CHAPTER XL.

Diplomatic relations terminate.

Grave Responsibilities Bravely Met—­The Ultimatum to Spain—­The Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Sends Minister Woodford His Transports—­Our Consuls in Cuba Leave the Island—­Fate of Americans Left Behind—­Spanish Spies at Work—­Playing a Desperate Game.

None but those who were close to the men at the head of our Government just prior to the commencement of the war with Spain can realize with what solicitude they watched the development of the preliminary proceedings.

With full appreciation of their grave responsibilities, knowing the power inherent in their positions to effect results, and yet cognizant as the days went by of their inability to prevent the fulfillment of fate, they endeavored to guide events so far as they could in a course which will hold them and the people blameless in the sight of the world for whatever might follow.  That they withstood the strain so well bears testimony to their mental poise and strength of character.

The President’s demeanor underwent a noticeable change.  The affable, cheery mood which formerly characterized him, gave way to a sternness of manner which befits a humane but just judge called upon to execute a righteous sentence.  A curious illustration of Mr. McKinley’s temperament was shown in the difference in his bearing after the passage of the resolutions which made war inevitable.  So long as there was the slightest chance for peace the pressure of uncertainty bore heavily upon him, and his face assumed a wan and haggard look.  That look did not entirely disappear, but it was no longer marked by anxiety.  From the moment the decision was reached which imposed upon him the leadership of a nation at war, he seemed to have experienced a sense of relief, for he saw his pathway straight before him, no matter how rough it might be.

Immediately after signing the resolutions declaring for intervention by our Government, the President sent an ultimatum to Spain, quoting the act of Congress, and notifying her that her army and navy must be withdrawn from Cuba by noon of April 23.

The Spanish Minister, Polo y Bernabe, at once applied for his passports, and left the country.  The Spanish Government, without waiting for Minister Woodford to deliver the ultimatum of the United States Government, sent him his transports, thus taking the initiative and practically declaring war against this government.  The official notification to General Woodford, from the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, was as follows: 

Dear Sir: 

In compliance with a painful duty, I have the honor to inform you that there has been sanctioned by the President of the Republic a resolution of both chambers of the United States which denies the legitimate sovereignty of Spain, and threatens immediate armed intervention in Cuba, which is equivalent to a declaration of war.