The San Francisco call., 1896-05-12

means and with the reasonable probabilities
of creatinga new civilized nation, use methods
which have been practiced at other times in
America and in Europe.
Even that help would not be sufficient to
prolong the contest If it had not been for the
chimerical hopes spread among the in
snrgents that a great nation will take hand
in their iilegitimate and powerless revolution,
with manifest violation of the public rights.
For that reason every disappointment that
the separatists receive regarding that will soon
serve more efficiently than anything else to the
re-establishment of peace. 1t is to be hoped
that they will now suffer disappoint-
ment because of the fact, better known every
day, that makes it clear to all honest minds
that Spain is far from desiring her Antillean
subjects to live under old and antiquated
regime when she enjoys such liberal laws.
Without the separatist conspiracy Spain
would never have refused any legitimate lib
erty. A great assimilation to the legislation
of the peninsula that many will find to be
lacking in the Antilles never has found great
difficulties in the Government, and to have re-
corded it resulted greatly from the dislikes of
many to the assimilation and their preference
towards special laws.
When peace Will be reached, to consolidate
1t it will be necessary to give to both islands,
Cuba and Porto Rico, an economical and ad-
ministrative personality, with a character ex-
clusively local, but that will make possible the
| total Intervention of the country in its pecu-
liar affairs, while remaining untouched the
right of sovereignty and untouched the neces-
sary conditions for its existence.
To that end will the Government bind its
steps, If that line of policy merits the ap-
proval of the Cortes. OF the loyalty of such
purposes, to-day exposed before the whole
world, nobody is permitted to doubt, and 1t is
not to be disputed, although different thing
l "a
has fulfilled with excess and in all really es-
sentials, everything that was offered in the
capitulation of Zanjon.
On you, Senores Senators and Diputados, de-
wolves now TO encourage or restrain the policy
signaled by my Government or to show him
different ways. Undoubtedly the interests of
the country imperatively demand that the Gov
eminent will be authorized to profit, as it will
| be convenient by the circumstances with the
| aim of putting an end in short time to the
present situation, and with that object pro-
| jects of law will be presented to you which
you will accept, amend or reject according to
the dictates of your consciences.
| Ihave the greatest satisfaction in informing
| you that we maintain excellent and cordial re-
lations with all the powers.
| The correct and friendly conduct of the
| American republic in the Cuban matter is a
| good proof that every day the ties of interest
are developed, and the friendship that unites
! them closer with Spain. In the United
States, Notwithstanding the great efforts
that part of the public opinion has sue
| ceeded in making in contrary sense, the
| President and his Government have not de-
| parted from the line of conduct that CORE
spends to the loyal friendship that has existed
between the countries from the beginning OF
the existence OF that republic. The Govern.
ment will report to the Cortes the treaty OF
peace and friendship negotiated with the re-
| public of Honduras.
| The remainder of the address is devoted
to the reports of different departments.