The presence of the vessel, however, in the greatest of our ports at so
critical a time made the War Department realize the importance of
protecting New York more carefully. So the United States monitor
_Terror_ was sent to New York harbor and will remain there for the
present. Work is being pushed on other war-vessels that are in the
shipyards for repair or in process of construction, as it is quite
possible that we may need our whole strength at any time.

* * * * *

Last week we referred to the report that a strong feeling was growing in
Washington in favor of putting an end to the Cuban war by having the
United States purchase Cuba.

The report has reached Spain and has brought out the following despatch
from a correspondent in Madrid:

"I have it on the highest authority that Spain will never, no matter
what government is in power, consider any such suggestion or any
compromise in Cuba beyond the broad measure of autonomy drafted by the
liberal government.

"This is an absolute, irrevocable decision. People who suggest anything
else are only wasting time and arousing unfounded hopes in the minds of
the rebels."

Spain's feeling whenever mention is made of possible interference in
Cuba by another power was lately shown by the indignation expressed in
Madrid at the report that Bismarck wanted the war to be settled by