Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-10-08
Spain Believed to Be Triding With
This Country.
MANAGEMENT OF TIE CUBAN MATTER
Holding Out Commercial Conces-
sions as a Bait.
MINISTER MORET'S SELECTION

TeldtlOH tO TIE OpSuiHS VI QSsoeiduoAiS AoA
the restoration of peace in Cuba. 1t is
quite evident to the administration from
the Madrid dispatches that 1t is the inten-
ton of Spain to make a pretext of the
change of ministry for delay. and that the
change of ministry will not improve the
situation from an American point Of view.
The State Department, of course, Is en-
BARI assed by the fact that under the usages
Of diplomacy it cannot question the mo-
tives of Senor Sagasta, though 1t may be
thoroughly satisfied that he is not dealing
frankly with the question. The change of
ministry affords an opportunity for delay
beyond the time suggested in Mr.. Wood
fords letter-October 30-when President
Mckinley would like to be informed as to
when the pacitication of Cuba may be ex-
pected. The request for this information
was not made in the form Of a demand,
but was couched in friendly terms. Senor
Sagasta can, with due official politeness
and protestations of friendliness, explain
that it is impossible, under the circum-
stances, to make a reply by October 80,
and can repudiate the idea of this govern
ment having a right to demand an an
swer at that time, without displaying a
defiance which would really be covered un-
der his communication.
OF course, it is known perfectly well that
the change # ministry really gives no
warrant for delay that did not exist al
ready, but a suggestion to this effect from
Minister Woodford would place this coun-
try in the aggressive, and consequently at
a disadvantage, unless it Is the policy Of
this government to take prompt and Wig
orous steps. In other words. our State
Department cannot decline to accept Senior
Sagasta's excuse for delay, and at the
same time maintain the forms of friendly
mediation. declination to accept this
explanation would have to be based on
70 vrvNfi hoy r~ieyhf h hnh
warrant our making a demand, and this
would at once make an issue between the
two countries which could hardly be set
tied in any friendly manner.
1t is evidently the purpose of the new
Spanish minister to gain as much time as
possible and, finally, to attempt the plaza
ton Of this government through some sort
of commercial concessions. The hint has
been thrown out that 1t will be possible
for this government to secure valuable
trade concessions and an improvement of
our commercial relations with Cuba If
that island remains under the control of
Spain. The suggestion that Senor Moret,
the new Spanish minister of the colonies
Is a recognized exponent of recipro, ty
who concurred with Mr. Blaine in the posi-
ton that statesman took when the Nc
kinley bill wa. being framed by Congress,
has very much the aspect of an attempt
to bride this government by the temptation
of commercial advantages and to transfer
the Cuban question from the field of prin-
c1ple to that of commerce.
1t is believed that Mr.. Moret's selection
for this position was made for the purpose
of appealing to the commercial side of
the American character, and at the same
time that Mr.. Morets devotion to reci-
procity is recited it is adroitIy suggested
ing the negroes in Cuba, who are, the Span
ish say. largely involved in. the Cuban re-
bellion.
The suggestion that the Cuban insur-
a ho A ri
cans should not feel any special interest
In, and that it would be to our commercial
advantage rather to take sides with Spain,
is one that the Spanish minister here and
other Spanish officials elsewhere have from
time to time put out in various forms. IT
is believed that Senor Sagasta flatters him
self with the idea that by this suggestion
and various excuses he can pacify the
United States for indefinite time yet.
1t is well understood, however by the
administration that Congress cannot te
held in restraint during another session
and 1t is not the purpose of the President
to permit the present condition Of affairs to
run on through another season.
Minister Woodford's Advices.
The State Department has received ad-
vices from Minister Woodford at Madrid
concerning recent developments in the
Spanish situation, but declines to make
them public in advance of their submis-
sage.
Full details of the proposed measure of
autonomy for Cuba of the present Spanish
cabinet will be fully known by that time
and 1t will then be seen whether 1t is likely
to prove acceptable to the Cuban insur-
gents or to their sympathizers in this coun-
try. Until the position of the Sagasta min
istry has been officially communicated. it
is extremely unlikely that the administra-
tion will make any change in its present
policy of non-interference in Cuban af-
fairs. What 1t may do in the future will
depend entirely upon the character of the
expected reply Of Sagasta to the diplomatic
request of this government for informa-
ton as to the probable duration of hostili-
ties In Cuba.
Nothing is known here as to the success
sor of Mr.. De LONE as Spanish minister at
Washington, and 1t Is impossible at this
time to confirm the report from Madrid
that the selection lies between Muruaga
and Almordova. The Spanish legation
here is absolutely deserted. both Minister
De LONE and Secretary DuBosc being out
of town. Both Of the gentlemen named act
as though there was no doubt of their
speedy recall. This is especially the case
with Mr.. De LONE, who has gone to the
extent of giving up the premises formerly
occupied by the legation.
Delay May Cause Irritation.
The State Department has not yet been
officially informed Of the purpose of the
SpdNiSH SONeTHmeill 10 dissolve the COrt6S
in December, as indicated in Madrid dis
patches. 1t was expected. however, that
1t would be found necessary for the cab
met to go to the country in order to secure
the support of majority for the liberal
policy toward Cuba, inasmuch as the pres
ent cortes has a clear conservative major
ity whenever that partys elements can be
brought together. Disappointment is felt
at the remote date set for the convening
of the new cortes, for It is presumed that
any new program for the settlement Of
Cuban affairs must be ratified by the
cortes, and II this Is not to meet Until
next March. the long delay. 1t Is feared,
will give rise to irritation, and perhaps he
beyond the powers Of endurance Of the
present administration. 1t is possible how
ever, that by prompt declaration of
rolicy toward Cuba, couched in such terms
and made public In such fashion as to bind
the government beyond doubt, the de-
lay will not be serious in results.