The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-10-06

A WOODFORD CANARD
DENIED THAT HE HAS LEFT A
s NOTE FROM SHERMAN.
WASHINGTON WILL NOT HURRY MATTERS
Autonomy Program For Cuba to be Entered
Upon at Once, and Policy, Says Sag
asia Win be One Of Firmness

Upon at Unce, and Policy, Says Sag
asia Win be One Of Firmness
and Sagacity.
Madrid. Oct. 5.--Senor Moret. the
Minister for the Colonies, it is semi
officially announced, has decided to apply
as soon as possible all the measures
which are comprised in the programme
of the Liberals, regarding the Antilles,
Including all that is necessary for ap-
plication Of autonomy for Cuba in the
form permitted by the circumstances.
1t is reported here to-day that the
| United States Minister, General Stew
| art l.. Woodf0rd, left at the Foreign
Office yesterday an official note from
Secretary Sherman.
| Premier Sagasta, in an interview, is
quoted as saying that most important
questions are before the Cabinet Min
listers, who have a thorough knowledge
of the financial position of Spain and
possesses accurate details of the war sit
uation in Cuba and in the Philippine
islands. The government, Senor Sa-
gasta added, will carry out its poll
tical and military programme with
firmness and sagacity.
| When the Premier was questioned re-
| garding the future of Captain General
| Weyler, he said he supposed Weylei
| would resign, adding that il he did not
do so he would be recalled. In conclu.
| sion Senor Sagasta said that the most
prompt action would be taken in the
/ Philippine islands where the situation,
he explained, admitted of no delay.
| PERSONNEL OF THE CABINET. {
! Washington, Oct. o. United States Min
| lister Woodford has been heard from ut
| last by the State Department. A cable
| gram has been received from him dated
| Madrid. 7:40 last evening, addressed Il
| Secretary Sherman, making the follow
| ing announcement OF the appointment Of
such officers of the new Spanish cabinet
ms may have to do with rhe foreign poll
cy OF the new government:
| New ministry formed. Sagasta pres
| dent; Gullon, minister of State; Morat,
! Minister Of Colonies.
| tSigned) "WO0DFORD."
| The composition of the new cabinet is
| the subject of considerable gossip in adj
minstration and diplomatic circles. 1t
| is felt that the three powers of the new
| regime. so far as concerns Cuban af-
| fairs, are Sagasta, Gullon and Moret,
| three names often noted in State De
| partment records in connection with pre-
| vious negotiations concerning indepen-
| dence, autonomy and other movements at
| the time of the last long Cuban war.
| Sagasta was Minister of State at the
| time of the last long Cuban war. Sag
| asia was Minister of State at the time
our Secretary of State, Hamilton Fish,
sent to the United States Minister at
Madrid, Mr.. Cushing the instructions
which have since become famous as lay
ing down the policy of the United States
and the name of Gullon appears signed
to one of the Spanish answers to minis
ter Gushing, Mr.. Gullon's apparent Of
| flee being that of an assistant Minister
of State.
| AS Minister of the Colonies, it is be-
| lieved Senior MOret will take leading
part in the coming Cuban negotiations.
| He is well known here, having been
Minister of State of the Colonies, and
also of Finance. While Moret was in
the cabinet during the previous Cuban
rebellion, his business associates, Senior
AZarraga, came to this country as an
envoy to effect settlement with the
Cubans by granting them a measure Of
autonomy. The envoy, acting with the
Spanish Ministry here, Lopez Robert,
sent commissioner to treat with the
insurgent president. The Commissioner
Senor Zenea, appears to have been in
discreet in his negotiations, for on his
way back he was captured and shot by
the Spanish authorities on the ground of
having carried on unauthorized negotia-
tions with the insurgents. Subsequent
ly, through the influence of Moret, the
widow of Zenea was paid an in
demnity of $30,000 which was regarded
as showing that the mission for a COM
promise with the Cubans was not wholly
| action. This incident and Morets rec
| ognition of the Mora claim, have made
him best known in this country. The
other new cabinet officers are not known
to officials here.
CORDIAL EXCHANGES.
Madrid, Oct. 5.-Senor Sagasta. the
hn