The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-04-04

dependence of Cnbn. Not Asked.
LONDON, April 4,7The Madrid cor
respondent of the Standard, telegraph
ing late tonight. says: nr'I have been
able to obtain an interview with Sc
nor Sagasta. the premier, and to elicit
from him brief statement with refer
ence to the present, critical situation.
In the course OF the conversation. Sc
nor Sagasta said:
In our recent negotiations with the United
States we have used friendly and concslia-
tory language in explaining our views Re-
speeding the matters In dispute with regard
to the Maine disaster. We said we considered
the matter to be ono for diplomatic nepo-
tiation and that IL we and the United States
found 1t impossible to come to an UNDER
standing on the connicting opinions of the
American and Spanish commissions as to
the cause Of the disaster, the matter then
ought to be submitted to technical experts
and to the arbitration Of naval or other
power. who might DO selected by mutual
agreement between the two governments.
On the second point We were able to in
rsrm United States Minister Woodford that
Governor General B!anco has issued a
proclamation authorizing the return of the
reconcentrados to their homes, and that the
Spanish government had sent $500, 900 to the
relief of the distressed Cubans. and would
devote to the same object all the nroceeds
Of relief in kind and money. amounting to
$1,000 900, which had been sent by Spanish
residents in Mexico. These measures are
supplemented by the assistance already
given by the Cuban autonomist govern
ment. We have never objected to relief
being also sent by the United States. on
condition that 1t did not lave an official
character or bear the appearance of inter-
vention.
We did not object in, principle to an
armistice to the Cuban insurgents. We are.
however, OF opinion that it does not be-
that a suspension Of hostilities ought to he
asked for by the insurgents. We Suggested
that the United States government might
II SO inclined. exercise its influence with
the insurgents to induce them to apply for
an armistice. with a view to further the
ends of peace on the understanding. how
ever. that the armistice would be destined
to lead to the submission of the insureents
10 the new autonomous regime
independence Not Asked.
Senior Sagasta assured me that the
question of the independence Of Cuba
or the sale Of the colony or any in
vasion of Spanish rights was not moot
ed In the recent negotiations. Abiding
to the report that Marshal Prim had
intended in 1870 to sell Cuba, Senior
Sagasta said that such a suggestion
was made to Marshal Prim by the
Americans, but was never accepted.
and that the parleying ON the subject
was only kept up, for some. time to
avoid increasing the acute tension
which then existed between the two
countries. 800
Senor sagasta considers that. since
ne 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, con-
sequently, no responsibility for the
present crisis. should it lead to a. run
ture. should rest with Spain. He. how
ever, does not believe that the last
spanish memorandum closes the door
to further Negotiations Those who
conducted them, he said, had on both
sides shown a disposition to promote
cordial relations. and.ahe only appre-
nenoed trouble from the pressure Of
the jingoes on the. executive in Wash
ington. .ar. +. -, -, :.
!: .ESenor Sagasta proceeded to,say that
his government had addressed "a mem
orandum to the. European, powers, but
mad not officially taken steps to solicit
their intervention. He called nv at
tentfon to the fact that the people and
press of Spain had shown prudence
forbearance and patriotism during the
crisis, even the opposition having put
no obstacles in the way of the govern
AtAtoB iiC SdIu, lSu l1lI1l TO DeIeV6
that all classes would cooperate in the
work Of realizing peace in Cuba and
racing the contingencies Of the future.
He spoke throughout with the calm, sub
dued energy of a statesman alive to
the eventualities Of the situation and
conscious that he had done his DUTY in
endeaVoring to avert war, without sac
rihclng the rights Of Spain in a manner
that would create equally grave con-
sequences at home
Il regret to say that some of the
Madrid papers show ill-flumor against
england for not showing as much SYM
pathy with Spain in her trial as the
continental governments, as well
as the press. are supposed to do The
impartial today has long and angry
article denouncing. England as seeking
an American alliance to make up for
her isolated position in Europe and
strengthen her position in the far East
and in China"