The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-09-06
SPAIN READY TO FIGHT US
RATHER THAN sUBMJr TO INTER-
FERENCE IN CUBA.

Aucsrrasa Writes to . Supporter tn Havana
That spain's Reply to such n Proposition
Will Eud Forever the "vAin Pretensions
or tho Americaus, in the Monroe Doctrine.
HAVANA. Sept. IA great sensation has been
caused hero by q letter from Gen. Marcelo
Ascarraga, now Spain's Prime Minister. i'd
dressed to ono OF the leading Spaniards in Ha.
vana who for many years has welded q de-
cisive influence in all colonial affairs by his
high social position in the island ms well as by
his intimate friendship with the most prominent
leaders OF tho Conservative party In Spain.
Though not q word of the letter has been pub.
lished in the local press. 1t is publicly known
through the high Spanish officials and members
Of the Union constitutional party to whom it
was shown at q private dinner at the house OF
the gentleman who received 1t.
To all appearances Gen. AzonrraRa wished his
views to DO known by the leaders Of the Spanish
party in tho island without making any official
declaration through the press which might
cause premature diplomatic trouble. The letter
refers to the answer which the Spanish Govern
ment is ready TO give to any proposal of inter-
ference from tho United States that Gen. Wood
ford may mako to the court Of Spain, and its
most important paragraphs say:
Tho Spanish patriots in Cuba ought not to
entertain the least apprehension about the mis-
sion Of Mr.. Woodford. According to the Gov
ernment's information from its representative
in Washington, the intentions Of the United
States are probably much exaggerated. and be-
sides our position IL 80 clear and our determine
ton to repel any unjust pretension Of that nation
SO emphatic that we are resolved before yield
ing to 80 to all extremes, even to war II nee
essary, in order to defend our sacred rights in
Cuba.
Nor. IL we 60 to war, shall We be less con-
fident OF the triumph Of Spain. We will DO the
champions Of the great political principle Of
European colonization In America against that
wrong idea that the United States Is the arbiter
Of national life and property in the New World.
We will have the sympathies OF Europe, no
doubt about that, and Europe will not consent
to our expulsion from Cuba. The day in which.
by the power of arms, or yielding before a war
like pressure from the United States. we shall
give Cuba up. that day would be the eve Of Eng
lands loss of Canada and Jamaica, and Frances
departure from her American colonies. No.
Europe will not consent to our failure, and
apart from the fact that our arms will have q
better occasion to display their strength in a
contest against a civilized country than In tho
guerrilla fights in the maRiouds Of Cuba. we
shall have. even II we fail, q hand to LIT US up
in the last moments
"Gen. Woodford will be received and even
welcomed as our mourned Don Antonio (Cano.
vas del Castillol wished to welcome him. II he
brings only claims Of American citizens harmed
in Cuba attention will be paid to those claims as
far as they are just. In q friendly manner he
will be notified also OF Spain's right to claim
other damages. and instructions will be given
for the purpose to our Minister In Washingt ton.
But 1t will be n great mistake II he in
tends to suggest any other kind Of
American interference In Cuba. Canovas did
not answer the proposals. for home
rule made BY President Cleveland; hut
now. II the United States persists, the answer
will have to be given. 1t will be straight and
firm. 1t will end forever all those vain preten
sions Of the Americans to rule outside OF theil
land. Spain will say that she does not admit II
the least the right Of the United States to inter
fere in Cuba, that the war between the CubaI
rebels and Spain is but a civil war. a contest o.
family. and that foreigners ought to keep hands
of. And Spain will stand by her answer what
ever the consequences may be-"
Another letter, from Senior Romero Robledo
shows the same high spirit, and says:
You can assure our friends down there tha'
IN spite of what they may read In some Madric
newspapers and Of what words some politician
have uttered, more to make a sensation thai
anything else. SPANS historical pride is not lost
and the nation will repel as one man any kim
Of interference In Cuba from the United States
81 believe, notwithstanding all, that mucl
has been exaggerated in this affair, and that Mr.
Woodford will not be less friendly than MI
Taylor or any other previous American Minis
ter. In my opinion the most OF this interna
tional excitement Is kept up by The American
press. an institution for the spreading OF sensa
tion that no words are strong enough to con
denim. Fuel 10 added to that flame by the Cuba
NJ
people. indeed. But II I am wrong. and an
pressure 10 intended from Washington. tn
right answer will be given. Spain Is always III
same gallant Spain"
Instructions have been cabled from Madri
to Gen. Weyler Z" to be ready for any emergenc
from abroad" Unusual activity Is displays
In the forts and the arsenal.