The President has received Mr. Calhoun's report, and from the statements which this gentleman made on his return it would seem impossible any longer to deny that actual warfare is being carried on in Cuba.
When Mr. Calhoun was questioned on the subject, he replied:
"War is going on in the island. True, no great battles are being fought, no Gettysburgs or Chickamaugas, but there is war nevertheless."
He was asked if he thought the war would soon be over. He said he could not form any idea about it; all he knew was that a very cruel war was going on, and that both sides were doing their best to ruin the country.
Some people who profess to know say that any action taken by the United States will be in the line of home rule for Cuba. The President questioned Mr. Calhoun very closely as to the possibility of the Cubans accepting home rule, and Mr. Calhoun replied that he thought the Cubans generally would be in favor of such a measure.
Spain is thought to be willing to agree to some arrangement of this character. The rebellion in Cuba is costing her between eight and ten million dollars a month, and it is supposed that she will be willing to get out of her difficulties if she can find a way.
The stumbling-block in the way of home rule is that there has been created a debt of many million dollars as a result of the war. If Spain does not make the payment of this enormous sum of money by Cuba the condition of granting home rule, the matter may soon be arranged. Should Spain insist on the payment of this money, Cuba will have to fight until the end, for it is quite impossible for her to meet any such demand.
There are reports that General Weyler will be recalled to Spain. Some say that he has already been ordered home; others that he has sent in his resignation, but that the Queen Regent will not accept it until she sees what the United States is going to do. If trouble should come with this country she will probably keep Weyler in Cuba.
There is now a very strong party in Madrid which demands the removal of Weyler.
There was some excitement when the news reached this country that Gen. Rius Rivera was to be shot. The news came from Havana, and roused a storm of indignant protests against such a shameful practice as shooting a prisoner of war.