The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-10-28
MINISTER DE LONE ON AUTONOMY,
He Outlines the Concessions Spain
VIII Grant Cuba.


Washington, oct. 27.-The Spanish min
ister Senior Dupuy de LONE, consented for
the first time to-day to speak concerning
the policy of autonomy which the Spanish
government proposes to apply to Cuba.
This has been referred to in general terms
since the advent of the Sagasta ministry,
but there has been lack of authentic de-
tails. Before leaving for New York to-
day, where the minister and his family will
spend several weeks, Senor Dupuy de
LONE gave the evolutions through which
the autonomy had 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 1878 at the close of
the last Cuban disturbance, il was pro-
vided 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 autonomist party, So
called, into existence, its essential prin-
ciple being that of sef-government for
Cuba, and not treating Cuba as province
of Spain. as was the system in Puerto
Rico. That party adopted platform and
autonomy for the consideration of the
country. A peaceful agitation of this au-
tonomy programme was then inaugurated.
IN 1893, for the first time a minister in a
liberal cabinet Senior Maura, saw the
mistake of that system of rule known as
assimilation" which treated Cuba as a
Spanish province. and he presented a plan
OF reforms. This was strongly opposed,
and after two years of discussion, it was
found impossible to put the plan through
me cortes. Then a compromise reform
measure was framed which acknowledged
the autonomy of Cuba as a separate body,
OUT under the Spanish flag. These reforms
haVIng been considered insufficient on ac-
count of the state of the island Premier
Canovas proceeded to greatly enlarge
mem, his plan being, however. short of
absolute autonomy. Now, Mr.. Moret, min
lster Of The colonies in the new cabinet,
IllIllls the promise of the liberal party
When 1t was in the minority and pro-
GAINS that autonomy as it had always
of Cuba.
Under the policy as applied to Cuba, the
i1land VIII have system on the lines of
nose OF Canada or of the American
ialates' maintaining it's individuality on all
iulerhal affairs, and yet retaining its place
~ part Of the federal system. 1t will
n@Ye Viceroy, or governor general, as is
I"ays the case in the maintenance of a
1Io'onldl system, such as that of Austria
- 80, New Zealand or Canada. The island
WI! WI! nave its own legislature, chosen di-
,,eCly by the people. who will enjoy uni
.'9 suffrage. From the majority in
Psislature, the governor general will
5n,, nooSe ms ministry, consisting of a pres-
- OF the ministry and four minister's
'SS'ney, 30 minister Of the interior minister
st.he 81 puohe works, minister of public in
e.ucuon and minister of finance. At the
i1nle ,o anne, Cuba will have representation
'a, 'ne spanish cortes, as well as her To-
7lsl&ture. The representative to the
Corles will also be elected bv fhe neonIe
vfi( uoa' through universal suffrage. and
bas not be selected by the ministry, es
'eeh erroneously stated. The ministry