Evening star., 1898-08-29
SPAIN STILL AT WAR
sagasta's Reason for Preparing to Repres'
War Talk in Cortes.
Debate Might BE ProvOcation of In
Progress of Negotiations.

Senior Sagasta, the Spanish premier, is
quoted as having in the course of an inter-
view made some important statements, de-
claring that it was the governments inten-
tion to repress the discussion of war topics
in the cortes. He said that as soon as the
cortes met the government would submit
bill authorizing peace negotiations, and
next, measure relating to the suspension
of the constitutional guarantees.
Although Senor Sagasta did not state the
nature of this measure, it is supposed that
it will provide for the continuation of the
suspension.
''The government said the premier, will
not discuss in any form the questions of
peace and war. Indeed, the deputies would
be entirely lacking in the material neces-
sary for discussion. The debate could not
be based on concrete, positive facts, found
ed on indisputable documents, since the
necessary information has not yet arrived.
1 believe that no discussion Of the surren-
der of Santiago and Manila will occur, nor
81 the destruction of the Spanish fleet, un-
less trustworthy data and exact proofs are
TO hand.
Moreover, no discussion is permissible of
matters at present under consideration of
the supreme councils of war and marine.
Mistakes or blunders may have been COM
raitted, but thus far We have not sufficient
material to judge.
Another reason why questions of peace
and war should not be discussed is that
diplomatic negotiations are now being car
ried on, and debate on these subjects
might be provocative of undesirable COM
plcations. 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 hos
tiIitles, IN order to negotiate peace These
negotiations may be brought to success
ful issue. but 1t might happen tnat hOstili-
ties will be recommended.
That IS why l think the cortes will only
be able to discuss strictly necessary ques-
Iions; that is, to make itself acquainted
with the situation of the interests now at
stake. Which are so important for the ma
tlon; but not to engage In debate which
fringe upon the discretion which the grav-
ity of the circumstances requires of the
cortes.
Should they ask to have presented the
documents concerning the surrender of
Santiago and Manila, and the destruction
of the feet, now in the governments pos
session, the government would not accede
to the request. These papers are In the
hands Of the supreme councils, which alone
before the proclamation of peace, can con-
duct inquiries and establish responsibilities.
The inquiries may result in acquittals or
severe sentences. even the capital penalty -
Duke Almodovar de Rio. minister of for
eign affairs, and Senior GamaZo minister of
public instruction and public works have
arrived at an agreement as to how TO in
struct the Antilles evacuation commission
ers. and the instructions were mailed yes
terday.
Lieut.. Gen. Correa minister of war. yes
terday informed the queen regent of the
arrival of the transport Isla de Luzon at
Nigo and the Montserrat at Coruna with
troops returning from Cuba. Forty-two
deaths occurred on the steamers during
their passage.