Mr. Woodford to Mr. Day.
Madrid, April 2, 1898.
Sir: I have the honor to report that I have just telegraphed you, in cipher, as follows:
Madrid, April 2, 1898.
Assistant Secretary Day, Washington:
Tuesday, March 29, I telegraphed to the President, being my personal No. 60. I embodied that telegram in my official dispatch to the Department of State, No. 195, dated March 30.
I telegraphed Spanish propositions in full on Thursday, March 31.
[Page 731]I telegraphed on Friday, April 1, my statement in full as made to Spanish ministers on March 29.
After most careful reflection I can not consider these Spanish propositions as satisfactory to the United States or just to Cuba. In view of my assurances, as given in my personal telegram No. 60 to the President, it becomes my duty to make this official statement.
Saturday, 5 p.m.
Woodford.
I have worked hard for peace. I am hoping against hope, and still I can not bring myself to the final belief that in these closing years of the nineteenth century Spain will finally refuse, on a mere question of punctilio, to offer immediate and effective armistice.
I still believe that immediate armistice will secure permanent and honorable peace with justice to Cuba and sure protection to our great American interests in that island. Men will not reason when their passions are inflamed. So long as they are fighting they will not negotiate. When they stop fighting they will begin to reason. Negotiations will follow and peace will come. If arms are now laid down on both sides they will not be taken up again.
Very respectfully, yours,