New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-08-09

GENERAL OPINION OF sPANIARDs IN
NETWORK.


THE coNsUL-GENERAL THINKS THAT MARSHAL
CAMPos WILL BE SENT BACK TO CUBA TO
REPLACE wEYIER VARIOUS
OPINIONS EXPRESSED.
Arturo Baldasano. the Spanish Consul-General
In this city, had not heard Of the death Of Senior
Canovas until he Informed of it by Tribune
reporter who saw him at his home. No. IS West
Nlnety-seventh-st., last night. Senior Badasano,
with his family. had been visiting friends in Long
Island and did not return to his home until after
10 o'clock in the evening When told of the tragic
occurrence at Santa Agueda. the Consul-General
for moments absolutely refused to put
credence In the dispatch that was shown
him. at is impossible" he exclaimed ut
cannot be true" Then with many ex-
cited gestures, and overwhelming rapidty or
questions. he asked for particulars, the authority
upon which the based. and. finally, as
If hoping against hope. he maintained that can
ovass death could not have beer accomplished or
he would have been officially Informed of 1t by the
Spanish Legation at Washington. At length. how
ever, the shock and excitement caused by the in
formation. impaired to him somewhat subsidized and
he said: 1T is true that Canovas was staying at
Santa Agueda. This dispatch Is correct in that.
Santa Agueda is fashionable watering place in
the north OF Spain. and 1t the custom of
Canovas to spend two weeks there every year.
ing deed. That must be true, too Canovas had
no political adversary that would murder him.
What the motive was | cannot even think. II
could have been because Of opposition to the
Spanish form Of government. In France, where
there is republic. Carnot was assassinated. and
then in the cases OF Lincoln and Garfield.
you have heads OF your own popular Government
murdered No, fanatcism-- unrcasoning blind.
criminal fanatcism-s the cause Of this kind OF
t.oodshed
WILL BE SORELY MISSED.
"Canovas was quiet man, and he will he sorely
mis- sed in Spain. He was what you call in this
country self-made man. His father was public
school teacher. Canovas was man Of energy.
talent and brains. and he gradually made himself
felt in SPANS public life. and in 1864 he became
member OF the Conservative Ministry that came
into power In that year. He was later Colonial
Minister until 1865. and 7 was an attache under
him during that period Even so long ago as that
he planned reforms for Cuba and to him and
Csmpos due the overthrow of the revolu-
ton IN 1874 and the restoration OF the Bour-
bon dynasty to the throh.. His personal influence
with the people OF Spain AMI his talents largely
helped TO make Alfonso MI Kins, and the Consti-
tuition he framed in 1876. giving greater personal
liberty to the Spanish people and introducing
many reforms in Cuba still remains in force
do you think the death Of Canovas will result IN
n change OF Government he was asked
II think" he replied. after considering for
moment, that it will mean change Of govern
ment and that probably the Liberals will go into
office. Sagasta. in that event, would be at the
head OF the Government"
would that mean any change in the policy pur-
sued toward Cuba?"
81 think so. Campos would undoubtedly replace
Weyler. and. expression of private opinion, |
think Cuba would get autonomy.
THE taking off of Canovas." he continued, us
great loss TO Spain. for the that it will be
hard for the Conservative party to fill his place
1t Is not likely that Pdal will be asked 10 form
new Cabinet. His following is small and compare
lively unimportant No. ] am inclined TO believe
that the Liberals perhaps not to-day or tomorrow,
but In "A short time. will conduct the next admins
tration The possibilities of revolution are slight.
The people opposed to a monarchy are not strong
enough in numbers to cause any mischief and. be-
sides they are divided by factional fights. The
Anarchists have not been agIatng since the BARGE
iona riots. II may be" however, that these Anar-
chists hold Canovas responsible for the prosecution
and execution Of me leaders in that uprising. and
have revenged themselves by Staying the Premier.
THE vICE-CONstrL's VIEWS.
jose Acuna the Spanish vice-Consul when seen
AT his house No 1856 West SiXty-frst-s last night,
said: The murder OF Canovas will have very de-
cdcd effect upon Spanish affairs, but whether 1t
will lead to the downfall OF the Ministry would
not like to hazard any opinion. But in any event
cannot think that any new administration would
OF a successor 10 the late Premier will depend upon
the Queen Regent. and should not be surprised II
her choice fell upon Senior Pidal. The Carllss
not likely to take advantage of this sudden calam-
ity Don Carlos IL unpopular in Spain, and cannot
succeed in any attempt to win the throne
But II Sagasta were placed at the head OF
Liberal Ministry would he not send Campos back
to Cuba and pursue a concatory course
toward the people of that isand?' Senior Acuna
was asked.
1T may happen SO; but that is matter upon
which only Sagasta car speak just now
Senior Acuna added that the assassination OF
Canovas might have a temporary depreciative in
fiuence upon Spanish securities but that 1t would
have effect upon the country's credit.
HIS POSSIBLE SUCCESSOR
Jose G. Garcia. Editor OF Las Novedaies." the
leading Spanish newspaper In this city, commenting
upon the death OF Canovas. said last night: "Cano
vas was no: only the mos; prominent man in the
Cabinet and in the Conservative party. but was the
most able statesman that Spain possessed. 1t was
he that brought Alfonso to the throne. He had been
chief of the Conservative party for over twenty-five
years; he was a man Of amiable qualities. and apart
from his ability as a statesman, he was tho most
brilliant orator In the Cortes. He was respected by
persons Of all classes OF opinions and was liked
by his political opponents.
Il n deep student OF Spanish political affairs.
but /; is impossible TO say with any certainty
whether tie present Government will remain in
power and. II so, who vii. succeed Canovas. The
death OF Canovas will not make a general election
necessary, because the appointment OF the Govern
ment is in the hands OF the Queen Regent and 1t
may be only necessary for her to appoint a new
Premier But II an election takes place the Lib
erals may win. and In that event Sagasta would
form the Administration
The only man who Is probably qualified to become
the chief OF the Conservatives and who is likely to
MI the place OF Canovas Is Senior Pidal. the present
President Of the House. But Francisco Svela Is
a man 81 great abilities and talents Speaking OF
him. II may be that the removal OF Canovas by the
bullet Of the ASSASSIN will tend to reunite Sve,a
with the old Conservative party Some time ago
sllvea had some political dispute with Canovas. and