The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1897-12-08
REPLY THAT sAGASrA MADE.
Acknowledges Our Interest and Outlines
New Policy.

New Policy.
The reply TO our note was received on
the 23d day of October. 1t is in the d.
rection of a better understanding. 1t
appreciates the friendly purposes of this
government It admits that our country
is deeply affected by the war in Cubu
and that It's desires for peace are just
1t declares that the present Spanish
government Is bound by every consid-
GRAFTON to change OF policy that
should satisfy the United States and
pacify Cuba within reasonable time.
To this end Spain has decided to put in
to effect the polictical reforms hereto
fore advocated by the present premier,
without hating for any consideration
in the path which in its judgment leads
to peace. The military operations, 1t Is
said, will continue, but will be humane
and conducted with all regard for pri-
vate rights, being accompanied by po-
litical action leading to the autonomy
of Cuba while guarding Spanish
sovereignty. This, ii is claimed, will re-
suit in investing Cuba with a distinct
personality; the island to be governed
by an executive and by local council
or chamber, reserving to Spain the con-
troll of the foreign relations, the army
and navy and the judicial administra-
ton. To accomplish this the present
government proposes to modify exist
ing legislation by DEGREES, leaving the
Spanish cortes, with the aid OF Cuban
senators and deputies, to solve the
economic problem and properly dis
tribute the existing debt
In the absence of a declaration or the
measures that this government proposes
to take in carrying out its proffer of
good offices II suggests that Spain be
left free to conduct military operations
and grant political reforms; while the
United States, for its part, shall enforce
| it's neutral obligations and cut off the
assistance which 1t is asserted the in
! surgents receive from this country. The
| supposition of an indefinite prolongation
| of the war Is denied. 1t is asserted that
| the western provinces are already well
| nigh reclaimed; that the planting or
| cane and tobacco therein has been re-
| sumed, and that by force of arms and
new and ample reforms very early and
| complete pacification is hoped for.
| The Immediate amelioration of existing
| conditions under the new administra-
| ton Of Cuban affairs is predicted. and
therewithal the disturbance and all &C.
casion for any change of attitude on the
| part of the United States.
Discussion of the question OF the in
ternational duties and responsibilities
of the United States as Spain under
| stands them is presented with an ap-
parent disposition to charge us with
failure in this regard. This charge Is
| without any basis In fact II could mo-
have been made if Spain had been cog
infant Of the constant efforts this gov
eminent has made at the cost of mil
lions and by the employment of the ad
ministrative machinery of the nation
at command to perform its full dut,
| according to the law of nations. Tha
II has successfully prevented the de
parture of a single military expedition
or armed vessel from our shores in vic
Iation of our laws would seem to be
sufficient answer. But Of this aspect o
the Spanish note ii Is not necessary L
speak further now. Firm in the con
viction of a wholly performed obliga
ton. due response to this charge ha
been made in diplomatic course.
throughout all these horrors an
dangers to our own peace this govern
ment has never broken over or In an
way abrogated it's sovereign preroga
} tive of reserving to itself the deter
: uination of it's policy and course &C
cordng to it's own high sense Of rigt
: and i'm consonance with the dearest In
= terests and convictions Of our own pee
} pie. should the prolongation of the wa
40 demand.