The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1897-12-08
REPLY THAT sAGAsTA MADE.
Acknowledges Our Interest and Outlines
New Policy.


The reply to our note was received on
the 23d day of October. 1t is in the di-
rection OF a better understanding 1t
appreciates the friendly purposes of this
government Ii admits that our country
is deeply affected by the war in Cuba
and that it's desires for peace are just
1t declares that the present Spanish
government is bound by every consid-
GRAFTON TO a change OF policy that
should satisfy the United States and
pacify Cuba within a reasonable time.
To this end Spain has decided to put in
to effect the polictical reforms hereto
fore advocated by the present premier,
without hating for any consideration
in the path which in its Judgment leads
TO peace. The military operations, 1t is
said, will continue, but will be humane
and conducted with all regard for pri-
vate rights, being accompanied by po-
litical action leading TO the autonomy
of Cuba while guarding Spanish
sovereignty. This. ii is claimed, will re-
suit in investing Cuba with a distinct
personality; the island to be governed
by an executive and by local council
or chamber reserving to Spain the con-
troll OF the foreign relations, the army
and navy and the judicial admnistra-
ton. To accomplish this the present
government proposes 10 modify exist
ing legislation by DEGREES, leaving the
Spanish cortes, with the aid Of Cuban
senators and deputies. to solve the
economic problem and properly dis
tribute the existing debt.
In the absence OF declaration Of the
measures that this government proposes
To take in carrying out its proffer of
good offices Ii suggests that Spain be
left free to conduct military operations
and grant political reforms; while the
United states, for its part shall enforce
a m ont off he
assistance which ii is asserted the in
surgents receive from this country The
supposition Of an indefinite prolongation
of the war is denied. 1t is asserted that
the western provinces are already well
nigh reclaimed that the planting Of
cane and tobacco therein has been re-
sumed. and that by force of arms and
new and ample reforms very early and
complete pacification is hoped for
The immediate amelioration of existing
conditions under the new administra-
ton of Cuban affairs is predicted. and
therewithal the disturbance and all oc-
casion for any change of attitude on the
part of the United States.
Discussion of the question Of the in
ternational duties and responsibilities
OF the United States as Spain under
stands them Is presented with an APP
parent disposition to charge us with
failure in this regard. This charge is
without any OASIS in fact. II could not
have been made If Spain had been cog
INFANT OF the constant efforts this gov
eminent has made at the cost of mil
lions and by the employment of the ad-
ministrative machinery of the nation
at command to perform it's full duty
according to the law of nations That
IL has successfully prevented the de-
parture OF single military expedition
or armed vessel from our shores in vio-
lation Of our laws would seem to be
SUFFICIENT answer But Of this aspect OF
the Spanish note IL is not necessary to
speak further now. Firm in the con-
viction Of a wholly performed obliga-
ton. due response to this charge has
been made IN diplomatic course
Throughout all these horrors and
dangers to our own peace this govern
ment has never broken over or in any
way abrogated it's sovereign preroga-
tive of reserving TO itself the deter
mination Of its policy and course ac-
cording to it's own high sense of right
and In consonance with the dearest in
terests and convictions Of our own peo-
pie, should the prolongation OF the war
so demand