The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-10-28
SPANS CUBAN POLICY.
Minister De LONE Explains the Pro-
gramme of Autonomy

gramme of Autonomy.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 27.-The Spanish
minister, Senior Dupuy De LONE, consented
for the first time to-day to speak concern
ing the policy of autonomy which the
Spanish government proposes to apply to
Cuba This has been referred to in general
terms since the advance of the Sagasta
ministry, but there has been lack of au-
thentic details. Before leaving for New
York to-day, where the minister and his
family will spend several weeks Senior
Depuy De LONE gave the evolutions
through which autonomy has passed lead
ing up to the general present policy:
Under the provisions OF the treaty of
Zanjon, concluded in 1878, at the close of
the last Cuban disturbance, it was pro-
vided that Cuba was to enjoy the same
liberties as those accorded to the Island of
Puerto Rico. This latter island had the
same liberties as those of any province in
Spain. This brought the autonomist party,
so called. into existence, its essential prin-
ciple being that of sef-government for
Cuba, and not treating Cuba as a province
of Spain, as was the system in Puerto Rico
That party adopted PLATFORM and in 1886
offered q complete programme of autonomy
for the consideration of the country A
peaceful agitation of this autonomy pro-
Srdmme was then inaugurated
In 1898, for the first time a minister in a
Liberal Cabinet, Senior Maura, saw the mis-
take of that system of rule known as as
sanitation which treated Cuba as a Span
Ism province, and he presented plan of
reforms This was strongly opposed, and
after two years Of discussion ii was found
impossible to put the plan through the
Cortes. Then a compromise reform measure
was framed, which acknowledged the per-
Sonality of Cuba as a separate body but
under the Spanish flag. These reforms hav-
fr1cr
of the state of the island, Premier Cano-
vas proceeded to greatly enlarge them his
plan being, however, short of absolute au-
tOnomy.
Now Mr. Moret, minister of the colonies
in the new Cabinet, fulfills the promises of
the Liberal party when 1t was in the minor
1ty and prOclaims that autonomy, as it had
always been demanded by the home-rule
parCy of Cuba. Under this policy as APP
piled to Cuba, the island will have a system
on the lines of those of Canada or of the
American States, maintaining it's individu-
ality on all internal AFFAIRS and yet retain
ing its place as part of the federal sys-
tenn. 1t will have a Wceroy or governor
general as is always the case in the main
tenance of a colonial system, such as that
of Australia, New Zealand or Canada. The
island Will have its own Legislature, chosen
directly by the people, who will enjoy uni
versal suffrage. From the majority in the
Legislature the Governor General will chose
his Ministry, consisting of a president of
the Ministry and four minister's namely
minister of the interior, minister of public
works, minister or public instruction and
minister of finance. At the same time, Cuba
will have representation in the Spanish
Cortes, as we'll as her local Legislature
The representative to the Cortes will be
also elected by the people of Cuba through
universal suffrage, and will not be selected
by the Ministry, as has been enormously
stated. The Ministry will be responsible to
the Legislature, and not to the Governor
General. The subjects before the Legisla-
ture will include those of taxation. tariff,
public instruction and all matters of the in
ternal administration of the island in the
broadcast sense of this term"
The departure of Minister Dupuy and
family for New York is said to have no sig
nificance and to be entirely personal. He
has given up his present residence and
taken new quarters on Massachusetts ave-
nue.. The new house will not be ready for
occupancy until Dec. l, and in the meantime
it is agreeable to the minister to spend a
few weeks in New York. The legation has
already been removed to the Massachusetts,
avenue house and it will transact routine
affairs during the minister's absence. all of
the larger questions of politics and policy
going direct to him.
The Spanish authorities have received no
information as to the an yer of Minister
Woodford beyond the fact that the answer
was placed in Mr.. WOodtord's hands on
Monday afternoon