Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-01-01
c UBAN., KUToNo Y
The Character OF government Spain vii
arantgo Cuba.
senior De LONE. Statement in E.pl.-
%jG t1(
Was Adopted Yesterday.

+ Detailed Information as to the character
of autonomy which Spain is willing to
grant to Cuba Yas received at the Spanish
legation here hast night The decree was
adopted in Madrid yesterday at council
of the ministry. presided over by the queen
regent 1t lacks. however, the official in
dorsement OF the cortes. but this, 1t Is be-
Heved, will be easily obtainable when con-
dftions have reached such a point that the
Spanish authorities believe the reforms
can be introduced in Cuba without disturb
ance and turmoil from any discontinued
factions.
New Year Gift to Porto Rico.
| The proposed reforms are to go into eff
feet Immediately in Porto Rico, and are
announced today in the desire to promul-
gate them as New Year gift to the cit
liens Of Porto Rico
The same measures OF relief, 1t is said
will be announced on an enlarged scale in
Cuba SO soon as the pacification of the
Island Is such that the reforms can be
brought about without such revolt as would
now be caused by the insurgents. 1t Is
claimed that should the rebellfous portions
OF tne island indicate their willingness to
accept the system Of home rule suggested
Dy Spain and cease the instruction the re-
form would Immediately go into effect.
Senior dc Lome's Statement.
Senior de LONE, the Spanish minister, has
made statement in explanation of the de-
cree, in which he says:
The reform law was voted by the parties
In February, 1885, 1t was accepted then by
the autonomlst party and received q unan-
imous vote In the party. Among the voters
were sGch conspicuous autonomists as Mon
tore, Gfberga, Labra, Ferry, Fernando and
1ohzales, all Cubans. The leaders Of the
autonom1st party Of Porto Rico have been
In Madrid this winter, and the royal decree
entirely meets with their approval. What
mas been printed new plan of reform is
nothing but the law Of 1895, published hy
me spanish legation In May last in the
pamphlet entitled Spanish Rule in Cuba ,
me restrictions on the appointment Of
councillors are not against the people, but
a restriction Of the powers of the govern
neht. NeadIy all the councillors appointed
Dy the crown are to be taken from people
that have received votes from the electors
or have been prominent in the business
community or are among the principal tax
payers th as. ENRIQUE Varona, the member Of
the New York Junta, and even people now
IN the held, could be appointed councillor
oy the crown, and, Of course, elected.
Transfer of Powers.
'"The object Of the reforms in Cuba and
Porto Rico is to transfer to the council Of
administration Of each island powers which
hitherto have been attributions of the gov
eminent officials, and exercised in Madrid.
The reforms as, announced state that this
&C uncil of administration is to be composed,
in the case of Porto Rico, of six provincial
next biennial election shall take place lace. and md
SIX councillors appointed by the supreme
1t shall be the duty of the governor gen.
eral, as supreme CHIEF Of the authorities of
the island, to Garry, out the resolutions of
the council. For that purpose, as delegate
CT the governor ger eral, the section of local
administration Of the general government.
OF the island shall attend to all the de-
partments included in the provincial esti-
mates, the accounts Of which 1t shall keep.
and shall be responsible for non-observance
sembly. - ~
Although the budget; for the island must
be finally votedsby the Spanish parliament.
the Antilles send numerous and powerful
representation to the cortes. enjoying in
this respect great advantage over the
English colonies.