The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1896-12-20

Madrid. Dec 19-The excitement in
this cily and elsewhere in Spain,
caused by the receipt of the news of
the action of the foreign relations com
mittee of the American senate in de-
Gliding to report in favor of the indie
pendence of Cuba, is intense.
a wave of popular Indignation has
swept over the whole country, and the
bitter feeling against the United States
has been greatly intensified.
There is no denying the fact that
popular feeling is in favor of boldly
defying the United States and notify
ing the American government that
Cuba will be retained by Spain, if it
takes her last dollar and last man to
uphold her sovereignty.
IS EXCITING.
In the cafes and every public place
the situation is excitedly discussed, and
everywhere the determination is ex-
pressed to uphold the government to
the last extremity in maintaining its
rights Dispatches from other cities
show the prevalence of feyerish feel
ing among the populace, and 1t is the
CONSENSUS OF OplIlOtl THAT II MOQiQ ldrC
very little to infiame the people so as
10 provoke much trouble for the gov
eminent should it show any sign of
weakening before the unwarranted pre-
tensions of the United States.
The government itself, while depre-
eating the action of the committee,
maintains a dignified attitude and
though some uneasinesS was at nrst
expressed. this has been allayed by
the receipt of dispatches containing
Secretary of State Olney's statement
to the effect that no matter what ac-
ton congress NAV take on the Cam
eron resolution the recognition OF the
independence OF Cuba rests entirely
with the American executive.
WILL MAKE CONCESSIONS.
1t is stated on authority that Spain
has notified the American government
that il is willing to go far to meet the
view of the United States regarding
administrative reforms in the Spanish
West Indies. 1t will, it is said, concede
at an early date autonomy to Puerto
hico on the lines laid down in the bill
adopted by the cortes last year. When
the situation in Cuba warrants such
action, reforms viii be inaugurated
there that will prove satisfactory to
all concerned These Will include adj
ministrative autonomy, such measures
of political and economical autonomy
as will be compatible with the inter-
esIS of the crown. and a change in the
tariff laws that win conduce to the
extension of the trade of the island
with the United States and to CONNER
cial relations.
OF course the government will not
for a moment consider any question in
volving the abandonment of the island,
and il can be emphatically stated that
it would not dare to do So The temper
of the people is fairly aroused, and any
government, Conservative or Liberal, |
would be signing its own death war
rant should it ever suggest the ending
of the Spanish rule in Cuba
Efforts have been made to obtain
authoritative statements from some OF !
the ministers as TO the situation, but |
they decline at present to express any !
views on he subject. II can be stated, |
however. that in government circles no !
idea of war growing out of the Cuban /
resolutions is entertained, and it is !
believed that the profession of friend /
ship made by President Cleveland and /
Mr.. Olney. through Mr.. Hannis Taylor, |
the American minister here, are thor |
oughly sincere.
NO SURRENDER.
An important factor is the cortes.
which at present is not in session. 1t is
thought that that body might be COM
PEELED by popular clamor. were it in
session, to take some action that would
result in the overthrow of the govern
ment, but as it does not meet for sew
eral months. all danger from that
source is eliminated. Even should the
resign and be succeeded by
q liberal cabinet, there could be no
change in the Spanish attitude toward
Cuba for upon the least sign of its
giving way to the dictation of the
United States, the populace and the
army would upset it.
Senior Canovas del Castillo, the prime
minister. has always believed that the
Cuban matter would not cause war
with the United States. and he also
believes that the ranting of American
and Spanish jingoes will fall on deaf
ears when the common sense of the
people of both countries has had time
to reasSert itself. But he viii main
tain all the prerogatives of sovereignty
in Cuba and will not Weld to the {
threats. no matter whence the source
Every precaution has been taken to !
guard against any outbreak of the
people. and it is hoped that the excite
nent and indignation that have been
aroused will suhside without it being ,
necessary to call upon the military to |
suppress disorders. The students AT /
he universities are being closely !
watched. and any attempt at a demon I
;tration on their part will be severely !
oppressed. :
INTENSE INDIGNATION. s
All the newspapers here express the !
most intense indignation because of !
he unwarranted interference of the
United States with the rights of Spain :
some of them declare that no govern s
men would dare TO base a settlement | :
f the Cuban question on granting au- ,
onomy TO the island in view of the Z
trong popular opposition to the grant I
ng of any reforms while the rebellion q
5 in progress. They therefore, con- L
end that the government will be COM V
'eiled to maintain a determined atti- h
ude in face of the provocation from a
he United States. Nevertheless. they n
do, the government is resolved to re- y
ress hostile agitation against the Unit q