Mr. Woodford to Mr. Sherman.
Madrid, December 7, 1897.
Sir: I have to-day received your dispatch by telegraph in cipher, which I translate as follows:
Washington, December 6, 1897.
Woodford, Minister, Madrid:
The President’s message sent in at noon to-day recognizes a change of policy needing reasonable time to develop effects, and without committing the United States to adoption or sanction awaits events of the near future; dwells on the cruel policy of late commander, which present Government is pledged to reverse, relieving the concentrados and conducting humane warfare; reviews the alternatives of action open to this Government, and concludes that the situation does not call for recognition of belligerency on the merits of the contest itself, especially under present altered conditions; for same reasons consideration of any form of present intervention is set aside; quotes largely from Grant’s message of ’75 as to performance of international duties of neutrality, and insists that this Government has fulfilled all obligations. A copy is given to minister of Spain, who will telegraph his Government full abstract.
Sherman.
I had full interview with secretary of state and secretary of colonies on Sunday evening; also with secretary of state last evening and this afternoon.
Sunday evening the secretaries suggested that I withhold my formal answer to the Spanish note of October 23 until after the receipt and publication of the President’s message to Congress, and this I conceded cheerfully, believing that it is wise to harmonize my conduct with their wishes in all matters that are purely formal and unessential. The Spanish minister of state is greatly gratified with the generous tenor of the President’s message, and to-day authorized me to express this gratification to my Government.
I have, etc.,