The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-08-29
CORTES RESTRICTED.
Sagasta Tells What 1t Will and
Wont Do.
DISCUSSION OF WAR NOT TO BE
PERMITTED.

It Can Pass Bill Authorizing Peace Ne.
gotiations and That Is About A1l-Will
Be Refused Docu mcnts Relating to Sur
render at Santiago or Manila.
4 Madrid, August 2S.-4 80 p. m.-Senor
Sagasta, ,Ethe Premier, is quoted as having
in the course of an interview made some
important statements, declaring that
it was the governments intention to re-
press the discussion Of war topics in the
Cortes. He said that as soon as the
Cortes met, the government would sub
NIT a bill authorizing peace negotiations
and next measure relating to the sus-
pension of the constitutional guarantees.
Although Senor Sagasta did not state
the nature of this measure it is supposed
that it will provide for the continuation
of the supensi0n.
"The government" said tie 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 discussion. The
debate could not be based on concert
positive facts, founded on indisputable
documents, since the necessary in forma-
tion has not yet arrived.
"I believe that no discussion of the
surrender of Santiago and Manila will
occur, nor of the destruction OF the Span
ish fleet unless trustworthy data and ex
act proofs are at hand
Moreover, no discussion is permissible
of matters at present under consideration
Of the supreme councils of war and ma
rine. Mistakes or blunder may have been
committed, but thus far we have not
sufficient material to judge.
"Another reason why questions of peace
and war should not be discussed Is that
diplomatic negotiations are now being
carried on and debate on these sub.
jects might be provocative Of undersira-
BILE complications.
''It must not be said that peace is
signed and discussion in now allowable.
Peace is not signed. Spain is still at war
with the United States. The two nations
have merely concluded suspension of
hostilities in order to negotiate peace.
The regotistions may be brought to
successful issue but it might happen
that hostilities willibe recommended.
"That is why think the Cortes will
only be able to discuss strictly necessary
questions; that is, to make itself acquaint-
ed with the situation Of the interests now
at stake, which are SO important for the
nation; but not to engage in dsbate which
would assume such proportions as to
infringe upon the discretion which the
gravity Of the case requires of the Cortes.
"Shou d they ask to have presented
the documents containing the surrender
of Santiago or Manila and the destruction
of the fleet now in the governments pos
session the government would not accede
to the request. These papers are in the
hands of the supreme councils which
alone, before the proclamation of peace,
can conduct inquiries and establish re-
sponsibilities. The inquiries may result
in acquitals or severe sentences, even the
capital penalty"
Madrid, August 28-9 p. m.-Duke Al
modovar de Rio, minister of foreign
affairs and Senor Gamazo, minister of
public instruction and public works,
have arrived at an agreement as to how
to instruct the Antilles evacuation oom-
missioners and the instructions were
mailed today. Lieut.. Gen. Correa, minis
ter of war, today informed the Queen
Regent of the arrival of the transport Isla
de Luzon at Vigo and the Monserrat at
Corunna with troops returning from
the steamers during the passage.
SAN MARCOS ARRIVES AT NEW