. The reply above
referred to, of the 31st ultimo, also contained an expression of the
readiness of Spain to submit to an arbitration all the differences which
can arise in this matter, which is subsequently explained by the note of
the Spanish minister at Washington of the 10th instant, as follows:

As to the question of fact which springs from the diversity of views
between the reports of the American and Spanish boards, Spain proposes
that the facts be ascertained by an impartial investigation by experts,
whose decision Spain accepts in advance.

To this I have made no reply.

President Grant, in 1875, after discussing the phases of the contest as
it then appeared and its hopeless and apparent indefinite prolongation,
said:

In such event I am of opinion that other nations will be compelled to
assume the responsibility which devolves upon them, and to seriously
consider the only remaining measures possible--mediation and
intervention. Owing, perhaps, to the large expanse of water separating
the island from the peninsula, * * * the contending parties appear to
have within themselves no depository of common confidence to suggest
wisdom when passion and excitement have their sway and to assume the
part of peacemaker. In this view in the earlier days of the contest the
good offices of the United States as a mediator were tendered in good
faith, without any selfish purpose, in the interest of humanity and in
sincere friendship for both parties, but were at the time declined by
Spain, with the declaration, nevertheless, that at a future time they
would be indispensable. No intimation has been received that in the
opinion of Spain that time has been reached. And yet the strife
continues, with all its dread horrors and all its injuries to the
interests of the United States and of other nations. Each party seems
quite capable of working great injury and damage to the other, as well
as to all the relations and interests dependent on the existence of
peace in the island; but they seem incapable of reaching any adjustment,
and both have thus far failed of achieving any success whereby one party
shall possess and control the island to the exclusion of the other.
Under these circumstances the agency of others, either by mediation or
by intervention, seems to be the only alternative which must, sooner or
later, be invoked for the termination of the strife.

In the las