The times., 1899-03-02
sAGAsTA's RESIGNATION.
1t Is n Matter of No Concern to the
limited Stafcs

When the news of the resignation OF
Premier Sagasta was unofIiciaiiy received
at the State Department yesterday a prem
inent official of the department said to a
Times reporter:
The withdrawal of the Spanish Pre1nie!
does not. in any sense, lessen the obliga-
tioa OF Spain 10 ratify the Treaty of Peace
arranged by her Commissioners and the
representatives of the United States in
Paris. Internationally 1t has no more sig
rificance than the resignation of our Sec
retary of State while the Treaty was be-
ing considered by the Senate would have
had.
The situation in Spain has been in
many ways similar to that which existed
here during the deliberations Of The Sen
ate IN reference to the ratification of the
Treaty. The difficulties which for a time
beset the Administration here are new
being experienced by Spain. There Is 4
strong opposition to the ratification of the
Treaty by the Cortes. just as there was
in the United States Senate. II is TO the
interest of the Spanish government to nave
the Treaty ratified, however. and the ef-
forts which are being made in Madrid 10
bring about favorable action on The
measure are as strong as those which
were made here.
There is no doubt that the resignation
cided effect on the Treaty. but just what
it is cannot be stated with assurance By
anyone at this distance. It is purely a
matter of domestic policy. The Cabinet
crisis will necessitate a delay, but il does
not necessarily involve the failure of he
Treaty. This Government would not lose
by any action of Spain which would re-
suit in the rejection of the Treaty. On the
contrary, it would be the gamer by $50. 000.-
Geo The United States is already in Ios-
session of the Philippines, as well as Porto
Rico, and Cuba is forever rid of Spanish
rule. We are conquerors in war and cur
vanquished enemy must submit TO the
terms dictated by US In this case those
terms have been so reasonable that every
power on earth has admitted our leniency.
We have treated the fallen foe with more
than fairness. We have granted them in
demnity for their loss. This was done by
our Peace Commissioners and Spain's rep
resentatives in Paris.
IF they choose to fly in the face OF des-
tiny it is their own loss. So far as this
country is concerned, the war with Spain
is at an end. The protocol is in effect and
we have done our part toward the estab-
lishment of permanent and enduring
peace and the restoration of diplomatic in
tercourse. Everything rests now with
Spain. II the Spanish government decides
to ratify the Treaty made by its represen-
tatives in Paris all will be plain sailing.
Even If it does not, however. 1t will still
devoive upon Spain to take the initiative
in any hostile movement.
'It is not likely, however. that such
complication will ensue. The resignation
of Senior Sagasta will undoubtedly precip
itate crisis in the domestic affairs Of
Spain. internationally. however, it is not
to be regarded with apprehension. The
Treaty must be ratified by the Spanish gov
ernment. II it cannot be done under
present conditions it is in the power of
the Government to bring about a more ia
vorabe state OF affairs, and that will be
done"