The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1897-12-22
WILL NOT BRING PEACE.
Cuban Conservatives Declare that
Autonomy VIII Not End War.

Cuban Conservatives Declare that
Autonomy VIII Not End War.
| Havana. Dscem ber 81 AT today's meet
ing of the Conservative party with over
800 delegates, said to represent so per
cent of the wealth of the island present,
several Of the speakers insisted that the
president, the Marquis of Apszteguia,
should explain his conduct and utter
| ances as published in tho newspapers Of
Madrid. The Marquis, during the course
nj a two hours' speech, satisfactorily ex-
pinned matters and denied the accuracy OF
the news published in Madrid.
In all tWenty-seven speeches were made
against autonomy, all the speakers agree
ing that autonomy win not bring peace
20 the island, as proved by the protests
OF the members of the Cuban .lunta OF
New York, and the recent death of Lieut..
Colonel Ruiz and five other Spanish COM
n1ssioners who have been killed by the
insurgents.
ssnor Santos Guzman, form er presi-
dent OF Congress began his speech at half
past four this morning. He skiIfull
touched upon the patriotic sentiments Of
the Spanish people and referring to
President McKtnley's recent message to
Congress, he Protested against it, alleg-
ing that it was offensive to Spain, to
General Weyler and the Spanish army,
and holding that it indicated probably
early Intervention, warning to mort
naughty nation, which will not permit
such humiliation"
senior Guzman eventually succeeded in
unlfying ths opposing factions in the
party, thus avoiding the disruption which
mas been encouraged by the reformists.
In conclusion, Senior Guzman SUBJ
mltted motion, which was unanimous
ly accepted, expressing confidence in
Presidsnt ApezetuRias and the executive
committee and confirming the political
platform of the party which Is essentially
Spanish and Centralist, as against home
rlle and with drawing completely from
political struggles while authorizing the
executive committee to determine when
the condition of the country and the gen
eral in chief demand the party's g services.
The executive committee was further
authorized TO cable to Gen. Welyer the
substance of which was that at a mass
meeting Of the reunited Union Constitu-
tional party the policy of his excellenoy
was endorsed and the party assured tho
General that he had It's support.
1t was an easy one.
TREMBLE, M'KINLEY!
GlHQFlQ, DS06IlD6r Sl.--lItSuI. G9n6TGi
Weyler Is preparing 10 publish a protest
against President McKinley's message
to Conesass.
SOLDIERS FROM SPAIN.
Havana, December 81 1t is reported
here that the insurgent general Mayia
Rodriguez. commansng in the province
of Pinar del Rio has been wounded in an
engagement near Aranjuez. Sixty Off
GERS and $40 soldiers arrived from Spain
today.
INSURGENTS LOSING MEN.
Havana, December 21.--It was an
nounced from the palace today that dur
ing the last 10 days the insurgents have
lost 303 men killed and that, in addition,
the Spanish troops have captured II pris-
oners and SO armed insurgents have sur
rendered. The troops. it Is further an +.
nounoed. have captured 96 firearms dur
ing this time. Among the killed are three
insurgent leaders and three officers. The
Spanish troops during the same period
lost three officers and 80 soldiers and had
13 officers and 2l3 soldiers wounded.