Evening star., 1897-06-03

offer no broader scheme of political reform
for the government Of the island. and that
1t was possible that he would endeavor to
put this project into execution. although 1t
was originated by his predecessor.
In speaking of the probable retirement OF
the Canovas ministry. Secretary Sherman
said that all negotiations now pending
would be continued to their conclusion IN
been no change.
According to his Information. the Secre-
tary does not consider that there Is any
probability of the Cubans accepting the
terms Indicated by Canovas, and their re-
newaI by the incoming premier would be
productive of no better results
ing of the proposition made by Canovas to
the insurgents, he said he had carefully
studied the details. The system suggested
was complex. but gave the CuDans aoso-
lutte self-government.
When asked il the change In ministry
would affect the attitude of the United
States toward the Cuban revoiutlonists'
Secretary Sherman said that 1t wouid not.
IT will be the policy of this country In the
future as at present. he said. to hoid alooI
and observe a strict neutrality. Armeu IN
tervention or threats to that end are not
to be considered.
.It would be highly desirable and agree
able" he said. 'if the United States could:
through their good offices or some form OF
mediation bring about termination Oh the
war But these good offices cannot be ex-
ercised without the consent or Dotn SPAN
and Cuba and unanimous sanction to sucn
q proposition now seems remote poss1-
biIity I do not regard its acceptance any
more likely under Sagasta than under
Canovas-"
Representative Hits Views.
Representative Hit, who is best informed
on all diplomatic affairs of all the members
In the House. said today that he could not
tell whether the interview reported to have
beer had with Secretary Sherman was ac-
rurate or not.
The statement of the plans of the govern
ment of Spain said to have been proposed
By Canovas. he said. was not intelligfble 10
him. He had beard various things Sug-
gested in connection with the government
of Cuba, but nothing that was just like
this He had heard nothing about any cor
poration. and did not see now any except
the government could be taken into con-
sideration.
In a general way he did not see how
much was to be gained by the Cubans get
ting the promise of something through
elections. He thought that the mistake IN
discussing the Cuban question was in the
assumption that it was a domestic AFFAIR
with US. whereas, as matter of fact. there
was either one or there were Two foreign
governments to be dealt with.
Way Opened to a New Policy.
Speaking of the change of ministry in
Spain. Mr.. Hit said that he thought the
policy and TO an entirely new condition
of affairs as to the relations between
Spain and Cuba and the treatment Of the
Cuban question.
He thought that this change was clearly
anticipated provided in statements made
by Sagasta a short time since. He could
see TO motive for Sagastas statement ex-
cept that of anticipating contingencies
under which he (Sagasta) might feel COM
PEELED to take action radically different
from that under the Canovas ministry.
Sagasta has clearly placed himself in a
position where he might follow cours,
contrary to the high-sounding expressions
which Canovas has indulged in. and could
say to the Spanish people that what he did
was the best that could be done under the
circumstances after the policy of his pre-
aecesssor had. ne has already stated
wasted the resources of the mother coun-
try. Clearly. Mr.. HIT thought. Sagasts
was in a position to enter upon an entirely
different policy from that of Canovas.
Regarded sPure NOnsense.'
Senators and representatives with whom
Star reporter talked today expressed the
opinion that all suggestions of autonomy
for Cuba were pure nonsense entirely inn
practicable, and not to be thought of. The
Cubans. in the first place. would not ac-
cept ii, and it would not mean anything if
they did. But the suggestion of such a
thing on the part of Spain is simply tc
gain time and to divert the United States.