A number of Spanish war-ships have been sent to Cuban waters. It is said
that they are there to help moor the floating dock in some place of
safety until it can be brought into Havana Bay.

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