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