The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-08-29
SAGASTA IS SANGUINE
SATISFIED THE CoRTEs WILL
NOT INTERFERE
Even II They Are Asked, Official Re-
ports Bearing on the Surrender
of Manila and Santiago VIII Not
BE Furnished - Death Penalty
Who Failed to Do Their Duty.

MADRID, Aug. 2S.-Senor sagasta,
the premier, Is quoted as having, in the
course OF an interview, made some I'M
portant statements. declaring that 1t
was the governments intention to re-
press the discussion Of the war in the
cortes. He said that as soon as the
cortes met the government would sub
nit a bill authorizing peace negotia-
tlons, and next a measure relating to
the suspension Of the constitutional
guarantee. Although Senior Sagasta
did not state the nature of this mea-
sure, it is thought 1t will provide for
a continuation Of the suspension.
1.-THE government" said the premier,
will not discuss in any form the ques-
ttons of peace or war. Indeed, the dep
uties would be entirely lacking in the
material necessity for discussion. The
debate could not be based on concrete,
positive facts, founded on indisputable
documents, since the necessary infor-
nation has not yet arrived.
'I believe that no discussion Of the
surrender Of Santiago or Manila will
occur, nor Of the destruction Of our
meet, CuStWOIluy udCd d1lu
proofs are at hand. Moreover no dis
cussion Is possible of matters under
consideration Of the supreme courts Of
the army and navy.
Mistakes have undoubtedly been
made, but so far we have not sufficient
material to judge. A reason that ques-
tions Of war and peace should not be
discussed is that negotiations are now
In progress, and discussions might be
provocative Of undesirable complica-
tions. It must not be said that peace
Is signed and discussions are now al
lowable. Peace Is not signed. Spain is
still at war with the United States. The
two nations have merely concluded a
suspension in order to negotiate peace.
These negotiations may be brought to
a successful Issue. but 1t may happen
that hostilit1es may be resumed. That
is why I think the cortes will only be
able to discuss strictly neutral ques-
tions; that Is, to make itself acquainted
with the situation Of the interests now
at stake which are so important for
the nation, but not to engage in debate
which would assume some such propor-
tions as to infringe upon the discretion
which the gravity Of the circumstances
requires Of the cortes.
Should the deputies ask to have
presented the documents concerning
the surrender of Santiago and Manila,
and the destruction of the fleet. now in
the governments possession, the gov
ernment would not accede to this re-
quest. These papers are now In the
possession Of the supreme councils,
which alone, until the establishment of
peace, can institute Inquiries and es-
tablish responsibilities. The inquiries
may result in acquittals or severe SEN
tences, even the capital penalty"
Duke Almodevar de Rio, minister Of
foreign affairs, and Senior Gomazo,
minister Of public instruction and pub
lie works, have arrived at an agree
nlent SIS to how to instruct the Antil-
les evacuation commissioners and the
instructions were mailed today
Lieut.. Gen. Correa, minister of war;
today informed the queen regent of the
arrival of the transport Isla de Luzon
at Vico and the Montserrat at Corruna
with troops returning from Cuba
Forty deaths occurred on the
steamers during their passage.