The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-04-04
sAGAsTA NOT STUBBORN.
Feels That Both sides want to Pre-
serve Peace.

serve Peace.
London. April 4.-The Madrid correspon-
dent Of the Standard telegraphs late to-
night, saying: Il have been able to oh.
tain an interview with Senior Sagasta, the
premier, and to elicit from him a brief
statement with reference to the present
critical situation:
In The course OF The conversation Seuor
Sagasta said: In our recent negotiations
with the United States we have used
friendly and concliatory language in ex-
planning our views Respecting the mat
ters in dispute with regard to the Maine
disaster. we said we considered the ques-
ton to be one for diplomatic negotiation,
and that If we and the United states
found 1t impossible to come to an under
standing on the conflicting opinions of the
American ana Spanish commissions as to
the cause Of the disaster the matter then
ought TO be submitted TO technical experts
and TO the arbitration of a naval or other
power, who might be selected by mutual
agreement between the two governments,
on the second point we was able to
inform United States Minister Woodford
that Governor General Blaneo had issued
n proclamation authorizing the return of
the reconcentrados to their homes and
that the Spanish government had sent
10000 (SG0000O to the relief of the dis
tressed Cubans and would devote to the
same object all the proceeds of relief IN
kind and money, amounting to 100000
(S1OOO,O00). which had been sent by Span
ish residents in Mexico. These measures
are supplemented by the assistance al
ready given by the Cuban autonomist gov
ernment. We have never objected TO re-
lief being also sent by the United States on
condition that 1t did not have am official
character or bear the appearance of inter-
vention
1--WE did not object In principle to an
armistice for the Cuban insurgents. We
are, however, of the opinion that 1t does
not behoove Spain to take the initiative
and that suspension of hostilities ought
TO be asked for by the insurgents. We
suggested that the United States govern
ment might, If so inclined, exercise Its in
fluence with the insurgents to induce them
to apply for an armistice, with a view TO
further the ends of peace, on the under
standing, however, that the armlstce
would be destined TO lead to the submis-
sion of the insurgents to the new autono-
nous regime
"Senor Sagasta assured me that the ques-
tion of the independence of Cuba or The
sale Of that colony, or of any invasion of
Spanish rights, was not mooted In the re-
cent negotiations.
"Alludng to the report that Marshal
Prim had intended, In 1870, to sell Cuba
Senor Segasta said that such a suggestion
was made to Marshal Prim by the Amer
leans, but was never accepted, and chat
tho pafttyingon the subject was only kept
up for some time to avoid increasing the
acute tension which then existed between
the two countries.
"Senor Sagasta considers that since he
took office, In October last, ne has done
everything possible TO satisfy the Cubans
and TO preserve good relations with the
United States, and that consequently no
responsibility for the present crisis should
II lead to a rupture, will rest with Spain,
He however, does not believe that the
last Spanish memorandum closes the door
to further negotiations. Those who con-
Quoted them he said, had on both sides
shown a disposition to promote cordial re-
latons; and he only apprehended trouble
from the pressure Of the Jingoes on the
executive In Washington.
"senor Sagasta proceeded to say that
his government had addressed a memo
not officially taken steps TO solicit their
Intervention. lie called my attention TO
the fact that the people and press or
Spain had shown prudence, forbearance
and patriotism during the crisis, even The
opposition having put no obstacles I'm the
way OF the government. This, he said,
led him 10 believe that all classes would
cooperate In the work OF realizing peace
In Cuba and facing the contingencies OF
the future. He spoke with the calm, sub
dued energy OF a statesman alive to the
eventuaiities Of the situation and conscious
that he had done his duty In endeavoring
TO avert war, without sacrificing the rights
of Spain In a manner that would create
equally grave consequences at home.
'I regret to say that some of the Madrid
papers show I'll humor against England
for not showing as much sympathy with
Spain In her trial as the continental
courts and governments as well as the
press are supposed TO do. The impartial
to-day has a long and angry article de-
nounclng England as seeking an Ameri-
can alliance to make up for her isolated
position in Europe and to strengthen her
position in the far east, and In China
especially"