The Portland daily press., 1897-02-08
SPAIN SENDS ITS LOVE.
AffectiOnate Message Accompanies
Statement Of Reforms.


Which the Madrid Government Proposes
Tells of Scope of Proposed Measure.
Washington, February 7.-The Span
stract of the new reforms for Cuba and
Porto Rico, the preamble of Senor
Canovas. announcing the terms of the
hew decree. The preamble expresses the
kindliest feelings toward the Cuban peo-
pie, declares that Spain is disposed, as
extend amnesty for past offences, aud
declares that the application of the re-
forms only depends upon the insurgents.
Minister DeLome, discussing the scope
of the reforms to-day, said in substance:
''The electoral reforms were not referred
to at length in the decree of the minis
try as they will require the action of the
Cortes. 1t is the serious intention of
the Spanish government to adopt q poll
cy Of electoral reform which will greatly
broaded the existing basis of suffrage
and increase the number of Cubans who
take part in the governments Of che ISL
and. Under the new law any one may
vote without regard to the five dollar
tax, provided he is not illitsrate. 1t is
the purpose of the government to show
the greatest generosity towards the In
surgents who lay down their arms, but
the reforms cannot well . put In full
| ant rrnf hn u SnEtn
acknowledged in all parts OF the island.
The tariff features Of the new decree
are very comprehensive in scopa ana
mean a great deal for the United States
as well as for Cuba. The situation will
be much mole favorable to American
trade than under the reciprocity treaty
of 1890. 1t will be necessary for the
home government to consult the Cnbans
before reciprocity treaty is concluded.
1he new reforms provide that such treaties
may be suggested by the new council OF
administration.
The council Of administration will not
only contain 81 members, elected by
ths qualified voters of Cuba, but will
contain Cubens among other members
il they possess the qualifications to at
tain the position which entities thsm to
seats Places are entirely open to na
tive Cubans as well SIS Spaniards.
TOO MANY CONCESSIONS.
spaniards Don't Like the Proposed Cuban
Madrid, February Prime Minister
Canovas today declared that the govern
ment would legally execute the reforms
| in Cuba and would not wait for the
complete pacification of tho island.
There is much Dissatisfaction expressed
here over what are believed to be the
| excessive concessions made to Cubans
| in the scheme Of reforms and 1t -
thought changes are liza bls to result. 1t
| is reported today that Marquis Pinal, or
Gen. Martinez Campos Will shortly re-
| place ssSenor Oanovas del Castillo as
| prime minister.
Legal Proceedings Against Two Alleged
| Filibusters.
| New York, February 6.-Gen. Carlos
Roloff, secretary Of war of the Cuban
provisional government and DR.. Joss J.
Luis, were arrested today on two war
rants requiring them to appear in Balt1-
more for trial to answer charges OF
l"conspiracy' and "aiding and abetting"
| in connection with the flibustering ex-
petition which left Baltimore from Cuba
in July, 1895. They furnished $500 hail
each. Assistant United States District
Attorney Hinmansconsented to the dis
missal of the charges against Gen.
Roloff prefer ed in this city in conneo-
| tion with the filibustering expedition on
the steamship Woodall, which occurred
in 1895, and consented to DIR. Luis's re-
lease upon his own reoognizanos on the
| same CASE. The hearing of the charges
against DR.. Luis and editor Enrique
Trujillo, to the effect that they were aon-
cerned in the steamship Horsa expedi..
| tinp, was ret for to-day, but counsel
waived examination before Commissioner
| Shields and the matter Rues before the
federal grand jury.
| On a Charge of Piracy.
| jacksonville, Fla, February 6.-The
| steamer Thres Friends arrived at noon
fIom Jupiter and was Immediately seized
! By the collector of customs, under in
st1 uctions from the Secretary Of the
Treasury. She was taken in custody by
the United States marshal on d charge Of
piracy by virtue of libel filed by the
United States district attorney alleging
that she committed piratical acts on her
| trip to Cuba last Decem her.
Arrested in Cuba.
Washington, February 6.-Consul Cen
eral Les telegraphs the state Department
from Havana as follows: "Sylsester
Soovel, World correspondents, arrested
Yesterday at Tuuas, Santa Clara prov
ince." Consul General lee will watch
out for tho interests of Scovel as an
American Citizen.
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