The herald., 1896-12-20

OF the newspapers OF Madrid and New
York cannot be accepted as represent
ing government policy or desire. For in
stance, the statements in the press that
Senior Canovas has been sounding the
European powers regarding the support
they might extend to Spain in case of
war with the United States is absolutely
untrue. Naturally, Spain has the SYM
pathy of several of the powers, as the
question of United States Intervention in
Cuba may tomorrow be a question of
similar interference in Martinique,
Saint Thomas or Jamaica. But Senior
Canovas has not taken a step to seek
support of Spain. He has never be-
lieved that the matter would become
question of war, and he and the duke of
Tetuan, the minister of foreign affairs,
had been acting with unceasing pru-
dence, avoiding every possible thing that
might lead to serious complications.
Senor Canovas has unbounded confidence
in Minister Taylor and he has belief In
the official professions of the United
States friendship. Mr. Taylor and the
duke of Tetuan are warm friends. For
tunately, the chamber does not assemble
possible embarrassments to the govern
ment from the fervidness of Spanish
patriotism The situation is not alarm
ing, as I do not believe that America
will go further than wild talk"
Although the resolution of the foreign
relations committee of the United
States senate did not cause surprise here,
it has re-awakened Indignation. and is
looked upon as proving that the atti-
tude of the Americans is to be regarded
as making war almost inevitable. Spain
seems to be prepared for the worst, and
is appealing to the international senti-
ment to condemn America
The Spanish press is divided in its
opinion on the subject.
The Epoca (ministerialisD considers
the adoption of the resolutions as doubt
full, owing to the contradictory wording
including the independence OF Cuba and
friendly peace offerings in one resolution.
The F,poca also thinks that President
Cleveland will veto the resolution,
should it be passed, and it will thus have
a weakening effect.
The Nacional condemns what it classes
as the "unpatriotic attitude of the Span
ish press" in attacking Captain General
Weyler and other Spanish generals,
claiming this hurts their prestige with
| the army. But the Nacional considers
that war between Spain and the UnNed
| States is impossible, even if the resolu-
| ton be adopted, owing to the disastrous
effect which it would have upon Ameri-
can finances thinks Americas "only
| aim at autonomy in Cuba is in order to
gain special advantages in POLITICAL
commercial treaty tantamount to a
monopoly of Cuban trade" and also ex-
presses the opinion that the Spanish gov
ernment should establish the Porto Rico
reforms voted by the cortes. while post
poning the reforms in Cuba until the
rebels are crushed.
Ell Correo. Liberal. favors granting
| immediate reforms or even autonomy
to Cuba, ''to satisfy the Yankees and OBJ
viate war" if'ii'f i''tH
The ImparciHl, although attacking
General Weyler, advocates crushing
the rebellion of arms" as the first ne
cessity, and advises the government to
prepare against the possibility of war
with the United States
The Herald condemns the hesitation of
the government in relying upon the
friendship of President Cleveland,
Who" the Herald adds, sis impotent
to overrule public opinion in the United
States, which is bent upon quarreling
with Spain and gobbling Cuba"
The Correspondence considers the
government to be between the dilemma
of accepting the friendly although de-
grading Intervention of the Yankees or
a war which would be ruinous to Spain,
while the United States cannot win un-
scathed.
Senor Canovas del Castillo today had
long interview with the duke of Tetuan,
minister of foreign affairs, and Admiral
Beranger minister of marine. The sub
ject of the discussion was kept secret,
but it is understood that the members of
the Spanish cabinet are considering the
introduction in the near future of polit-
ical and administrative reforms for the
colonies of Cuba and Porto Rico. Such
action, If taken, it is believed, will lead
to a reconstruction of the cabinet.
Senior Canovas del Castillo, in an in
terview said that he knew yesterday,
through the medium of cablegrams re-
ceived from Minister de LONE, that a
resolution looking to the independence
of Cuba would be adopted by the United
States senate committee on foreign af-
fairs, but he does not believe that con-
, gress wflleventually pass resolutions OF
this character, even though public opin-
ion may influence the American con-
gress Senior Castillo expresses doubt
whether it will be able to influence the
other branches of the United States
government and President Cleveland
Spain, so far, according to Premier Ca
novas del Castillo, is satisfied with the
situation. sSenor Canovas del Castillo
was of the opinion that the secretary OF
state had supported the cause of inter.
national law with wisdom The holi-
days, he thought, would give congress
time for reflection.
IT, however the members of the Unit
ed States house of representatives an6
senate persist in the attitude shown by
the senate committee on foreign affairs
Senior Canovas del Castillo said that ht
, had reason to believe the president OF
the United States would interpose 6
veto, thus compelling the reintroductiol
, | ,f, fuy. nd