The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-03-07
None of the Eurobean Power. Oh
Courts Sounded as to an Alliance
Against Uncle Sam.
A DEFENSE OF GEN. WEYLER
WHO is MEKELY CARRYING OUT THE
POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT.
Spanish Mobs Still Showing Their
Hostility to This Country by Maxi
ing Riotous Demonstrations.

NEW YORK. March THE World prints
this morning the following authentic state
ment Of the policy of Spain as to Cuba and
Congress from Prime Minister Canovas del
Castillo 1t is accompanied by a personal
message to Joseph Pulitzer from the Presi-
dent of the Council of State, at Madrid.
authorizing its publication. The statement
is dated March and is as follows:
1--WE have as yet official notification
OF the intentions OF the American govern
ment and cannot. therefore, take cognizance
of or protest by note against any of the
proceedings of the Senate and House Of
Representatives OF the United States. W;
have taken no official notice whatever of
the proceedings and speeches in Washing
ton during the past week. Nor have we
sounded the European powers or courts
regarding their support in any form. All
we have done is to show to the Amer,
lean government and to Minister Taylor that
we have endeavored to enforce respect for
the American legation and consulates, re-
pressing so sternly the disturbances that
we have ordered the Madrid Granada, Bar
celona and Valencia Universities closed and
we will close all universities, schools and
establishments whose students dare to make
demonstrations hostile to the United States.
We will send to prison and prompt trial
all the authors and promoters of such dis
turbances. We believe they are prompted
by the advanced Republicans. Nothing will
be omitted on our side to show our desire
to preserve cordial relations with America.
1 am convinced that we possess sufficient
means to quell any hostile demonstrations.
The government of Spain regrets and has
made all the amends possible for the mani
festation already made of the indignation
which the speeches at Washington naturally
excited among the ever-loyal people of
Spain. sssss
'.The situation now is one of extreme
delicacy. Indeed, cannot define how far it
is possible for the government OF Spain to
permit amicable and careful mediation of
a foreign power, however honorable and
disinterested it may be. without incurring
the grave risk of being accused Of submit
ting to outside interference, pressure and
dictation in the midst of a civil war. The
United States is great power, and until
it recognizes the object and encourages the
aims of the insurrectionists in Cuba, it is
friendly to Spain. After the recognition of
the belagerents in Cuba by the United
States 1t would be impossible for the gov
ernment Of Spain to accept .ie good offices
of President Cleveland or to permit any
interference whatever. Nevertheless, still
hope some means will be found by the
President to avoid alternating the friendly
relations with the United States, which
Spain has shown this week that she prizes
highly.
IT am fully alive to the significance and
the possible consequences of the vote of
the United States Congress to the rebels,
a. well as to Spain, in her relations with
the United States, especially in connection
with the right of search on the high seas
and in the matter of privateers and fill
clustering expeditions.
sThe only new and seemingly warlike
preparations yet made by Spain are made
simply with view to equipping fleet of
war ships and transatlantic steamers to
chase filibusters and to guard the coasts Of
Cuba That is the sole object in view. Gen.
Weyler having said that he has enough
troops, only the usual reliefs will be sent
| to Cuba until autumn. and no naval DEM
| onstration is contemplated.
1.-THE elections will not interfere with the
action of the government, as it intends to
| conduct them in tolerant spirit for all
parties, fair representation being arranged
for even the West Indian constituencies.
Besides, in every imperial and international
question the Spaniards nave always shown
patriotic spirit
1.-The m.sapprehension concerning General
weyler's character and methods as
soldier originated in mistatement of facts
in his career and of his assignments and
| instructions. Both in Cuba twenty years
| ago and in the Philippine islands since then.
Weyler has only carried out the orders Of
| his chiefs
Before he left for Cuba the last time
saw and spoke to him. approved his views.
consequently he has simply acted in har-
mony with TIE requirements of this war,
| in which the insurgents have not only
set at definance the rules of civilized war
| fare, but have violated the provisions Of the
| treaty of 1895 between Spain and the United
| States, and of the protocol Of 1877. res
specting the lives and the property of all
| real and alleged American citizens in Cuba.
II am determined to carry out the ad-
| ministrative political reforms already voted
/ by the Cortes as soon as the pacification of
| the island permits, and even such economical
| tariff reforms as may be consistent with the
| interests of both the colony and the mother
| country. But it is impossible to attempt
reforms during civil war or under any
foreign pressure in the present condition
of the island. When Marshal Campos was
sent to Cuba as Governor General the gov
/ ernment would certainly have allowed him
| to institute the reforms II he had deemed
| them advisable. But he soon discovered
| that 1t was impossible to do SO.
1--WE cannot admit that the slightest
| ground exists for the recognition OF the
belligerency OF the Cuban insurgents, whose
so-ca,led President. the Marquis of Santa
Lucia, and the members of his executive
| council are nomads like the rebel bands.
ever on the move For instance. they were
nearly surprised and captured this week by
q Spanish column In the province Of Las
| Viailas. CANOvAS DEL CASTILLO"
Portugal supports spain.