The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-10-28
SPANISH MINISTER TALKS
A LEGISLATURE AND UNIVERSAL
SUFFRAGE FOR THE ISLAND.
SPAlN'S REPLY IS At LAST RECEIVED
Seno< De LONE Gives the History Of the Au-
tonomist Party--They Want Cuba to Man
age Her Own Affairs But be Part Of
the federal System,
the Federal System.

the Federal System.
Washington, D. c.. Oct. N.-The
Spanish Minister, Senor Dupuy De
LONE. consented for the first time today
to speak concerning the policy OF auton-
omy which the Spanish government pro-
poses to apply to Cuba. Before leaving
FOR New York today Senor Dupuy DE
LONE gave the evolutions which auton-
omy has passed, leading up TO the pres
ent policy, and the general outline Of the
policy itself. ;.
Under the provisions of the treaty OF
canon, concluded in 1878, at the close
OF the last Cuban disturbance, it was
proyided 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 of Spain.
This brought the Autonomist party, So
called, in existence, its essential prin-
chile being that of self-government for.
Cuba, and not treating Cuba as prov
ence of Spain, as was the system IN Pu-
erto Rico. That party adopted plat
form and in 1886 offered complete
program of autonomy for the considera-
ton of the country. A peaceful agita-
tion Of this autonomy program was then
inaugurated. In 1893, for the first time,
minister in a Liberal cabinet, Senor
Maura. saw the mistake Of that system
OF rule known as assimilation" when
treated Cuba as Spanish province, and
he presented plan of reforms. This
was strongly opposed and after two
years of discussion it was found lmpos-
sible to put the plan through the Cortes.
Then a compromise reform measure was
framed which acknowledged the person
ality of Cuba as separate body, Dur
under the Spanish flag. These reforms
having been considered insufficient on
account of the state of the island, Pre-
mier Canovas proceeded to greatly en-
large them, his plan being, however,
short Of absolute autonomy. Now Mr.
Noret, Minister Of the Colonies IN the
new cabinet, fulfills the promise or the
Liberal party when it was IN the M
nority, and proclaims that autonomy as
It had always been demanded by the
home rule party of Cuba.
Under this policy, as applied to Cuba,
the island will have a system on the
lines of those of Canada, or of the Am
erican States, maintaining its individu-
aHty OH all internal affairs, and yet re-
system. 1t will have vice-Ioy, or gov
ernor general, as is always the case in
the maintenance of colonial system,
such as that of Australia. New England
or Canada. The island viii have its own
legislature, chosen directly by the people,
who will enjoy universal suffrage from
the majority in the legislature. The
governor general will choose his minis
try, consisting OF a president of the
ministry and four ministers, namely
Minister of the Interior: Minister of
Public Works; Minister Of Public In
structions, and Minister of Finance. At
the same time Cuba will have represen-
tation In the Spanish Cortes, as well as
her local legislature. The representa-
tive to the Cortes will also be 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 gen.
eral. The subjects before the legislature
will include those OF taxation, tariff, pub
lie instruction, and all matters of the
internal administration Of the island, in
the broadest sense Of the term.
REPLY RECEIVED.
The event Of the day at the State De
partment was the receipt of the long ex-
pected cablegram from United States
Minister Woodford at Madrid, transmit
ting the answer of the Spanish govern
ment to his representations in the inter-
est of peace in Cuba.
The first copy was taken at once to
the President After due opportunity
had been allowed the President to read
the message an application was made for
a statement as to it's contents or nature.
This was declined by Secretary Porter,
and it was said that under no circum-
stances would the correspondence be
made public before consideration by the
Cabinet.
From unofficial information that has
reached certain administration officials
In advance of this message of Mr.. Wood
ford's as to the nature of the Spanish
reply, it is evident that in neither lam
guage nor subject matter is the communi-
cation likely to be taken as offensive by
our government. 1t may be, it is true,
regarded as insufficient to meet the is
sue presented by Mr.. Woodford in his
note, but officials Of the State Depart
ment say that in view of what has al
ready been accomplished by the new
Spanish Cabinet in reforming abuses in
Cuba, in removing Weyler and in pro-
jecting what appears to be a liberal
measure Of autonomy, our government
viii certainly rest, at least until Con-
gress assemblies, and afford the new
Spanish government q reasonable time to
carry out its plans.
OPPOSE AUTONOMY.
Madrid, Oct. 2.-The Constitutional