The herald., 1896-12-20

national war. Spain. the premier said
would do dts utmost to avoid friction
with America, but he was of the opinion
that no Spanish government could over
look the national dignity nor oppose
the patriotism of nation whose
history contains only deeds Of
heroism and records of brave ac-
tions, regardless Of the consequences
The warlike attitude of the American
politicians and certain classes of citi-
zens and sections of the press was ex
plainable only in the light of their abso E.
lutte Ignorance of the true state of lf
fairs in Cuba. According TO the prime
minister the people of Cuba have always
received special favors from the mother
country, instead of tyrannical acts, as
imagined by the Americans. If the
former administration of affairs in Cuba
was immoral, continued Senior Canovas
del Castillo. it was fault largely of the
Cubans, who received, the principal bene
mt from dishonest governmental en-
ployes. The government is seriously
disposed to grant satisfactory powers of
self administration to Cuba on the sub
mission of the insurgents, he explained.
The rebels, he added, do not want re-
form, but independence. This fact, he
thought. was perfectly evident when
Senator Cameron's resolution pronounce
ing for the independence Of Cuba was
Spain would succumb rather than give
Cuba her independence voluntarily. In
conclusion, he said that Spain was pre-
pared against all eventualities. Should
matters require the assembling of the
cortes, the government will instantly
summon the members of the Spanish
parliament and in case of a great ma
tional struggle he thought that all
Spanish parliament, and in case of a
great national struggle he thought that
all Spaniards would become as one party
for the purpose of defending the national
honor
Admiral Beranger, minister of marine,
has wired instructions to the govern
ment and to all private ship building
firms now in course of construction. He
received replies to the effect that all OF
these orders would be promptly carried
out.
Popular excitement because of the re-
cent action of the United States senate
committee continues, but no demon
strations against the Americans in this
country are reported.
JUNTA OUTGIvINGS.
NEW YORK. Dec. 19.-The members
Of the Cuban junta were in secret ses-
sion from a. m. to 4: 80 p. m. today. The
proceedings We're carried on behind
closed doors, and it has been impossible
to ascertain what the cause of the hur-
ried conference was.
T. Estrada Palma, the president of
the junta, had this to say in reply to an
interview with Premier Canovas, in
which the Spanish premier declared the
insurrection would surely be Quelled:
"Cubas freedom has already been
achieved. 1t has a perfect government
and 10000 armed men in the field, who
obey the government.
1T is ridiculous to hear from the
prime minister of Spain that negroes
compose the rebels of Cuba, when the
prisons of Cuba and the penal colonies
of Africa are full of Cubans belonging
to the highest class
A meeting in memory of the late Gen.
Antonio Maceo was held in Chickering
hall tonight, under the auspices of the
| fifteen Cuban societies of New York,
about 1900 persons being present. The
greatest excitement prevailed. When
the collection boxes were passed, wo-
| men, who composed nearly one-half the
audience, tore off their rings and other
articles of jewelry and threw them in.
| The stage was decorated with flags of
| the United States, Cuba and other
American republics. The colors of the
! Philippine islands We're also in evidence.
A portrait of Maceo occupied promi-
! nent place in the center of the stage.
| Beneath it were four flaming machetes,
| Beside it was a wreath of laurel On
| either side were stands of arms, at
| tached to which were cards bearing the
names of "Peralejo," "Metiempo," ""Ca-
| liso" and "Caracaj jarica"-fa bat
I ties won by Maceo over Spanish troops.
| Eloquent addresses were made by Senor
| Juan Fraga, president of Les Indepen-
dentes club; Senor Ricardo Lancis, a
Havana attorney who was forced to
| leave Cuba because he was too persist
| ent in defenes of political prisoners, and
DR.. E. j. Varon. editor of La Patria.
AT HAVANA.
| HAVANA, DA. 19.-Quiet reigns
| throughout Havana tonight and no dis
| orders have resulted from the announce
| ment of the action of the foreign affairs
committee of the United States senate.
! Public opinion, however, seems unani-
| nous that any foreign interference in
the affairs of Cuba will meet with disap-
proval here and that all parties loyal to
| the crown will unite to repel invaders
with as much energy as is manifested by
| Senor Canovas himself.
A STUDENT PARADE.
ADA, Ohio, Dec. 19.-Eight hundred
students. headed by brass band, pa
raded the streets and made demonstra- =
ton for free Cuba last night. At the
! residence of Prof. Willis, strong SYM
patnlZer, tney were addressed by Willis
on Free Cuba. Weyler was burned in
efligy.
FRENCH COMMENT.
PARIS, Dec. 19.-Le Jours says the po-
sition of the Spanish government will
| become singularly critical, even des-
perate in the event of q rupture with
the United States, and points out to the
arbitration faddist" that America has
twice within year been ready to pass
| from threats to action.