Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-12-21

to supplement the expressions secured
saturday from the foreign office. These
officials stated that Captain General
Weyler in Cuba has received instruc-
tions to hurry up his campaign by the
delivery Of a bold stroke against the
Insurgents in order to prevent the Gu
bans from rallying from the disaster
of Maceo's death and in order to de-
prive the Americans of any pretext for
a demand for Cuban independence.
Ability of Spain 20 Raise Men.
1t was added that Spain was quite
able to meet the situation and can
promptly mobilize as many as 500, COO
fresh troops in addition to those now
engaged in Cuba and the Philippines
The officials of the war department
explained that large orders have been
placed abroad for arms and ammunition
and Spain's rifle and munition factories
are working day and night to provide
against any possible external complica-
tions that may arise In Cuba or the
Philippines. The war Office" said one
of the high officials. in that department.
will not provoke, nor will it finch
from, any contest upon which depends
the national honor. The army can rely
upon absolute support, with patriotic
enthusiasm and with the entire re-
sources Of the country.
Half a Million Men in Ninety DAYS
I've can land half q million more
soldiers in Cuba withfn three months
We believe that the principal in
habitants Of Cuba would unconditional
ly support Spain against the Ameri-
cans" War office officials also assert
that Captain General Weylers army
will not be allowed to return to the
Spanish peninsula except as victors. 1t
is claimed that General Azcarraga
minister of war, is considered the
ablest though quietest organizer of
modern times and that he is perfectly
able to carry out the war office state
ment that If circumstances compel them
to do so. they are ready to meet COM
plications with the United States.
Senor Emilio CASTELAR,, the distin-
guished Spanish republican. was asked
10 supply the Associated Press an ex-
preston Of his opinion on the relations
between Spain and the United States.
In reply Senor CASTELAR, gave the fol-
lowing signed statement: Inspired by
high patriotism. Joined with a great
appreciation of the American people, I
believe that the sense of justice andthe
maternal interests of the majority of
the people of the United States will pre-
vent a war with SPAIN"
In the course of an interview Senior
CASTELAR, said further htat he was acting
as a bond of union between the Liber-
ais and Conservatives in order to secure
the agreement of all parties in Spain
to ward Off or repel any outrage upon
ha honor 10 had q,
good understanding between Canovas.
the president of the council, and Sagas-
ia, ex-premier of the Liberal govern
ment. thus strengthening the hands of
the government TO carry out the nee
essary measures to satisfy the reason
able demands of outsiders and afford
ing content to the colonies, while al
ways defending the national honor
Senior CASTELAR, considers that II she
were pushed to desperation. Spain
could inflict serious damage upon the
United States in case of war. She can
not refuse il while right and honor are
on her side. Nor would Spain be alone
Grave international complications
would ensue.
The ambassador for the United States
Taylor, made a significant statement
| to the effect that should the Cuban in
surgents refuse overtures considered
| fair by both the governments of Spain
and the United States the American
government would so help the Spanish
| nation that the insurgents, finding theii
cause desperate. would be compelled
| to submit. The solution Of the entire
| question. he thought depended upon
| the finding of a mode of procedure
| whereby the United States could helr
| Spain without offending the naughty
character of the Spaniards and ths
| feeling of the Spanish military classes
The highest officials say that they
| will not provoke contest with tbs
| United states. but that they will not
permit an attack on Spain's sovereign
ty This is Canovas del Castiilo's de.
| termination