The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-12-12
SAGASTA ON II MESSAGE.
HE HADN'T EIPEoTED so MUCH
FROM THE PRESIDENT.

The Message Open 10 Criticism I'm Some De-
tails, but ne Thinks IL VIII Anect tho Cu-
ban Cause Adverseiy-spain MAY Not Acc
cept the Prenier,s View OF the Message.
Special Gable Despatch TO THE sus.
LONDON. Dec. lit is chiefly because at
tontion has been distracted toward China that
Europe has taken little interest in President
Mckinloy's message. Spain alone has looked
to It as embodying the fate Of that nation dur.
ing the next few months. There was at first
some erratic comment in Madrid, but the Sa-
gnsta Ministry has made extraordinary Of.
forts to impress the mildest possible ~interpre-
tation of the Presidents language upon Span
fish minds. Senior SaRasta himself has done
this publicly and privately in q most assidu-
GUS way. This is a sample OF his language:
II did not expect SO much from President
Mckinley. The question Of the rights Of ma.
lions Is dealt with In an excellent manner. As
regards the Presidents utterances in respect
of work achieved by the spaniEh Government,
we can find mo fault with them. They do us
Justice. There were in the message certain dc.
tails to which, It was at first thought. our Gov
eminent might take exception. 1t is the old
question. Ever since 1923, when tho Cuban
question originated, it has been these details
which have caused misunderstanding. That
10 the only fault 1 can find with the message.
II believe the message will have an immedi-
ate effect on affairs in Cuba. 1t must affect
the Instruction considerably and in an ad-
verse way, while our reforms will receive a
powerful stimulant. The Cortes will not yet
be dissolved. 1t is necessary that we know tho
effect of the message on the United States
Congress. We shall see very soon. The terms
employed by President Mckinley have given the
liveliest satisfaction TO the whole Corps Diplo-
matique in Madrid and all its members have
congratulated me by telephone"
1t is, of course, necessary to the plans Of
Senior Sagasta's Government that Spain saould
accept the message in.this spirit, but 1t is by
no means certain that the country will look at
the situation through the Premier spectacles.
LARGE MEETING IN HONOR OF wEYLER.
MADRID Dec. ia great meeting in honor
Of Gen. Weyler was held here last evening, the
object of which, besides doing honor to the late
Captain-General of Cuba. was to reconstruct the
Liberal and Conservative parties. Sixty Sena-
tors and members of the Chamber of Deputies,
many prominent Carlists, and 1000 provincial
politicians were present.
Sehor Romero Robledo presided. Upon taking
the chair Senior Robledo eulogized Gen. Weyler
and attacked the Liberals with great severity.
He made scathinR references to President Nc
Kinley's message, strongly protesting against
the Presidents uttcrances in regard to Spain
and Cuba, and ridiculed Cuban autonomy,
which he characterized rs "the kingdom of
Lilliput."
Cuban autonomy. he said. infringed upon tho
Constitution and was n coup d'Gtat. but popular
Indignation would sweep away such abuses.
"The Liberals, he said, "have deceived us
and placed the country's army and honor in tho
hands OF foreigners. The result will be shown
In less than twenty days. The Conservative
party is alert. and Gen. .Weyler represents It.
He will have its unconditional supporth cal. :
to office. am your leader as long as another
not designated. We are ON the eve of great
struggles ana irreparable catastrophes. Ii in
Office we would continue the war;"
At the conclusion of the meeting q subscrip-
ton was opened for the purpose OF raising funds
to procure O suitable present for Gen. Weyler in
recognition OF his services to his country. The
subscription is to be national. Part OF the funds
raised will be devoted to the erection of a monu-
mcnt in memory or Senior Canovas. Every
mention Of Gen. weyler's name was loudly ap-
plauded.