What did president McKinley offer to do in order to avoid a war with Spain?

President McKinley initially sought to avoid war with Spain by advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Cuban crisis. He proposed a ceasefire in Cuba and urged Spain to grant autonomy to the island. Additionally, he sent diplomatic notes to Spain, emphasizing the need for humanitarian relief and reform, while also preparing for possible military action if negotiations failed. Ultimately, his efforts were overshadowed by rising public sentiment for war and the explosion of the USS Maine.