The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-05-23

LONDON. May a3.-The Madrid corre-
spondent of the Daily Telegraph says: One
point OF interest in the reconstruction of
the cabinet lies in the obstinate refusal
of Senior Leon Castillo TO accept the
foreign secretaryship. Every considera-
ton has been brought 20 bear in vain.
His first reply to the prem.er's request
expressed the convictions that the inter
ests of Spain could be best served by his
remaining at Paris. Senor Sagasta an
swered pointing out that the head of the
government was the best judge of the in
terests of the fatheriand. and insisting
upon the amba ssador's acceptance. To
the surprise Of everybody the ambassador
persisted in his refusal. ana promised in
a personal interview to prove to Senior
Sagasta that IL would be a grave mistake
fer him to leave Paris.
i am enabled TO state that the ambassa-
doris motive for refusing was the follow
ing:
Senior Sagasta's cabinet is Dy its own
formal declaration determined to carry
on the war with all possible v:gor where
as Senor Leon Castillo IS aware that
Spain's friends among the powers. France
In particular. are resolved to insist upon
her suing for peace at the firsr favorable
moment France possessed a twofold In
terest in having peace concluded -finan
cial and political The former would be
severely damaged ii Spain were ruined.
and the latter will suffer II the United
States retain permanent possession OF the
Philippines
The leading idea which actuates the
Statesmen responsible for the political
scheme favored by Senor Leon V Castillo
is that as Spain must he defeated iu the
long run IL is advisable 70 save as much
as possible from destruction. and that the
sooner peace is concluded the more toler-
able Will be the terms acqu-esced in by
the United States.
The most important of these terms. in
the eyes Of Spain's friends and protect
ors. is the possession of the Philippines.
which can he utilized for further political
combinations later.
To become member Of a war cabinet.
therefore. AZ the very moment when the
friendly great powers are resolved 10
press upon Spain speedy peace. appears
imprudent to Senior Leon Castillo. who
is in possession OF all the threads of the
negotiations. Seuor Sagasta's cabinet Is
7vetx ne
with the country by prosecuting the war
TO the b.tier end. hu, II Is highly improb-
able that heretofore having followed the
advice os the continental powers, 1t
Will refuse 10 accept counsel OF peace
profrered under the promise OF the
future, and especially II the United States
valves all claims to the Philippines
Spala's Importance as a political factor In
the far East is now thoroughly under
stood. and everything possible VIII be
done 10 gain time and profit by IT, Her po-
sition al Mediterranean power her In
flueuce in Morocco. her wei supplied land
and sea forces. and above ali her posses
sion of TIE Philippines, constitutes the
political aspect of The situation. The first
end most important step Il, present there
fore IS 20 utilize the most proa1tious mo-
nent for concluding peace, on the basis
Of SPANS reteutson AZ the Philippines
When shat time aas cone-and il is he
neved IN n very near now thae ;he Span
ish SQUADRON Is at Santiago spain viii
he asked 70 propose pour parlenrs. ana
frteu3.y efforts Viii be- made 70 induce