New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-02-11
PUBLIC OPINION IN MADRID.
COMMENTS OF LEADING NEWSPAPERS AMI


PREMIER sAGAsTA on CUBAN MATTERS.
Madrid. Jan. 2S-In article headed Better
Impressions" "El Liberal" while admitting that
OF late there has been good for anxiety. and
that more light is required certain actions Of
the United States" is OF the opinion that matters
are making progress favorab.y for Spain in Cuba
II calls attention 10 the fact that. whatever may
have been the secret intentions Of the United
States Government all the communications pass
ing between 1t and the Spanish Ministry with
reference the visit OF the battle-ship Maine to
Havana Of friendly nature and that IN
diplomacy all governments must pay attention to
the form in which communications made. While
the form is friendly 1t must be met in friendly
manner. though at the same time 1t is the duty OF
the Government 10 prepare for hidden eventua-
ties" 1t considers fortune has at last given Spain
good turn by bringing TO Havana the same
time as the Maine warships Of otter nations. and
remarks:
70 make other countries think that disorder regns
n me capital OF cuba, the cruisers of Germany.
the ialsehood Of the charge II they consider that
OF tho insurrection. they have now already learned
thai neither Spain nor Europe comedies them any
friendly intent. then The presence OF the other ships
ds e ON to e9hm b them IN h9e good
Ing in any other manner. In short a false move
has been made. but not this time by us.
In spite OF popular rumors 10 the contrary. the
Spanish Government assures the country that 1t IS
satisfied no complications will arise from the visit
Of the Maine TO Havana. Having explained away
the presence OF the United States warship. the
officials proceed 10 say that the presence OF
vessels from other countries Is In no way unusual
1t is frequently the custom for foreign ships to
put in al Havana for provisions" Such is the
language employed by the chief Ministers. Fur
thermore. with respect to the report that Spain was
sending & squadron of warships 10 the United
States. the Premier. Sehor Sagasta remarked:
This statement is absolutely without foundation.
The Government has never entertained such an
id 10 H., The vizcaya alone viii go to repay the visit
OF the Maine, but she will not be accompanied by
any other vessel. as the cruiser has need OF an
so far as the supposed squadron is concerned
pothng is more incorrect. Inc Government mas
o.en occupied with sending TO Cuba several de
sroyefs, when were requested by General Blanco
ior inc object OF patroling defending the Cato
RIVER. but TINS occurred before the North Ameri-
W., oe ceiay IN sending these 'destroyers' as
.Furihermore. it is incorrect to say these vessels
~ ~', 20 az a SQUADRON under the command OF one
arrive Cuba they viii be placed AZ th wh sisn .ney
o. be me local naval authores who will distribuie
Caqio which they are being sent service on the
cersin S C Espanol states that In the almos,
squadron VIII consist Of the Furor. Pfoseppi rlae
boats besrT Rs0 and Piu,Sn with the torpedo
un ANGER he command Of Captain villarmi 10
tbs Naro ,o ,IESpano makes use OF the visit OF
spanish Government in the interest OF the Cariis
make It appear that the visit is one OF couriesv'
alleging that II Is the result OF plan cooy con :
pork sellers he brutal enemies OF 'o ouI ms nation ot
our rule In America" ~
Il further warns he Government, TO prepare for
For the danger Increases. and the moments are
Y nd M In Rsas al ,S calls 70.
that are being enrcied But we have already ex-
existed in the past nor docs IL exist IN the presnn