Evening journal., 1896-05-12
5PAIN'S QUEEN ON CUBA
War Policy Defined In a Speech
From the Throne.
WBYLEEs BLOODY HAND STAYED

Americas warning Protest--rhe Com
petitor's aEen VIII Not he Executed at
Present, aud Probably Not at All.
MADRID. May 12.--At the opening Of
the chamber the queen regont the young
ing In the uniform of student of the
military school, the Infanta Isabella and
suit drove 70 the oortes In splendid car
riages Troops lined the route for the
whole Of the distance
Tho queen regent and the king were
feated on a throne, surrounded by the
ministers, and were acclaimed by the dep
uties and senators Premier Canoyas then
handed a copy OF the speech TO the queen
regent, who read it to the assembly.
The queen announced that measure
will be submitted aiming TO establish In
tho Antilles an administration OF purely
local character, giving the country control
OF its own finances while maintaining in
tact Spnin's sovereign rights.
She referred TO the measure voted by the
cham bers for reforms In Cuba and Puerto
Rico. Despite these measures, she said,
the rebellion had broken out In Cubn be-
cluse tho rebels desired independence aud
not local autonomy. II the rebellion tri-
umphed, Cuba would take step back
ward In civilization, interest," industry
and commerce. Cuba could not prosper
with independence.
Spain could not be Indifferent, the
speech continued, TO tho future Of It's chill
dren who were led astray by political am
bition or abandon the ciyilizing mission
imposed upon Il hy It's history and honor.
The queen regent praised the Cuhnns who
had remained loyal TO spain, who she
said. would always be prepared TO receive
repantant insurgents with open arms.
Spnin had not hesitated and would not
hesitate at any sacrifice TO maintain her
authority In Cuba
The governor general OF Cuba. the
speech affirmed, opines that the applica-
tion OF the reforms would not now con-
tribute to peace, hut, on tho contrary,
would impede It, Nevertheless the govern
ment had not abandoned the consideration
OF future legislation for tho Antilles to
establish it definitely whom the time comes
Thinks the Insurrection Declining.
IL is said that the insurroctlon Is declin-
ing and would already have boon stamped
out II tho insurgents had not received
great and frequent aid from abroad, where
public opinion IL deceived in reg1rd 20 the
political and administrative situation In
Cuba. This help, however, would not
have suflcod to havo prolonged the strug-
gle without tho chimerloal spread among
the insurgents concerning the protection
OF a great power. 10 was hoped that the
undeooiving OF the insurgents would con-
tribute TO the restoration of peace.
Tho speech declares that Spain has full
filed beyond measure the promises she
made to the Cuhans after the first robol-
lion.
The relations with forign powers tho
speech says, are excellont. Tho correct and
friendly attitude Of tho South and Central
American republics In the presence OF the
Cuban rebellion, it says, serves TO prove
that each day develops still moro the IN
terests binding them TO Spain. In the
United States, despite the efforts OF pub
lie opinion I'm tho contrary direction, tho
president and his government have not
separated themselves from the line OF con-
duct and tho loyal friendship which have
always existed hotweon the two countries
sinoo the creation OF the republic.
Tho pope tho speech continues, has Civ
on renewed sympathy TO Spain.
The speech praises the conduct of the
army and navy during tho struggle In Gu
ba. The government Is actively occupied
with an increase OF the defonses FOR the
peninsuln and for the colonies The army
will soon be provided with new pattern
rifles and complete artillery equipment
Spain has already increased her navy by
gb gunboats and other vessels. An extraor-
dinary budget will be presented TO pro-
vide for tho acquisition Of new ships and
for improving tho arsonals.