Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-09-30

| out the country against the conservative
| ministry which has just laid down its COM
| mission. But whether it be Sagasta or an
! other, the change is felt to entail impor-
| tant considerations on the Cuban policy.
| The present ministry has been an aggres-
sive one, supporting General Weyier and
| refusing to accept his resignation, although
| strong element at Madrid has urged a
more lenient policy. The choice of Sagasta
! would undoubtedly, 1t is said. lead to the
recall of General Weyler, and a material
modification of the aggressive policy in
Cuba.
In the event Of the formation of a liberal
ministry, Minister Dupuy de LONE would
undoubtedly submit hts resignation as the
Spanish representative at Washington, as
Is usual on change of political control
Of the cabinet, and the minister is, more
over, conservative in politics.
| At the Spanish Legation.
In the absence of the Spanish minister,
Mr.. Du Bose is the senior official here, but
he has not called at the State Department,
and has not, SO far as can be learned, re-
ceived official advices from Madrid. Dip
lomats familiar with Spanish affairs say
the conditions point to one of two results
namely, the complete collapse of the con-
servative regime which has been RESPONSE
bic for the Cuban policy, and its succession
by liberal cabinet, with pacific and con-
ciiatory tendencies toward Cuba or else a
transition ministry with Azcarraga again
at tne mead as temporary eXpedient to
tide over affairs until the cortes can meet
and permanent and stable ministry he
formed.
Officials believe that complete change
OF ministry and political parties with Sa-
gaSta as the new leader, is the more prob
able.
In that case, it is said SenCr Moret prob
atly would become minister of foreign af-
Ialrs Moret is best remembered in the
United States from the fact that he was
the DrSt to recognize the ciaiy
sented by the United States. 1t made him
d target Tor criticism in Spain, but he was
ultimately justified by his political op-
ponents when they paid the claim after the
eLergetlc demands made by Secretary o.
hey. The name of Senor Gamazo has been
mentioned in the Madrid cables as likely to
eake ,he foreign portfolio in a Sagasta
cabinet, but this is believed to be erro-
heous. as Gamazo has never been promj-
nent in state affairs but is noted as
III ancler. and was a financial minister in a
foma'eli foil.ei loeral cabinet. He has a strong
lollowing, and it is believed by officials
that Gamazo would take the treasury
portfolio in q liberal cabinet
What Caused the Crisis
IL is stated with positiveness that Ameri-
can ahalrs did not bring en- the crisis, but
that IL was due entirely to internal polf-
tics, OIL which the accommodation of
oehor navarro Reverter minister of finance
IN the fallen cabinet, formed part This
fact has been briefly mentioned in the cable
dispatches, but the circumstances of the ex-
communication are more fully explained
here.
1T appears that the minister of finance
insisted that the church property in Al,
inferior diocese should pay taxes as other
ploperty: Ihis was opposed by the bishop,
VINO Claimed a church exemption The
minister thereupon resorted to the usual
regal procedure of levying on the church
property for default III tax payments The
plsnop responded by a decree of excom-
munication against the minister of finance
Inc latter appealed to the METROPOLITAN
oI m the see who ruled against the bishop.
Inc latter was insistent on his preroga-
ives claiming that a bishop was supreme
IN HatterS affecting an accommodation
me case has now been appealed TO Rome
Tor hnal determination. In the meantime
the communication Of the minister stands
ana 10 some extent has its influence against
tne entire cabinet, owing to the strong
church sentiment in Spain, and the officiaI
union between church and state. 1t is
not doubted that the queen regent would
,., oe Euioeu IN such question affecting the
cabinet by the wishes Of Rome
Ihe feeling that Sagasta is to be the
coming premier. either at once or after
the transition ministry retires leads to
many favorable comments on his ability
by those who know him personally A
Leading American diplomat-one who has
been conspicuous in Spanish-American al
1alrs-said today that Sagasta's assump-
.ioh oL ONCE undoubtedly would have an
important and beneficial effect on the Cuban
question and the relations between the
United States and Spain Sagasta is now
past seventy, but stil retains the vigor that
made him natural leader of the liberals
in earlier days. OF all the Spanish states
men he is regarded as the one most friendly
to this country.
Not Likely to Continue Long.
Those conversant with the Spanish sys-
tenn say the crisis is not likely to continue
beyond five or six days, as Spain cannot
afford to be without cabinet for any great
length of time at this juncture. The sum-
moning of Sags'sta to Madrid will not it is
Sid show positively that he is to form a
cabinet. The procedure is for the queen
regent to summon the leaders of all ele-
ments. to the number of 100 or more not
to get their political views, but to learn
from them the state of public opinion
From these consultations the queen is en-
abled to determine what form of ministry
and what leaders will be most acceptable |
to the people. Her summoning of a leader |
to form a cabinet is also conditional and it |
remains for him to learn. after comforting
with his party associates, whether he can
present ministry acceptable to the crown |
and capable of commanding public sup
port. For the present the crisis has had |
the effect of postponing action on questions
between the United States and SPAIN as
nothing can be done by either country