The herald., 1897-10-01
A LIBERAL
MINISTRY
Means a ConciIiatory
Cuban Policy
WITH sAeAsTA AS PREMIER
RELATIONS WITH SPAIN WOULD
IMPROVE
Ofacials Of the State Department Anx-
ious Concerning the Spanish
Cabinet Crisis
Associated Press Special Wire.

Associated Press Special Wire.
WASHINGTON, Sept. so.-MinIster
woodford has not yet informed the
state department OF the cabinet change
in Spain. The main point Of interest
here at present is the composition Of the
new cabir.et, and 1t is expected that Mr.
Woodford will not neglect to cable the
earliest information possible.
In administration circles today opin-
ions are fairly divided as to whether
the new cabinet will be Liberal or Con-
servative. and as that Is the matter OF
gravest Importance to our government
as influencing the line Of policy to be
followed as to Cuba, there is strong de-
sire to obtain information as to the pros
poets.
The president had scarcely reached
the White House this morning before
Secretary Sherman called, closely fol-
lowed by Assistant Secretary Day, and
although 1t is understood that the lat
ter's visit had largely TO do with de-
partment of state appointments, 1t Is not
doubted there was discussion OF
the latest Madrid developments
In the absence OF the Spanish minis
ter Mr.. Dubose is the senior Spanish Of
ficial. but he had not called at the state
department, and. has not, so far as car
be learned, received official advices from
Madrid.
Diplomats familiar with Spanish poll
tics say the circumstances point to one
of two results, namely, the complete
collapse of the Conservative regime
which has been responsible for the Gu
ban policy, and its succession by Lib
eral cabinet with pacific ard concilia-
tory tendencies toward Cuba. or else 9
transitional ministry with Azcarraga
again at the head as temporary expe-
dent to tide over affairs until the cortes
can meet. when permanent and stable
ministry can be formed. Officials be.
lieve that complete charge OF ministry
and political parties, with Sagasta al
the new leader, Is more probable. In
that case, 1t is said, Senor Morel prob
ably would be the minister Of foreign af-
fairs. Morel is best remembered in the
United States in that he was the first
to recognize the Mora claim represented
by the United States. That made him
target for criticism in Spain, but he
was ultimately justified by his political
opponents when they paid the claim after
the energetic demands made by Secre-
tary Olney.
The name Of Senior Gamazo has been
mentioned in the Madrid cables as likely
to take the foreign portfolio In the cabl-
net, but this is believed to be erroneous
as Gamazo has never beer prominent In
state affairs, but is noted as finarcier
and was financial minister In a former
lowing. and 1t Is believed by officials
that Gamazo will take the treasury port
folio in Liberal cabinet.
1t Is stated positively that American
affairs did rot bring on, the crisis, but
that 1t was due entirely to internal poll
tics, OF which the church communication
OF Senior Navarro Reverter minister OF
fiuance in the fallen cabinet, formed q
part II appears that the miniSter of
finance insisted that the church prop
erty In an interior diocese should pay
taxes as other property. This was op-
posed by the bishop Of Majorca, who
claimed church exemption. The min
lister thereupon resorted to the legal
procedure Of levying on the church prop
erty In default Of tax payments. The
bishop responded with decree of ex-
communication against the minister OF
finance. The latter appealed TO the
metropolitan of the see, who ruled
against the bishop. The latter was ir.-
sistent on his prerogatives, claiming
hfcH tv,r a =
Affecting an accommodation. The
case has now been appealed to Rome for
final determination. Meantime the ex-
communications OF the minister stands
and to some extent has its influence
against the entire cabinet, owing to the
strong church sentiment In Spain and
the official union between church and
state. 1t is not doubted that the queen
regent would be guided in such ques-
tion, affecti1g the cabinet by the wishes
of Rome.
The feeling that sagasta is to be the
coming premier, either at or.ce or after
the transition ministry retirss leads
to many favorable comments on his
ability by those who know him per-
sonally. A leading American diplomat,
one who has been conspicuous In Span
ish-American affairs, said today that
Sagasta's assumptions Of Office undoubt-
edly would have an immediate effect
upon the Cuban question and the rela-
tons between the Urdted States and
SPAIN He Is now past 70. but still re-
tains the vigor that made him natural
leader Of the Liberals in earlier days.
OF all the Spanish statesmen he is re-
karded as the one most friendly to this
country. Those conversant with the
Spanish system say the crisis Is not like
ly to continue beyond five or six days.
For the present the crisis has had the
effect Of postponins action on. questions
between the United States ard Spain.
as nothing can be done by either coun-
try until a permanent ministry is formed.
A RUMoR OF COMPROMISE
LONDON. Sept. so.-A special dis
patch from Madrid says rumor pre-
walls there to the eject that an import-
ant communication has been received by
the Spanish government from the lead-
- p - Cuhan eQzgents suGeesking