The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1898-08-29
TO GAG THE CORTES.
Eagasta Will Try to Suppress War
Discussion.
SAYS SPAIN is STILL AT WAR.

Cntil n Formal Pence Is Declared "a
Debate on These subjects Might BE
Provocative of Undesirable Compli-
cations."
Madrid Aug. 29.-Senor Sagasta, the
premier, is quoted as having in the
course OF an interview made some i'm
portant 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
init a bill authorizing peace negotia-
tions, and next a measure relating to
the suspension Of the constitutional
guarantees. Although Senior Sagasta
did not state the nature Of this meas
ure, It is supposed that It will provide
for the continuation of the suspension.
"The government" said the premier,
"will not discuss in any form the
questions of peace and war. Indeed,
the deputies would be entirely lacking
in the material necessary for a dis
cussion. The debate could not be based
on concrete, positive facts, founded on
indisputable documents, since the nee
essary information has not yet arrived.
Il 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 to hand. More
over, no discussion is permissible Of
matters under consideration Of the su-
preme councils of war and marine.
Mistakes or blunders 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
subjects might be provocative Of un-
desirable complications. 1t must not be
said that peace is signed and discus
sion is now allowable. Spain is still at
war with the United States. The two
nations have merely concluded a sus-
pension of hostilities in order to ne
gotiate peace. These negotiations may
be brought TO a successful issue, but It
might happen that hostilities will be
recommended.
THAT is why I think the cortes will
only be able to discuss strictly neces-
sary questions; that Is, to make itself
acquainted with the situation of the In
terests now at stake, which are so inn
portant for the nation; but not to en-
gage in debate which would assume
such proportions as to infringe upon
the discretion which the gravity of the
circumstances requires of the cortes
SHOULD they ask to have presented
the documents concerning the surren.
der of Santiago and Manila and the
destruction of the fleet now in the gov
ernments possession, the government
Will not accede to the request. These
papers are in the hands of the supreme
councils, which alone, before the proc
lamation of peace, can conduct in.
quiries and establish responsibilities
The Inquiries may result in acquitals
or severe sentences, even the capital
penalty"
Senior Romeo Robledo, the Weylerite
leader, declares that he will strongly
oppose Senior Sagastas plan of sup
pressing debates in the cortes. If the
government refuses to divulge official
documents on the war, Senor Robledo
says he will utilize reliable press re-
ports. Other opposition leaders are of
the same mind. The debates are likely
to be stormy.