The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-16

martial law. The official gazette to-day
published a royal decree. temporarily sus-
pending throughout the peninsula the rights
of individuals as guaranteed by the consti-
tuition. The decree adds that the govern
ment will render an account to Parliament
of the use it may make Of this measure.
Later in the day the captain general of
Madrid issued decree, which has been af-
fixed to the walls of this city, saying that
DEGREES suspending the constitutional guar
antees throughout the kingdom having been
published, and. state of war existing,
it is ordered that no meetings take place
military authorities. 1t is also forbidden to
publish, without previous authorization, any
writings. engravings, or designs whatever.
The decree concludes with specifying the
punishment which will be meted out to those
who disregard the orders issued.
The publication of the decree is generally
accepted as being convincing proof that
Spain is now ready to sue for peace, and
that negotiations to that effect are actually
in progress The government wishes to have
full power to suppress any evidences of dis
content and rebellion wherever they appear.
The Carlists are furious, and are sure to
attempt to create trouble.
One minister expressed the conviction that
official overtures for peace would be made
before Sunday and there is reason to believe
France has offered her services to Spain.
and that Spain has drawn up conditions for
peace which offers basis for negotiations.
Premier Sagasta is quoted as saying that
Spain wants peace but that it must be an
honorable peace, as Spain deserves. THE
army" the premier is reported to have add
ed, sis anxious to resist to the last. but
the government cannot consent to such a
useless sacrifice. Had our fleet the sit
uation would be very different"
The minister for war, General Correa, is
quoted as saying in an interview that he
thought peace might be arranged or the fol-
lowing terms:
1.-THE United States and Spain to agree to
let the Cubans decide by plebiscite wheth-
er they desire independence or autonomy
under the sovereignty of Spain.
1.-THE two governments to agree to abide
by the result of the plebiscite.
'In the event of the Cubans voting for
independence, the United States to allow
Spain nine months in which to withdraw
her army gradually and dignifedly from
Cuba, as soldiers should after having fought
like heroes
Continuing, the minister for war said
1--WE ought to retain Porto Rico at all costs.
in order to be always near Cuba, of which
the Americans will be able to despoil US in
course of time, and in order to more easily
communicate with the South American ,e-
publcs, which daily display the greatest en-
thusiasm for Spain. AS to the Philippine
islands, it is certain we will retain them
even though the Americans succeed in oc-
cupying Manila, of which place their occu-
patton will be most brief. An official dis
patch announces that the rebel chiefs and
the Americans will not always agree, which
is to Spain's advantage. The government
has formed scheme, which will not only
assure Spain the possession of the Philip
pine islands, but which will re-estahIish
tranquility"
home government nor General Blanco's has
intervened in the negotiations for the sur
render of Santiago de Cuba. He adds that
the surrender came within the province of
General Toral and under his responsibility.
and the generall simply announced that the
garrison had capitulated.
On leaving the Cabinet council this even
ing the minister professed still to be with
out confirmation of the reported capitula-
ton OF Santiago. Owing to the state OF
siege. the censorship of dispatches is ex-
tremely rigorous. and numerous messages
are held back All parts of the peninsula
are officially described as tranquil" Don
Carlos is expected to issue a manifesto here
General Weyler has abandoned his intended