New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-21
SPANISH DREAMS.

Ii is To be hoped that the language attributed
10 Senior Sagasta. which appears sufficiently
characteristic 10 Indicate that he probably ut
tered IT, does not represent his own real thought
II he seriously entertains any such hope as he
appears 10 express. he j. doomed 10 disap-
pojptment In view of the fact that he has
shown ability in dealing with Spanish passions
and preiudiccs and with the shifting currents of
popular feeling in that country. il may be sur
missed that he j. Suggesting all sorts of possible
gifts by the United States. in order 10 soften for
the Spanish people the thought of giving mp
Cuba, Porto Rico and Manila Possibly II may
seem TO some people in that country that the
United States Is likely TO forego all compensa-
zion for the cost of the war. and in addition 10
nav Spain for all the property which she leaves
behind I'm evacuating any island IF Sagasta has
anv such notion. he j. less wise man than has
been supposed
The most definite statement Of claims TO be
presented by Spain comes by way of Havana.
70 the effect that the Commission will discuss
the following questions;
Caesion Of territory and the determine ton
Of conditions and determination by the United
States against damage 10 pubic bulelhes'
courts and state lands.
> Irdamnitv for war and navy material NUT
ually agreed on to come into the possession Of
the United States.
by troops and volunteers WIN the war h!a'eiiai
agreed on.
10 he conceded.
: The recognition of property OF all kinds Of
all Spanish citizens, and the guarantees 10 be
offered them during their stay in the island
6. The form Of government TO be established
In CuDa.
Looking back 10 the protocol which deter
mines what Spain has contracted to do In order to
secure cessation of hOstiliiies. We find that the
Immediate evacuation of Cuba and Porto Rico
was the primary condition. When Spain con
tracted Immediately 10 evacuate the territory,
she became bound to do without getting pay
for any part OF II. All property of the Spanish
Government in Cuba passed from It's ownership
and possession by the signature of the protocol
and became property Of the United states or Of
such government In Cuba as may be ultimately
established with approval Of the United States
Spain cannot evacuate a property and at the
same time own It and make It's evacuation de-
pend upon her assent to terms Of sale. When
Spain binds herself to evacuate. she parts with
every show Of claim TO government property or
land in Cuba.
The sixth question would be one which Spain
could not suggest without impertincnce. unless
for the purpose OF urging that the United States
should itself undertake the government OF the
island. and not leave Spanish residents and their
pra,ertv NJ the mercy Of the insurgent Cubans.
II Is conceivable that the Spanish Govern
mont NAV be prepared 10 urge with great
eorpcstncss that the United States Itself should
assume. a: least for term OF years. the gov
eminent OF the island which Spain eracuates'
I'm order TO assure reasonable and effective pro-
lection Of Spanish residents and their property.
Since this Nation would he governed in the CO.
cupetion 81 the island Nv wpll-esta biished prln-
rin,es Of International law. It is not 10 be sup