The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-11-04
THE POLICY OF AUTONOMY.
Minister de LONE Outlines the Plan
for Cuba.

Washington, Oct. 27.-The Spanish
minister consented, for the first time, to
speak concerning the policy of autonomy
which the Spanish government proposes
to apply in Cuba. This has been referred
TO in general terms since the advent of
the Sagasta ministry, but there has been
Ipck Of authentic details.
Before leaying for New York today,
where the minister. and his family will
spend several weeks. Senior de LONE
gave the evolutions through which
autonomy had passed. leading Hp to the
present policy and the general ottine Of
the policy itself.
Under the provisions of the treaty Of
Seanjona, concluded in 1878, at the close
Of the last Cuban disturbance, it was
provided that Cuba was to enjoy the
same liberties as those accorded to the
island of Puerto Rico. This latter island
had the same liberties as any other
province in Spain.
This brought the autonomist party, so
called, into existence, its essential princi-
pie being that of self-government for
Cuba, and not treating Cuba as pro-
vince of Spain, as was the system of
Porto Rico. That party, adopted plat
form and in 1886 offered Il complete pro-
gram of autonomy for consideration of
the country. Peaceful agitation of this
autonomy program was then inaugurated.
In 1888 for the first time Il ministry with
II liberal cabinet, Senior Maura saw the
mistake of the system of rule known as
ASSIMILATION" which treated Cuba as Il
Spanish province, and he presented II
plan of reform. This was strongly op-
posed, and after two years of discussion
IT was found impossible to put the plan
through the cortes. Then n compromise
reform measure was framed which
acknowledged the personality of Cuba
as separate body, but under the
Spanish flag These reforms having been
considered insufficient on account of the
state of the island, Premier Canovas
proceeded TO- greatly enlarge them, his
plan being, however, short of absolute
lister of the colonies in the new cabinet,
fulflls the promises of the liberal party
when 1t was in the minority and pro-
claims that autonomy as it had always
been demanded by the home rule party of
Cuba.
Under the policy as applied to Cuba,
the island will have II system on the lines
Of those in Canada or of American states,
maintaining its individuality on nil in
ternational affairs and yet retaining its
place MS n part of the federal system
and it will have viceroy or governor
general, ns is always the case in the
maintenance of colonial system, such
as that of Australia, New Zealand OF
Canada. The island will have its own
legislature, chosen directly by the people
who will enjoy universal suffrage. From
the majority in the legislature the COVER
nor general will choose his ministry con.
sisting of a president of the ministry and
four ministers. minister of the interior
minister of public works, minister of pub
lie instruction and minister of finance.
At the same time Cuba will have repre-
sentation in the Spanish cortes as well
rs her local legislature The representa-.
tives to the cortes will also be elected by
the people of Cuba through universal Suf
frage, and will not be selected by the
ministry, as has been enormously stated
The minister will he responsible to the
legislature and not to the governor gen
eral.
The subjects before the legislature viii
include those of taxation, tariff. publ,
instruction and all matters of interest tc
the island in the broadcast sense of tn,
term.
Spanish authorities have received no in
formation as to the answer to Ministc,
Woodford beyond the fact that the an
swer was placed in Mr. Woodford's hand,
on Monday afternoon.