Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-10-28
FAILURE OF AUTONOMISTS.
Conservatives Claim That the Party Has
Failed in all Respects.

Havana, Oct. 26.-The failure of the
autonomist policy of the new Spanish
cabinet seems more and more apparent
every day. Discussions are known to
exist among the Autonomist leaders
and the Conservatives have pronounced
themselves strongly opposed to the
granting of an autonomist form of
government to Cuba and have, so to
say, washed their hands of the conse-
quences which may follow if the gov
eminent at Madrid persists in carrying
out the plans Of Premier Sagasta.
The Conservatives, last night, held
meeting in this city lasting four hours.
during which several speeches were
made in opposition to the policy of
autonomy for Cuba, and it was unani-
mously agreed that the Conservative
party should energetically oppose
autonomy and the policy of the Sagasta
cabinet in this direction. The Conser
vatives also criticized their president
the Marquis Apezteguia, who is now in
Madrid, for his astronomical declara-
tions.
Senior Francisco de Los Santos Guz-
man, leading Conservative and a
deputy protested strongly against the
new policy of the Spanish government
CHASING it as political suicide" The
speaker warmly criticized the Madrid
government because it had not awaited
itself of the genuine and historical
representation of the autonOmist party
which remained loyal to Spain during
the war, in spite of the insults from
the rebel juntas of New York and
Paris" asserting that the government
was availing itself of the services of
reformists who had suddenly trans
formed themselves into autonomists,
instancing the appointment as general
treasurer of Senior Estanislao de An
tonic. who was secretary general dur
ing the administration of General Cal
LEILA in Cuba, and during whose term
of office. the country had been greatly
agitated with reforms" or a campaign
in that direction.
Continuing. the speaker said the Con-
servatives were greatly annoyed at this
policy as they considered it marked
approval upon the part of the govern
ment of the policy of General Calleja
and as deliberate snub to the Con-
servatives. But, the speaker concluded
with adding that, in spite of this, they
must accept the rulings of the govern
ment.
Senior Francisco de los Santos Guz-
man then presented for adoption
message from those present at the
meeting to the Conservative president,
the Marquis Apezteguia, which was
unanimously adopted. This message
set forth that the general assembly
unanimously agreed with the Union
Constitutional party and not with the
Autonomist party, objecting to the lat
ter being entrusted with power here or
in Spain and respectfully declining to
accept the responsibility for the results
which might follow the establishment
Of the new policy. while expressing
willingness to respect and obey what
ever the national government may de-
eide and expressing dsapproval with
call rebellious efforts" to canvass Spain
against the astronomical system of
government.
In conclusion the meeting agreed to
summons mass meeting of the Con-
servatives for Dec. 20 next, in order
that the future attitude of the party
may be definitely decided upon.