In 1896 it was known that the Ameer had already manufactured enough breech-loading rifles to give arms to fifty thousand soldiers. It is uncertain what became of this store, but it was supposed that they were being kept for the Afghanistan troops. Now the English are wondering whether the Ameer has not been quietly supplying their enemies with weapons and ammunition.
The latest reports from the seat of war state that the tribesmen are offering a determined resistance to the English advance, and from all one hears some serious work lies before the British army in India.
Spain's answer to President McKinley has been cabled over to us. The text of the letter has not been made public yet, but one of our newspapers has cabled a statement from Madrid telling us what it is all about. This statement has been confirmed by Señor Dupuy de Lôme, the Spanish Minister in Washington, and so we may have confidence in it.
It would appear that the answer was discussed at a cabinet meeting in Madrid on Sunday; a draft of the answer was then prepared and sent to the Queen, who immediately gave her consent.
The tone of the answer shows that the present ministry of Spain is anxious to keep on the best of terms with the United States, and does not want a war with us any more than we do with them.
The answer is said to call the attention of the United States to the fact that since the note was presented by General Woodford to the Duke of Tetuan, there has been a complete change in the Spanish Government, and that the present ministry has decided to alter the policy of Spain in regard to Cuba, and give the island a form of government that cannot fail to meet with the approval of the United States.
According to this statement, which, as we have said, Señor de Lôme declares to be correct, Spain says that she is now making an honest effort to win back the friendship of her Cuban subjects, and as a proof of this has recalled General Weyler, and sent out in his stead a man who is charged to take all the necessary steps toward providing Cuba with liberal Home Rule.
The friendly offices of the United States will be asked to assist Spain in restoring peace and contentment in Cuba.
The note goes on to add that while the Spanish Government does not hold us responsible for all the filibustering that has been done, it will ask us to do all in our power to prevent any more expeditions from leaving our shores.