st satisfactory, and that he
was ready to talk further on the subject with General Woodford whenever
he was prepared to do so.

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 Senor 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.

It is said that Don Carlos sent a very unkind reply to the Queen, and
said that he should come forward just as soon as he felt that the
country needed him.

It is stated that he believes that war with the United States cannot be
avoided, and that he intends to wait till war is declared, and then
offer to save Spain if he is made king.

His frie