The daily morning journal and courier., 1898-03-12
A STATEMENT BY BERNABE
GUARDED WORDS or THE NEW
 SPANISH MINISTER.

Speaks of Policy of Spain in Giving Au-
 tonomy to Cuba-Believes It Sure
 of War With United States He Says He
 is Sure Neither Government Wants War.
 Washington, March 11.-Senor Luis Polo Y Bernabe, the new Spanish min ister, was seen at the Spanish legation to speak concerning Spanish affairs, observing such reticence on certain phases as diplomatic propriety re- quired. Since the minister's arrival he has received a cablegram from Captain General Blanco stating that the Cuban cabinet had designated Senors Seval- lios of New York and Barilla, secre- tary of the Havana chamber of com merce, to act with Senor Angule in negotiating a civil treaty between the United States and Cuba. The minister referred to this fact as another evil denee of the complete autonomy which Spain has granted to Cuba. Although Senor Polo will be the plenipotentiary in arranging a Cuban treaty, the Gu ban delegates above named, chosen by the Cuban cabinet, will have entire control of the terms of such treaty.
 Autonomy.
 Speaking of the present policy of Spain in giving autonomy to Cuba, the minister said: 'The government has granted autonomy on the broadest and most liberal lines. It is designed tc give to the Cuban people, the complete direction of their internal affairs, thus gratifying the honorable ambition of the Cubans, while maintaining the his toric allegiance of Cuba as a colony ot Spain. The government is not execut- ing this plan grudgingly or with any technical restrictions. On the contrary it appreciates the fact that the largest degree of prosperity for the islanG may be expected from such a measure of reform as will meet the expectations of Cubans loyal to Spain. Already much has been accomplished and there is the fullest confidence that the plaT will be carried into full execution. Nat. urally there are difficulties in the way of a complete realization of plans SC comprehensive as to embrace the en- tire internal machinery of Cuba. The autonomist cabinet is organized and il it's hands is the direction of domestic affairs of the island, pending the meet. 1 ing of the Cuban parliament. Tht dates for the parliamentary election: and for the assembling of the senate and house have been fixed. With tht elections held, Cuba will have for tht | first time parliament of her own capable of dealing with all her domes l tic affairs.
 Sure Means of Peace.
 Thus a complete plan of local gov ernment will be in operation with al | executive branch. The full meaning o l this should be appreciated. The gov l ernor general, who is the representa- | tive of Spain in Cuba, will no ionge | govern in the complete sense, but i l would be more accurate to say that h, l will reign under the restrictions placed | on a constitutional executive Tn
 naming of Cuban delegates to come t, l Washington and answer a commercial | treaty shows how fully the plan o | 1 trol of their own affairs. These dele | gates will have in their own hands tn 1 making of this tariff arrangement ant without them I could do nothing. Il 1 short Spain has adopted this plan 0 l autonomy believing it to be the sures
 means of bringing peace and prosperit. | to the island and is putting the plal | into operation with the utmost dis ] patch, confident that in the end it vii accomplish the good purpose for whicl | it was designed"
 As 10 War With United States.
 The minister was asked if he viewe' the present condition of affairs betweel l the United States and Spain as indi ! eating war. After a moments hesita ton he answered gravely: T am sur that the United States does not wan l war, just as I am sure that the Spanisl | government does not want war an | will do everything honorable in it | power to avert such calamity Senor Polos first official business afte | him credentials are presented to tn | president will be in connection wit the new commercial treaty betwee the United States, Spain and Cuba. l Audience With President.
 It is arranged that Minister Polo b 1 given an audience by the president a the White house tomorrow at 1 I o'clock. In view of the strained rela
 tions existing between the Unite
 States and Spain, more than usual in
 terest attaches to the addressses whic
 will be exchanged between the chic
 executive and the Spanish minister O
 this occasion. These addresses will b 1 rnroraa rod with 11nl1sIaI oara