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Rh agreed readily to accept any plan for the cessation of hostilities proposed by his Holiness. He might even propose that they initiate them. It was a way out.

Señor Gallon tore over to Woodford with the proposition. Woodford thought he had saved the day. He wired his government that Spain would accept Pope's suggestion for an armistice, asking only that the United States remove their fleet from Cuban waters."

Here we have the trouble again, if it be trouble. The Spaniard wished to have some faint sign of independence—some condition exacted for the satisfaction of an old, proud and noble race.

Day was inexorable. His answer to this proposal said: "The disposition of our fleet must be left to us. An armistice to be effective must be immediately proffered and accepted by insurgents. * * * The President cannot hold his message longer than Tuesday."

Woodford, bent upon his own problem of reaching a satisfactory conclusion with Spain,