The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-01-09
Interview with the Prime
Minister Of Spain.
CUBA THE THEME.
The Pearl of the Antilles To Be Held
at Whatever Cost.
TRIBUTE TO AMERICAN DIPLOMATISTS.

oiSao"Bo u
personal interview with SPANS Prime Minister, Seiior
Canovas del Castillo who rs regarded by friends and
us the foremost statesman OF tho Spanish race
aud one who In grasp Of intellect tenacity decs
Ion compares favorably with the great German Chan
cellor So far the genius OF Sefor Canovas dol Castillo
has been devoted to the suppression civil war and
tho internal reorganization of his country
truly difficult task in view of the dis
organization which is the natural result OF
noarly century Of disastrous wars Before Spain
had recovered from the effects OF the Napoeonc in
vason she was forced to defend her Empire against
the American colonies, which by one declared
their independence. TO these struggles The
civil discords and the fights Tor The succession which
have made the history of the Peninsula in this
fury one OF bCodshed and violence. Within few
Scfor Canovas del Castillo peace TO
the Peninsula, suppressing two formidable civil wars,
checking the progress of tho Cuban nsurrecton and
reducing II 10 insignacabcc. These titles enough
to honor ana tho consideration o. his couutrymen.
II In the eyes Of foreigners 1t should tail TO justify
the generous tribute paid to his genius by Castelar,,
who. IT may be said in parenthess Of his most
consistent and most dangerous enemies, when the
great orator spoke OF him as the Spanish Bis
marck. In reply to my request for an inter-
view OF those exquisitely polite notes
which only SpanIards know how to write inviting
me to call at the palace OF the Presedenca, where
Senior Canovas dol Castillo would be pleased
me. At the hour appointed the HERALD correspond
ent entered the Minister'S antechamber, which he
found already occupied by group notabcs, among
whom dukes, marquises, counts, generals, am
bassadors, who camc to confer with tho Minister
matters Of more or less Importance 10 tho State.
MINISTER
When 1: came to tho correspondents turn he
shown into the magnificent salon where the President
o. The Council OF Ministers receives and found himself
lace TO face with the man who is considered tho real
King of SPAIN Senior Canovas dol Castillo is not ut
all striking appearance, and, like many other great
men, would be likely 10 pass unnoticed in crowd
unless special attention were drawn to him. He Is
already we'll past the middle age oil lite, but
is iar from being old man. His address is anablc.
with at times certain seriousness OF aspect; truo
diplomatst, his speech guarded and his expressed
opinions remarkable for their moderation. In per-
son he is small. but slightly inclined to rotundity Of
form. his head is compact aud we'll formed,
and the expression Of his face thoughtful
Ho not impress Of
action, but rather as thinker. After the
exchange OF the usual courtesics the correspondent
called his attention to the passage President Hayos'
Message referring to Cuba, and asked him IT there
was anything he would wish say reference to IL.
THE PRIME MINISTER.
''Oh" said Senior Canovas del Castillo, aud slight
smile passed over his ace shero Is usually some ref
to Cuba in the Presidents Message.
But there Is nothing IN the phrases used
by tho PresideL: which calls for special
remark. He merely regrets tho continuance
OF tho war, but acknowledges the friendly attitude of
tho Spanish government. 1t would DO better, OF
course" he added, with slight accent Of serious
noes, 'ff reference at all were made to Cuba; It
would, perhaps, BIO more in keeping with our present
extremely cordial relations OF course understand
m, nj al eunr
for the President TO lat,cr public opinion, apd
doubt the reference to Cuba intended please
some section OF tho public which looks with favor
the nsurrecton But there is nothing IN the phrases
used to which object. II IL to be regretted
that the war continues We regret it more than any
one else, because 1t Keeps 100000 soldiers away
from their homes and IRON work. We would
be glad TO be able TO withdraw them, and no doubt
iheir mothers and their families would be glad TO
have them at home. The references to Cuba in Pres-
dental messages tend encourage the insur gents,
and used TO foster vain hopes.
FRIENDLY RELATIONS WITH AMERICA.
at has always been my aim to cultivate and main
tain friendly relations with the United States. Long
nacion my attention was directed TO the relations
OF the Two countries, and was convinced that
always cndcavorcd to promote good understanding
with your country There is no reason why We should
not be good friends we have no hostile interests; ON
the contrary tho American Republic, neighbour
lag State with which wc have grea,
deal of commerce, is Interested in our welfare.
nave been cordial as they In bring
ing about these friendly relations have been greatly
States have sent here as Minsters-Mr Lowell, VINO
has the good opinion OF ali who have como III
tact with him, and Mr. Cushing whose name Will long
be remembered in Spain with estee m and honor.
THE TRADE.
"rhers Is no longer any motive Tor uuirendncss,"
continued tue Prime Minister, because slavery IN
future may be considered at end Long ago came
to tho conclusion that tho system of slavery should be
brought TO IN end, and when was Minister l In
itatcd its abolition. II was under nv ministry that
the slave trade suppressed, and thorough were
tho measures taken That this horrible traffic has
never boon revived. Even tho liberal party gives
credit Tor this, aud during the time Senior
CASTELAR, was President OF the Re public treated
with great deal OF consideration in tho CorIcs
though was looked on as u reaciiopisI Tho law OIL
abont on is also passed and Us all born are Irec
and the old slaves on reaching sixty are also irec
slavery is rapidly disappearing. However, 1t is noe
doubt take stops ut an early day to abolish IL COM
pletcly
'.0ur attention Just wholly occupied In bring
ing the Cuban war TO close, and there are good pros
poets thai within short period tho nsurrccton
will be completely suppressed. AS an insurrecton,
indeed may be regarded at an end Tue atoms
IN wn Gu our troops are now engaged is rather man
present Keep tho field are continually moving
about from ono hiding place TO another,
not darng 70 stay 'ons ana 'Uo weak a 20
principally ut night IN snail bands and i've on the
ruit that grow wild in tho forests The In
surrection docs not hold town or village aad has
no longer any importance.
JUDGED HISTORICALLY.
'sThen Your Excelcncy thinks the Instruction Is
no longer dsngorousY'
"It never really dangerous 1t never possessed
the conditions necessary to success. The Cuban in
surgcnts never could have fou ht spain aud
toudcd TO DO What they aimed at was 10 reader
the possession OF the island unprontab,e to SPAN
and force us to abandon II. TINS was the
secret OF their attempts to destroy our prop
ery, which marked the beginning OF tho in-
surrecon, policy they have consistently attempted
10 carry OUT. Considerable success attended their
efforts at rrst because here In the Peninsula our
ttnn Iytlh rh lha
rich Cubans helped with their money TO bring about
hoping to profit by our div.sions-to declare them
selves independent, following toe example OF tho
Other Spanish American colonies. But IN this
they made complete failure, because oil
tho essential difference OF condition between
Cuba ana tho other colonies. The connection between
SPAN and tho south American colonies was essen
tally patcrna anu friendly and could not DO otherwise
hnca wa lind nelI Inn rr