Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-08-29
sAGAsTA's NOTICE TO coRTEs.
Deputies Informed That They Will
Not be Permitted to Interfere
in War Matters.

in War Matters.
MADRID, Aug. 2S.-Senor Sagasta, the
premier. is quoted as having, in the course
OF an interview. made statements declaring
that 1t was the governments intention to
repreSs the discussion Of war topics in
the cortes. He said that, as soon as the
cortes met, the government would submit
bill authorizing peace negotiations and
next measure relating to the suppression
Of the constitutional guarantees.
Although Senior Sagasta did not state
the nature of this measure, 1t Is sup
posed that it will provide for the continu-
alton Of suspension.
1.-The government said the premier,
will not discuss in any form the ques-
tions of peace and war. Indeed, the depu-
ties would be entirely lacking in the ma
terial necessary for a decision. The debate
could not be based on concrete, positive
facts, founded on indisputable documents,
since the necessary information has not
yet arrived. 1 believe that no discussion
of the surrender of Santiago and Manila
will occur, nor of the destruction of the
Spanish fleet, unless trustworthy data and
exact proofs are at hand. Moreover, no
discussion is permissible Of matters at pres
ent under consideration of the supreme
councils of war and marine.
Mistakes or blunders may have been
committed. but thus far We have not suf-
ficient material to judge.
Another reason why questions OF peace
and war should not be discussed is that
the diplomatic negotiations are now being
carried on and a debate on these subjects
might be provocated of indescribable COM
plications. 1t must not be said that peace
| is signed, and discussion is not allowable
Peace is not signed. Spain is still at wal
with the United States. The two nations
| have merely concluded a suspension OF
| kostilities in order to negotiate peace
These negotiations may be brought to a
| successful issue, but it might happen tina,
| hostilities will be recommended
THAT is why think the cortes will only
be able to dispose of strictly necessary
| questions; that is, to make itself acquaint
| ed with the situation Of interests now al
| stake which are so important for the ma
| ton, but not to engage in debate which
/ would assume some such proportions as tt
| infringe upon the discretion which the
| fravity Of the circumstances requires Of ths
| cortes.
SHOULD they ask to have the documents
concerning the surrender of Santiago ant
Manila and the destruction Of the feet nov
| in the governments possession. the gov
| ernment would not accede to the request
These papers are in the hands of supreme
councils. which alone, before the proclama
ton OF peace, can conduct inquiries ant
establish responsibilities. The inquiries ma,
| result in acquittals or severe sentences
even the capital penalty"
| Senior Romero RObledo, the Weylerit'
| leader, declares that he will strongly oppos
| Senor Sagasta's plan of suppressing de
| bates in the cortes. If the government re
fuses to divulge official documents on tn
| war, Senor Robledo says he will utilize re-
| liable press reports. Other opposition lead
ers are of the same mind.
The debates are likely to be stormy.
Cuban bonds are buoyant, owing to thu
belief that powerful European pressure
| both diplomatic and financial, will b.
| brought to compel America to oblige Cubs
| herself to recognize some Of the Cubar
issues