Evening star., 1896-12-31
SHIFTING THE is S UE
Suggestions Made to Spain to GrantAutonomy
to Cuba.
If the Insurgents Demand Independ-
encc Will The!.De Treated as the
Cause of Disturbance:

The understanding here is that the Span
ish government is to act upon the sugges-
tions of Mr.. Cleveland that autonomy be
granted Cuba, but that the concession will
rave to be made in such form to pre-
serve the dignity of Spain according to
their own ideas The declaration of Senor
Canoyas that nothing will be done until the
province of Pinar del Rio has been cleared
of rebels is regarded as a modification of
the former contention that the insurgents
should first lay down their arms. and is
simply a preparation for the institution of
reform more or less in compliance with the
suggestion of Mr.. Cleveland.
The prospect that Spain may make a pre-
tense of granting these reforms raises an
interesting question 1t is known that the
Cuban leaders will not agree to anything
short of absolute independence, since their
experience has taught them that no benefit
can come from alleged reforms which
must be administered by Spain. The devel-
opment of Mr.. Cleveland's policy would,
therefore. if Spain should adopt his sug-
gestions. place the insurgents in the atti-
tude of standing In the way of the pacifica-
tion of the island, which the American in
terests demand.
The question then arises whether this
country, feeling that American interests de-
mand peace. will treat the insurgents as
the irritating cause of disturbance and at
tempt to force them to accede to the terms
which Mr.. Cleveland has. in a way. exacted
from Spain.
that If they adopt Mr.. Clevelands sugges-
tions. even in their own imperfect way
the responsibility of the continuation of
the struggle and consequent injury to
American interests will rest with the in
surgents. and that the moral support of
this government, if nothing more will have
to be given to Spain. 1t looks to some like
a shifting of the issue, and the question is
whether. under such condition of affairs,
Mr.. Cleveland would feel 1t to be more
warrantable for this government to inter-
fere to compel the insurgents to accept the
terms proposed, than it would be for us to
interfere now in behalf of the insurgents.
Conference With Secretary Olney.
Senior De LONE, the Spanish minister had
a conference with Secretary Olney at the
State Department today in special refer
ence to the alleged filibustering expeditions
being fitted out in Florida. Although the
report lacks official verification, there is
reason for the belief that the Spanish min
lister has, unofficially, advised the Secretary
of State that it is probable the Spanish gov
ernment will accept the offer of the United
States for the mediation of the Cuban trou-
blss. and that the Cubans will be granted
everything they demand except complete
autonomy and independence
1t Is said that Consul General Lee, who
is now at Havana. will be instructed to
open unofficial negotiations with the insur
gents with view to termination If hos
Titles on an honorable basis, with che un-
derstanding that the United States will
guarantee the performance of the reforms
promised by the Spanish government for
the amelioration and improvement of their
condition. 1t is considered unlikely that
the insurgents will consider any PROPOSE
ton short of autonomy or complete home
rule