He absolutely denied that there was any talk of war, and General Woodford, on his part, declared that war would not be thought of until every other means had been tried.
Spain's troubles are increasing daily, and it seems more than likely that she will be willing to accept our friendly intervention, and allow the cruel and expensive war in Cuba to cease.
The report that more troops are to be sent to the island has been confirmed, but it is now said that only 6,000 will be sent, instead of the 27,000 promised.
The reason for this is that Spain is having trouble in raising money. Money she must have, as her treasury is empty, and the enormous expenses of the war still continue.
The new government that was formed after the death of Canovas does not seem to have the strength to deal with the situation. It is constantly rumored that it is about to resign, and that Señor Sagasta, who has such liberal views about Cuba, is to be called to form a new government.
While things are in this state of uncertainty and public confidence is thus shaken, it is but natural that the financiers should be unwilling to loan Spain more money, lest they should not get it back.
To add to the uncertainty it is rumored abroad that there is to be an immediate attempt by the Carlists to overthrow the Government and seize the throne of Spain.
The poor Queen Regent is much worried with all this trouble. The loss of Canovas at the most critical moment of the Cuban war seems to have taken away all her courage, and it is said that she is very unhappy, and is constantly weeping over her boy, the young King Alphonso, for the poor mother fears she may not be strong enough to hold the crown of Spain for him.
There is a story that in her distress the Queen Regent has sent a personal message to Don Carlos, begging him not to begin a civil war at a moment when Spain has so many other enemies to fight.
A civil war is a war carried on between citizens of the same country.