The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-03-12
TALK WITH SENIOR BERNABE.
Minister Thinks the Lee Incident
Due to misunderstanding.

Ahihks the Lee Incident
Due to "a Misunderstanding.
Washington, March 11.-Senor Luis Polo
Bernabe, the new Spanish minister was
seen at the Spanish legation to-day by an
Associated Press reporter and for the first
time since his arrival consented to speak
concerning Spanish affairs observing such
reticence on certain phases as diplomatic
propriety required.
Since the minister's arrival he has re-
ceived cablegram from Capt. Gen. Blan-
co stating that the Cuban cabinet has des-
ignated Senors Sevillos of New York and
Barilla, secretary to the Havana Chamber
OF Commerce, to act with Senior Angullo
IN negotiating a commercial treaty be-
tween the United States and Cuba. The
minister referred incidentally to this fact.
as ne regarded it an another evidence of
the complete autonomy which Spain has
granted to Cuba, Although Senor Polo
will be the plenipotentiary in arranging =
Cuban treaty, the Cuban delegates above
named, chosen by the Cuban cabinet, will
have entire control of the terms of such a
treaty.
Speaking Of the present policy of Spain
in giving autonomy to Cuba, the minister
says: THE government has granted au-
ronomy on the broadest and most liberal
lines. Naturally, with an insurrectior,
dragging toward its close, there are diff
cultes in the way of a complete realiza-
tion Of plans so comprehensive as to EN-.
brace the entire internal machinery of
Cuba. The autonomist cabinet is organ
lzed, and in its hands is the direction OF
~the domestic affairs of the island, pend
tiV7er .aff H. n.
The naming of Cuban delegates to come
TO Washington to arrange a commercial
treaty shows how fully the plan of au-
tonomy grants to the Cubans control of
their own affairs These delegates win
have in their hands the making of this
tariff arrangement, and without them I
could do nothing"
When Senor Polo's attention was drawn
to recent critical phases of the Spanish
situation, he spoke with much reserve.
The Lee incident happened while he was
on the ocean, and he knew nothing, he
said, of the circumstances, although he
felt confident a misunderstanding had
grown out of some casual illusions to
Gen. Lee not meant as any intimation that
his recall was desired.
The minister was then asked if he view
ed the present condition of affairs between
the United States and Spain as indicating
war After moments hesitation, ne an
swered gravely:
81 am sure the United States does not
want war, just as am sure that the Span
ish government does not want war, and
will do everything honorable in its power
to avert such calamity"
So far as the proposed treaty will affect
Spain, 1t is probable that the leading tariff
concessions granted to American imports
will be on machinery, electrical appliances
of all kinds and various woods, which are
used largely in Spain. American petrol
cum and cotton are the principal Ameri-
can imports in Spain, but it is not prob
able that the duties will be reduced on
those articles. They enjoy a monopoly in
the Spanish market, and to this extent
they receive all the benefit which Spain
feels warranted in giving them. They are,
moreover among the leading revenue pro-
ducing articles, and the present rates are
said to be such that they could not he
lowered without injuriously affecting the
revenue. In this connection it Is stated
that American cotton is finding large
market in Spain, and that in the Catalo-
mia district, particularly at Barcelona,
mammoth factories are building In
speaking of this to a friend, Senior Polo
stated that Americans would be surpris-
ed to know that the output of Spanish
manufactured cottons is now nearing II
not exceeding, the output in the United
States AS to the concessions which
Spain hopes to secure in the United States
II is understood that fruits will figure
largely
The proposed treaties will do away with
the Spanish preferential rate on -four, and
will leave the United States and Cuba to
effect an arrangement by which the coun-
try will hereafter supply the Cubans with
this first necessary of life.
Senor Polo was formally received In
his official capacity by Secretary Sherman
and Assistant Secretary Day at the state
department at II o'clock this morning.
He will be given an audience by the Pres
ident at the White House tomorrow
morning at II o'clock.