The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1898-04-04
PREMIER SAGASTA TALKS

VIZ sho GFtsths SrtiChi suuAttoH-ohyH
the Independence OF Cuba was Not
slooted In the Recent Negotiations.
Loop fioie for Peace sttif Lcf.
LONDON, April .a,-Thc Madrid cor
respondent of the Standard tclegruphlng
late Tonight, says:
Il hive been able to obtain an inter-
view with senor sagasta, the premier,
and TO elicit from him brief statement
with reference to the present critical
situation. In the course OF the conver-
eatlon. senor sagassa said:
"Tn our recent negotiations with the
United States. we have used friendly
and concillatory language In explaining
our We've. Respecting the matters In
dispute with regard to the Maine dlsas-
ter. We said We considered the question
TO be one for diplomatic negotiation and,
that II We and the United States found It
impossible to come TO on understanding
on the conflicting opinions OF the Amerl-
can and Spanish commissions as to the
cause OF the disaster. the matter then
ought 10 be submitted to technical ex-
pertsN and to the arbitration OF naval
or other power. VINO might be selected
by mutual agreement between the two
governments.
on the second point we were able to
inform United States Minister Woodford
that Governor General Blanco had
issued a proclamation authorizing the
return OF the reconcentrados 10 their
homes and that the Spanish government
had sent G120,0D0 (s600.000) to the relief
OF the distressed Cubans and would de-
vote to the same object all the proceeds
OF relief in kind and money amounting
to 100000 (sl.O00,QO0) which had been
sent by Spanish residents In Mexico.
These measures are supplemented by the
assistance already given by the Cuban
autonomlst government. We have never
objected to relief being also sent by the
United States on condition that 1t did not
have an official character or bear the
appearance OF intervention.
We did not object In principle to nm
armlstice for the Cuban insurgents. We
are. however. OF the opinion that It does
not behoovc Spain to take the initiative
and suspension OF hostilities ought to
be asked for By the insurgents. We
suggested that the United States gov
ernment might, II so inclined. exercise
rs influence with the insurgents to In
duce them to upply for an armistice.
with view TO further .he ends OF peace,
on the understanding, however. that the
armistice would be destined TO lead 10
the submission of the insurgents 10 the
new autonomous regime
'Senor Sagast1 assured me that. the
question of Independence of Cuba or the
sale OF that colony or OF any invasion OF
Spanish rights was not motted In the
recent negotiations. Abiding to the re-
port that Marshal PrIm had Intended in
1870 to sell Cuba. Senor Sagasta said
that such n negotiation was made to
Marshal Prim by the Americans. but
was never accepted, and that the parley-
ing on the subject was only kept up for
some time to avoid increasing the acute
tension which then existed between the
two countries.
Senior SaElsta considers that since
he took Office In October last, he has
done everything possible to satisfy the
Cubans and to preserve good relations
with the United States, and that conse-
quently no responsibility for the present
crisis should it lead 10 n rupture, will
rest with Spain. He, however. does not
believe tha; the last Spanish memoran-
dun closes the door to further negotia-
tinns. Those who conducted them.he
said. had on both sides shown DISPOSE
ton 10 promote cordial relations; and
he only apprehended trouble from the
pressure Of the jingoes on the executive
In Washington.
Senior Sagastl proceeded TO say that
his government had addressed memo
randum to the European powers, but
had not officially taken steps 10 solicit
their Intervention. He called my asten-
t!on 70 the fact that the people and press
Of Spain had shown prudence. forbcar-
ance and patriotism during the crisis,
even the opposition having put no obsta-
cles in The way Of the government. This.
he said. led him 10 believe that all
classes would cooperate in the work of
realizing peace In Cuba and facing the
contingencies OF the future. He spoke
throughout with calm subdued energy
OF a statesman alive to the even.ualities
of the situation, and conscious that he
had done his duty In endcavoring 10
avert war without sacrificing the rights
OF Spain In a manner that would create
equally grave consequences NJ home"