The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-02-07
Liberty or Death the Cry Of the
Patriots.
SPANIAUOS ALSO SUSPICIOUS.
The Liberals Put No Faith in Con-
SerVatiVe Promises.

The Men Back of the Reform PropO-
sition only n Few Months Ago De-
scribed Their Policy as Guns, Not
RefOrms''--The Spanish Authorities
Also Wen Aware That 1t would Be
Wasting Time to Try to Induce
Gen. CaIIxtO Garcia TO Listen TO
Reform Propositions.
Key West, Fla, Feb. 6.-Advices from
Havana tonight state that Canovas'
famous Cuban reforms have been current
talk among the people during the week.
The impending financial crisis, on ac-
count OF the depression of paper cur
rency, war matters and other important
subjects, are all left aside to discuss the
apparent great event. Although the de-
tails of the plan are hidden from the pub
lie, the government stopping publication
In the papers, the facts leaked out and
nave been widely commented on. The
very TACT that the authorities prohibited
the printing of the news has given occa-
sion for the common people to express
doubts and misgivngs of the efficacy OF
the reforms. The consensus OF opinion of
enlightened liberal Spaniards is that, al
though the reforms are sufficiently ample
20 satisfy their aspirations, the fact Of
who have always opposed any conces-
sions and who not many months ago
openly declared their policy was guns,
not reforms" incines them to hesitate
and disbelieve the plans will be honestly
carried out.
AS to the Cubans It need not be said
that, with the exception of the renegades,
all agree that the reforms are too weak
and certainly unacceptable to Cubans in
arms. This can be positively affirmed
Not the least doubt exists on this point
Reliable information received this week
states that Gomez fatty refused to meet
Marcos Garcia, the delegate sent by the
government to make proposals OF peace.
Gomez would not hear of any overtures
or receive any COMMUNICATIONS tending
to open negotiations unless based on aD-
solute Independence.
Another delegate appointed 10
go to Manzanillo to talk with Calixto
Garcia, declined the commission on the
spot, saying 1t was useless, he knowing
full well that Garcia never accepts any
terms, especially now, having l2OO0 men
posed of majority of veterans of the last
war, In a section totally dominated by his
forces, where the rebellious spirit has all
ways been prevalent. Other Cuban lead
vana have written to friends in this city,
expressing the same determination to re-
sist TO the end and accept no compromise
with Spain except Independence.
The general belief is that Spain knows
well she cannot induce the rebels to lay
down their arms by such. milk and water
reforms and the struggle will continue
indefinitely, but, naturally fearing the
United States cannot remain Indifferent
much longer, Witnessing havoc and de-
struction at their very DOORS and the
enormous losses entailed on commerce by
the prolongation of the war, and would
surely intervene, she has been playing a
deep diplomatic game and pulling wool
over the eyes OF the senators and repre-
sentatives by deceiving them by
forms so ample that they would
be acceptable TO fighting Cubans.
lt Is simply an attempt to gain time and
prevent President Cleveland taking ac-
tion before leaving power, and delay, as
much as possible, and determination Pres
ident-elect McKinley's administration
may take In the matter.
Another instance has occurred TO "jus-
tify'' Weyler's assertion that Pnar del
Rio Is paciiled. Rius Rivera, after sig
naliy defeating Col Melguizo In the. fight
reported last week, captured the town OF
Guane and then burned 1t entirely. The
rebels burned the wooden bridge and sew
eral culverts near Palos, Havana, no
trains arriving from Union yesterday.
Gaspar BetancOurts confinement de-
spite the decision of the court for imme-
date release, Is the greatest outrage ever
done an American citizen. The case has
not a precedent on the contrary, Span
ish law requires that as soon as a pris-
oner Is found gultless he be released on
the spot. The proof Is that the Judge, as
soon as the tribunal gave sentence. at
once signed a warrant ordering the Jail
warden 10 place him at liberty, conse-
quently his remaining In jail under the
pretense of alleged formalities to be COM
piled with, Is simply a flagrant violation
of Spanish law and shameful injustice to
an innocent man