Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-03-07
SPANS POSITION STATED
The Spanish Premier Expresses Himself on
the Situation.
Will Rcprexs Hostile Demonstrations
.s. Mediation of a Foreigner
Weyler Defended.

The New York World printed the follow
ing statement of the policy of Spain re-
garding Cuba and Congress- by the Spanish
prime minister:
MADRID, March G.
I'VE have, as yet. no official notification of
the intentions of the American government,
and cannot, therefore, take cognizance of or
protest by note against any of the proceed
ings of the Senate and House of Represen-
tatives Of the United States. We have taken
no official notice whatever of the proceed
ings and speeches in Washington during the
past week.
Nor have we sounded the. European
powers or courts regarding their support
in any form. All we have done is to show to
the American government and to Minister
Taylor that We have endeavored to enforce
respect for the American legation and con-
sulates. REFRESHING so sternly the disturb
anceS that we have ordered the Madrid,
Granada, Barcelona and Valencia unyer-
sites closed, and we will close all UNIVERSE
ties. schools and establishments whose
students dare to make demonstrations hos
tile to the United States. We will send to
prison and prompt trial all the authors and
promoters of such disturbances We believe
they are prompted by the advanced repub-
Ecans.
Able to Quell Denominations.
Nothing will be omitted our side to
show our desire to preserve cordial relations
with America. I am convinced that we
possess sufficient means to quell any hostile
demonstrations. The government of Spain
regrets and has made all the amends pos
sible for the manifestation already made of
the indignation which the speeches at Wash
ington naturally excited among the ever
loyal people of SPAIN
THE situation now is one of extreme deli
cacy: Indeed cannot define how far it is
possible for the government of Spain to per-
init the amicable and careful media ton of a
foreign power. however honorable and dis
interested 1t may be, without mourning the
grave risk of being accused Of submitting
10 outside Interference. pressure and dlcta-
ton In the midst of civil war The United
states are Il great power, and until they
recognize the object and encourage the aims
OF the insurrectionists in Cuba they are
friendly to Spain. After the recognition of
the belligerents in Cuba by the United
states IT would be Impossible for the govern
Inent OF Spain to accept the good offices Of
president Cleveland or to permit any inter-
ference whatever
Nevertheless, I still hope some means
will be found by the Pres ident to avoid
alternating the friendly rela tions with the
United States, which Spain has shown this
week that she prizes highly
The Vote In Congress.
Il am fully alive to the Significance ami,
the possible consequences of the vote of
the United States Congress to the rebels
as Well as to Spain in her relations with
the United states, especially in connection
with the right of search on the high seas,
and in the matter of privateers and tIlibus
tering expeditions.
THE only new and seemingly war;ike
preparations yet made by Spain are made
SIMPLY with view to eauipping fleet of
Warsh:ps and transatlantic steamers to
chase fiiibusters, and to guard the coasts of
Clba That is the sole object in view. Cen
Neyier having said that he has had enough
troops. only the usual reliefs will be sent 10
,upa untii autumn, and no naval demon
stratlon Is contempia ted.
The elections will not interfere with the
action OF the government, as it intends to
conduct them in a tolerant spirit for all
parties. lair representation being arranged
for even the West Indian constituencies
Besides, in every imperial and International
question the Spaniards have always shown
patriotic spirit.
Defending Weyler.
1.-The misrepresentation concerning Gen.
Weylers character and methods as a sol.
der originated in a misstatsment of facts
in his career and of his assignments and
instructions. Both in Cuba, twenty years
ago, and in the Philippine Islands sir ce
then, Weyler has only carried out the or
ders OF his chiefs
Before he left for Cuba the last time
saw and spoke to him. and approved his
views. Consequently. lie mas simply acted
in harmony with the requirements of this
war IN which the insurgents have not only
Gefied the rules of civilized warfare but
have violated the provisions Of the treaty
of 1913 between Spain and the United
States and of the protocol of 1877, respect
ing the lives and property of all real AMI al
legged American citizens in Cuba
Il am determined to carry out the ad-
ministrative political reforms already voted
by the cortes as soon as the pacifica ton Of
the island permits, and even such econor,i-
cal tariff reforms may be conssten. with
the interests of both the colony and the
mother country.
during civil war or under any foreign
pressure in the present condition of the
island.
When Marshal Campos was sent to
Cuba as governor general the government
would certainly nave allowed him to in
stitute the reforms if he had deemed them
advisable. But he sooa discovered that if
was impossible to do So
I'VE cannot admit tha1 the slightest
ground exists for the recognition of the
beliiSerency of the Cuban insurgents. whose
so-called president the Marquis of Santa
Lucia, and the members Of his executive
council are nomads. like the rebel bands
ever on the move. For instance, thew were
nearly surprised and captured this week by
spanish column In the province of Las
Villas. CANOVAS DEL CASTILLO."