The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-04-04
SAGASTA STATES
THE SPANISH CASE.
Denies That the Negotiations Con.
templated the Independence
Of Cuba

templated the Indepe ndcnce
of Cuba.
LONDON. April 4-The Madrid corre-
spondent of the Standard telegraphing to-
night. says:
I have been able to obtain an interview
with Senior Sagasta. the premier. and to
obtain from him brief statement with
reference to the present situation. In the
course Of the conversation senior Sagasta
said:
I'm our recent negotiations with the
United States we have used friendly and
conciliatory language In expressing our
views In discussing the matters in re-
spect to the Maine matter We said We con-
sidered the question one for diplomatic ne
gotiations. and IL We and the United States
found ii impossible TO come to an under
standing on the conflicting reports of the
two commissions then the matter ought
to be submitted to technical experts and to
the arbitration OF a naval or other power.
which might be selected by mutual agree
ment between the two governments.
ION the second point We were able to In
form Minister Woodford that Gov Gen.
Banco had issued proclamation aathoriz-
ing the return Of the reconcentrados to
their homes and that the Spanish COVER
ment had sent 210000 to the relief of the
distressed. and would devote all the pro-
ceeds of 81. 600. 600 which had been sent by
spanish TeSiueHtS IN MeAlCC.s lHt-c sutdS-
ures are supplemented by the assistance
already given by the Cuban autonomist
government. We have never objected TO
relief being sent by the United States.
I'VE did not object on principle to an
armist!ce to the Cuban insurgents. We
are. however. Of the opinion that 1t should
not behoove Spain to take the initiative,
and that a suspension OF hostilities ought
10 be asked for by the insurgents. We sug-
gested that the United States government.
IL SO inclined. exercise its influence with
the insurgents to induce them to apply for
an armistice, with view to furthertng
the ends Of peace. on the understanding.
however. that the armistice would be des-
tined to lead to the submission OF the IN
surgents TO the new autonomist regime
Senior Sagasta assured me that the ques-
ton Of the independence Of Cuba or the
sale of the colony. or any invasion OF
Spain's rights was not mooted in the re-
cent negotiations.
Abiding to the report that Marshal Prim
had intended in 1870 to sell Cuba. Senior
Saeasta said that such a suggestion was
made TO Marshal Prim by the Americans,
hut was never accepted. and that the par
ieyipg on the subject was only kept up for
some time to avoid increasing the acute
tension which then existed between the
two countries. ~>as -. ~
Senior Sagasta considers that since he
took Office In October last. he has done
everything possible to satisfy the Cubans
and 10 preserve good relations with the
United States. and that consequently no
responsibility for the present crisis. should
IL lead to rupture should rest with
Spain. He. however. does not believe that
the las, Spanish memorandum closes the
door TO further negotiations. Those who
conducted them, he said. had on both
sides shown a disposition TO promote cor
dial relations. and he only apprehended
trouble from the pressure Of jingoes on the
executive In Washington.
Senior Sagasta proceeded to say that his
government had addressed a memoran-
dunn to the European powers, but had not
officially taken steps 10 solicit their inter-
vention. He called my attention to the
fac. that the people and the press of Spain
had shown prudence. forbearance and pa
riotism during the crisis, even the oppo-
slfion having put no obstacles in the way
OF che government This, he said. ted him
10 believe that all classes would Cooper
ale in the work Of realizing peace IN Cuba
and facing the contingencies Of the future
He spoke throughout with the calm. sub
dust energy Of a statesman alive TO the
eyentualties of the situation, and con-
scious that he had done his duty in en-
deavoring 10 avert war without sacrificing
create equally grave consequences az
home.
1 regret 10 say that some OF the Madrid
papers show Ill humor against England
for rot showing as much sympathy with
Spain In her trial the continental courts
and governments, as well as the press are
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