Evening journal., 1898-08-29
THE SPANISH CORTES
Will Not Be Allowed to Dis
cuss Military Matters.
ALLEGED STATEMENT BY SACASTA.
Says the Cortes, Unmuzzled, Might Inter-
fere With Diplomatic Arrangements.
Instructions Sent to Commissions
ers- More Troops Reaeh snnln.

MADRID. Aug. 20 sen0r .sagasta.
the premier, is quoted as having in the
course of an Interview made some inl-
portant statements, declaring that it
was the governments intention to re-
press the discussion of war topics in
the cOrtes. He said that as soon as the
cortes met the government would sub
nit bill authorizing peace negotia-
tions and next a measure relating to the
suspension of the constitutional guar
antees. Although Senior Sagasta did
not state the nature of this measure, 1t
is supposed that 1t viii provide for the
continuation of the suspension.
THE government" said the premier,
will not discuss in any form the ques-
tions Of peace and war. Indeed the
deputies would be entirely lacking in
the material necessary for a discussion
The debate could not be based on con-
crete positive facts, founded on indis-
putable documents, since the necessary
information has not yet arrived.
Il believe that no discussion Of the
surrender Of Santiago and Manila will
occur nor of the destruction of the Span
ish fleet unless trustworthy data and
exact proofs are to hand. Moreover, no
discussion is permissible of matters at
present under consideration OF the su-
preme councils of war and marine. Mis-
takes or blunders may have been COM
mitted. but thus far we have not sufIl-
cient material to judge.
Another reason why questions OF
peace and war should not be discussed
Is that diplomatic negotiations are now
being carried on. and a debate on these
subjects might be provocative Of unde-
sirable complications. 1t must not be
said that peace is signed and discussion
IS now allowable. Peace is not signed
Spain Is still at war with the United
States. The two nations have merely
concluded a suspension Of hostllities In
order to negotiate peace. These nego-
tiations may be brought to a successful
issue. but it might happen that hostili-
ties will be recommended.
THAT is why think the cortes vii
only be able to discuss strictly necessa-
ry questions; that is. to make itself ac-
quainted with the situation Of the inter
ests now at stake. which are so impor
tant for the nation, but not to engage il
debate which would assume such pro
portions as to infringe upon the discre
tion which the gravity of the circum
stances requires of the cortes.
SHOULD they ask to have presente,
the documents concerning the surren
der of Santiago and Manila and the de
struction Of the fleet now in the gov
ernment's possession the governmen
would not accede to the request. Thes
papers are in the hands Of the suprem
council, which alone before the procla
nation of peace can conduct inquire
ard establish responsibilities. The in
quiries may result in acquittals or Sc
we're sentences, even the capital pen
atty"
%Duke Almodovar de Rio, minister @
foreign affairs, and Senior Gamazo. min
lister OF public instruction and publ
works, have arrived at an agreement a
to how to instruct the Antilles evacua
tion commissioners, and the instruc
tions We're mailed yesterday.
Lieutenant General Correa. ministe
of war, has informed the queen regen
of the arrival of the transport Isla &
Luzon at Vigo and the MontserTat a
Corunna with troops returning frol
Cuba. Forty-two deaths occurred o
the steamers during the passage.