostilities in Cuba, lasting for a sufficient length of time to enable passions to cease and obtain permanent and honorable peace in Cuba, with the text of such proclamation.
I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to your excellency the assurances of my most distinguished consideration.
Stewart L. Woodford.
To His Excellency Pio Gullon, Secretary of State.
Should I get any response to this note to the Spanish Government to-night, I will telegraph same to you.
Very respectfully, yours,