The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1897-11-03
Minister DeLome Gives
Official Information.
THEPLAN OF AUTONOMY.

mioister. Senor Dupuy lDeLome, con-
sented for the first time to-day to speak
concerning the policy of autonomy
which the Spanish government pro
poses to apply to Cuba. This has been
referred to 10 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, Senior Deputy DE
LONE gave the evolutious through
which autonomy had passed. leading up
to the present policy, aud the general
outline of the policy itself.
Under the provisions of the treaty of
Zaojon, concluded 10 1878 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 Puerto Rico. This latter
island had the same liberties as those of
any province Of Spain. This brought
the Autooomist party, SO called, into
existence. its esseOti IL principle being
that of self government for Cuba, and
not treating Cuba as province of
Spain, as was the system in Puerto
Rico That party adopted platform
| and in 1886 offered complete pro-
gramme of autonomy for the considera-
ton of the country. A peaceful agita-
tion of this autonomy programme was
then inaugurated 10 1898. for the
first time, minister 10 a. Liberal
cabinet. Senor Manra. saw the mistake
of that system of rule known as sassi-
milation." which treated Cuba as q
Spanish province. and be presented a
plan of reforms This was strongly
opposed, and after two years Of discus
sion it vas found impossible to put the
plan through the cortes. Theo q COM
promise reform measure framed
which acknowledged the personality of
Cuba as separate body. but under the
Spanish Gag. These reforms having
been considered insufficient, on account
of the state of the Island, Premier
Canovas proceeded to greatly enlarge
them, bis piau being. however, short of
absolute Autonomy
Nov, Mr.. Moret, minister of the
colonies 10 the new cabinet. ful6lls the
promise of the Liberal party when it
was in the minority and proclaims
autonomy as it had always been de.
manded by the Home Rule party of
Cuba.
Uoder, this policy as applied to Cuba,
the island will have system On the
lines of those of CaDada, or Of the
American States, maintaiui, g its in
dividuality on all internal affairs and
yet retaining its place as part OF the
federal system It will have.a Viceroy.
or governor general, as is always the
case in the maintenance Of colonial
system, suoh as that of Australia, New
Zealand OF Canada. The island will
have it's oGn le sislature, chosen direct.
ly by the people. who will enjoy uni-
7ersal eufrage From the majority in
! the Legislature the governor general will
choose his ministry, consisting Of a
president Of the ministry and four
ministers, namely. minister of the
interior. minister Of public works,
minister of public instruction, and
minisser Of foauce. Al the same time
Cuba will have representation in the
Spanish cor.es. az we'll as her local
legislature The representatives to the
cortes will also be elected by the people
of Cubs, through universal suffrage.
and Will not be selected BY the minis
try as has beet enormously stated.
The ministry will be responsible to the
legislature and not to the governor
general. The subjects before the legis-
la.ure will include these of taxation,
tariff, public instruction and all matters
of the internal administration Of the
island in the broadcast seese Of this Germ.
DENT pKARTE TT TPHE