The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-04-06


sideration--PersO He Does
Not Believe That Grim War Is a
Possibility.
WASHINGTON, April 5.-The Span
lsh minister, Senior Polo y Bernabe, Was
seen at the Spanish legation today and
consented to talk on the present con-
dition of affairs. He spoke freely, and
at times with intense earnestness. The
interview is authoritative throughout
Il am still hopeful Of peace" said
he. THAT may seem optimistic at a
moment when such passions are arous-
ed, such naval and military operations
are going on, and when the current Of
public sentiment seems to be that war
is inevitable.
Il cannot say that I base my view
that peace will prevail upon any d.
rect or official information. On the
contrary, 1t Is my Individual Judgment,
based solely upon the conviction that
In these enlightened days two self-re-
specting nations, made up Of men and
women of high aspira lions and noble
instincts, cannot and will not resort
to that last and brutal expedient of
war. 1t would be too wanton, too
criminal, too offensive to all the die
tates of civilization and Christianity
brought about.
To be sure, I cannot close my eyes
to certain obvious circumstances ex-
listing both here and in Spain. At
times these have inclined me to share
the popular view that the relations be-
tween the two countries were fast ap-
preaching an irreconcilalble ISSUE. And
yet at no time has 1t seemed to me-
nor does it seem to me now, that that
hQS cpd 1ox ~
Of a reasonable and just settlement,
alike honorable to both governments.
Consider, for moment, some of the
elements of this present crisis" the
minister went on, speaking with much
vigor. Can it be possible that your
people will consider only one side of
the case? Let us for moment admit
that there are two sides to this case.
There are always two sides to a case,
and is 1t just or fair or chivalrous for
your people, borne on by their strong
and innate patriotism, to say, We are
right, Spain is wrong, that ends it?'
Spirit of Justice.
"In a spirit Of simple justice why
will not this disposition yield for
moment to a calm consideration of
both sides Of the case, including some
of those factors which are vital and
essential to Spain.
Cuba has been a colony Of Spain
from time characterization the time
Of it's discovery by Christopher Colum.
bus-and as a part Of Spain there Is
clustered about it a reverence almost
sacred. Cuba Is regarded by our peo-
pie just as you regard one of the states
Of your Union.
What would be said If some foreign
power said to the United States that
Illinois, or Texas, or California must
be free and Independent Of the United
States? Would not your very honor
be brought into question?
"Of course, I can understand that
some one will rise UP and say, Yes,
but the states are well governed and
are at peace, while Cuba is nisgovern-
ed and in a state Of insurrection.'
There again simple justice and fair
ness demand that there be something
more than abstract assertion To be
sure, your press tells of brutal saw
agery existing in Cuba. do not wish
to deal in recrimination.' The time for
that has gone by. But I give you my
word that this savagery does not exist
at all; that all reliable reports, official
and unofficial, Spanish and American,
agree that whatever may have been
the condition of affairs a year Or two
ago, Gen. Blanco has inaugurated a
humane and beneficent system char
acteristic of the man.
Naturally, with an Instruction in
progress, military affairs have pursued
the usual methods of military life. And
in this they have been constantly re-
strained at all times by the determi-
nation to have their operations worthy
of an honorable nation and an honor
able people. That is all Spain has
sought to do in putting down rebel
lion. 1t is what any government on the
face Of the earth would do. 1t seeks
no more and no less than to preserve
her established rights.
Cuban Autonomy.
Nov, as to autonomy. For some
reason intense feeling has been arous-
ed in this country against the home rule
regime which Spain has inaugurated in
Cuba. It seems to be overlooked, in
the passion of the moment, that this
home rule has been the aspiration of
the Cubans for years. It seems to be
overlooked also that President Cleve-
land and Secretary Olney urged a full
measure OF. home rule as the means
likely to bring about a termination of
the Cuban conflict. Spain has granted
that, granted it with the deepest sin
certify. -
There Is a disposition to find flaws
in the details of the PLAN Let any one
who is anxious to pick flaws and who
cares for war take this home rule plan
and examine 1t In detail He will find
that it gives the Cubans the most COM
plete control Of their own affairs. They
have a parliament of their own and a
cabinet of their own ministers. Is it
fair, just as this local parliament and
local cabinet is about to assume com
plete control Of the Cuban affairs, to
sweep aside this entire system and to
declare that it Is failure before it
has even been tried.
Il do not wish in this to repeat an
argument for autonomy, but simply to
call attention to the fact that plain JUS
tice dictates that a system of home
rule, brought forth after the deepest
solicitude and consideration, and bas-
ed upon what the Cubans themselves
have long desired, and on what the
United States government deemed most
fitting as settlement. should not be
lightly dismissed on representations of
the press, or even on the representa-
lions Of men Of sober Judgment.
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