The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1897-10-29
MINISTER DE LONE
SPEAKS CONCERNING AUTONOMY
POLICY FOR CUBA
He Gives a Sketch of the Development Of
the Autonomy Idea and Growth Of the
Autonomist Party-1he Plans the New
Ministry Have agreed Upon for Govern
ment of the Islaod-To Have Universal
{ Suffrage and to Form Part of n Spanish
Federation

Washington, October 27.-The Spanish
minister, Senor Dupuy de LONE, consent
ed for the first time today to speak con-
cerning the policy Of autonomy which
the Spanish government proposes to ap-
ply to Cuba. This has been referred to
in general terms since the advent of the
Sagasta ministry, but there has been
lack OF authentic details. Before leaving
for New York today, where the minister
and his family will spend several weeks,
Senor Dupuy de Lone gave the evolu-
tions through which autonomy has
passed leading up to the present policy,
and the general outline of the policy
itself
Under the provisions of the treaty of
Zanjon, concluded in 1873. at the close
of the last Cuban disturbance, it was
provided that Cuba was to enjoy the
same liberties as those accorded to the
island of Porto Rico This latter island
had the same liberties as those CT any
province of Spain. This brought the
autonOmist party, so called, into exist
ence, it's essential principle being that of
self government for Cuba and not treat
ing Cuba province of Spain, as was
the system in Porto Rico. That party
adopted platform and in 1886 offered
complete programme of autonomy for the
consideration of the country. A peaceful
agitation Of this autonomy programme
was then inaugurated In 1S93 for the first
time, minister in d liberal cabinet
Senor Maura, saw the first mistake of
that system of rule known as assimila-
tion,' which treated Cuba as a Spanish
province, and he presented plan of
reform. This was strongly opposed and
after two years of discussion it was
found impossible to put the plan through
the cOrtes. Then a compromise reform
measure was framed which acknowledged
ha of nj q
body, but under the Spanish flag. These
reforms having been considered in
sufficient on account of the state of the
island, Premier Canovas proceeded to
greatly enlarge them, his plan being,
however, short of absolute autonomy.
Now Mr. Noret, minister of the colonies
in the new cabinet, fulf1lls the promise
Of the liberal party when it was in the
minority and procfaims 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 Ameri-
| can states, maintaining its individuality
| on all international affairs and yet re-
! system. 1t will have a viceroy, or gov
| ernor general, as is always the case
| in the mantenapce of a colonial system
such that Of Australia, New Zealand
| or Canada. The island will have it's own
| legislature, chosen directly by the peo-
| pie, who will enjoy universal suffrage
| From the ma ajOrity In the legislature, the
| governor general will choose his ministry
| consisting of a president of the minis
| try and four ministers, namely, minister
| of the interior, minister Of public works
| minister of public instruction and min
| lister of finance At the same time Cuba
| will have representation in the Spanish
| cortes, as well as her local legislature
| The representatives to the cortes will
| also be elected by the people of Cuba
| through universal suffrage, and will moi
| be elected by the ministry, as has beer
| eroneously stated. The ministry will bt
| responsible to the legislature and not te
| the governor general. The subjects be.
| fore the legislature will include those OF
| taxation, tariff, pubic instruction and al
| matters of the internal administration OF
| the island in the broadest sense of the
/