the United States to interfere in her private affairs, and the
ambassador will be politely but firmly requested to mind his own
business.

Every one is most anxious to learn just what General Woodford's mission
is, and how Spain will receive it.

In the mean while many people are wondering why Spain has suddenly
become so averse to parting with her colonies. Many times in the last
century she has ceded and sold them, and it seems strange that she
should be unwilling to let Cuba purchase her freedom when it is the
easiest way out of the present difficulty.

At one time Spain had vast possessions in the New World. Louisiana,
Florida, Mexico, the Central American States, Venezuela, Colombia,
Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, and the Argentine
Republic were all under the rule of Spain.

One by one these countries have thrown off the Spanish yoke; Cuba is
only following in their footsteps, and yet while the mother country has
been content to receive valuable considerations for her other provinces,
she declares that to surrender Cuba would be to forfeit her honor.

Affairs in Madrid are approaching a crisis. It is rumored that within
two weeks General Azcarraga will cease to be Prime Minister, and that
Señor Sagasta will be called to take command of the affairs of State.
Sagasta, as we have told you, has very broad views about Cuba, and
wishes for nothing so much as peace with the unhappy little island.

The affairs of the election in Cuba are progressing quietly.