The record-union., 1896-12-20
Over the Action of the Senate Foreign
Relations Committee.
Popular Sentiment is Boldly Defying
This Government, and Notifying 1t
That Cuba Will be Retained by
Spain Even if it Takes Her Last
Dollar and Her Last Man to Up
hold Her Sovereignty.


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 bitter feeling
against the United States has been
greatly intensified.
There is no denying the fact that the
popular feeling is in favor of boldly de-
Tying the United States and notifying
the American Government that Cuba
will be retained by Spain if it takes
her last dollar and last man to uphold
her sovereignty. In the cafes and every
public place the situation is excitedly
discussed, and everywhere the determi-
nation is expressed to uphold the Gov
ernment to the last extremity in main
tanning its rights.
Dispatches from other cities show the
prevalence of a feverish feeling among
the populace, and it is the consensus of
opinion that it would take very little to
inflame the people so as to provoke
much trouble for the Government
should it show any sign of weakening
before the unwarranted pretensionS of
the United States.
The Government itself, while depre-
eating the action of the committee,
maintains a dignified attitude, and
though uneaSineSs was at first eX-
pressed, this has been allayed by the
receipt of dispatches containing Secre-
tary of State Olney's statement to the
effect that no matter what action Con-
gress may take on the Cameron resolu-
ton the recognition of the independ-
ence of Cuba rests entirely with the
American Executive.
1t is stated on authority that Spain
has notified the American Government
that it is willing to go far to meet the
view of the United States regarding ad-
Einistrative reforms in the Spanish
West Indies. 1t Will, it is said, concede
at an early date autonomy to Puerto
Rico on the lines laid down in the bill
adopted by the Cortes last year. When
the situation in Cuba warrants such
action reforms will be inaugurated
there that Will prove satisfactory to all
concerned. These will include admin
lstrative autonomy, such measures of
political and econmical autonomy as
viii be compatible with the interests of
the crown, and a change in the tariff
laws that will conduce to the extension
of the trade of the island with the
United States and to commercial ma
fionS. OF course, the Government will
not for a moment consider any question
for the abandonment of the island, and
1t 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 au-
thoritative statements from some of
the Ministers as to the situation, but
they decline at present to express any
views on the subject. 1t can be stated.
however, that in Government circles no
idea of war growing out of the Cuban
resolution is entertained, and it is be-
leved that the professions of friend
ship made by President Cleveland and
Mr.. Olney through Mr.. Taylor the
American Minister here, are thoroughly
sincere.
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 c1amor We're it in ses-
sion, to take some action that would re-
suit 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 Gov
ernment resign and be succeeded by
Liberal Cabinet, there could be no
change in the Spanish attitude toward
Cuba, for upon the least sign of its Civ
ing way to the dictation of the United
States the populace and the army would
upset ii.
Senor Canovas del Castillo. the Prime
Minister. has always believed that the
Cuban matter would not cause war with
the United States. and he also believed
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 re-
assert itself. But he will maintain all
the prerogatives of sovereignty in Cuba,
and will not yield to threats. no matter
whence the source.
Every precaution has been taken to
guard against any outbreak of the peo-
pie. and IL is hoped that the excitement
and indignation that have been aroused
will subside without it being necessary
10 call upon the military to suppress
disorders. The students at the Univer-
sites are being closely watched. and
any attempt at a demonstration on their
part will be severely repressed.
All the newspapers here express the
most intense Indignation because OF the
Cnwarranted interference of the United
States with the rights of Spain. Some
of them declare that no Government
would dare to base settlement of the
Cuban question in granting autonomy
10 the island in view of the strength of
the popular opposition to granting any
reforms while the rebellion is in pro-
gress They therefore contend that the
Government will be compelled to main
tain determined attitude in face OF the
provocation from the United. States.
Nevertheless, they add. the Government
is resolved to repress hostile agitation
against the United States or its repre-
sentatives in Spain.
The "ImparciaF' accuses the Govern
ment of lack of foresight, and declares
that Spain is determined to make every
sacrifice. however great to maintain
her sovereignty in the West Indies. but
she will not tolerate acts calculated to
bring her into disrepute.
The Correspondence de Espana" de-