The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1885-09-12 00:00:00

ANTI-GERMAN RIOTS IN SPAIN.

A Madrid correspondent, writing on Saturday
morning, said:
Official telegrams have been received from the
Caroline Islands, bringing important news. Two of
the Spanish war-ships in those waters arrived off the
island of Yap on the 21st of August, and the Spanish
commander at once set about installing the Spanish
sfficers with him in the Government of the island.
HOW much had been done in this direction is not
stated; but at seven o'clock on the evening ,of the
24th a German gunboat arrived, immediately landed
a force of sailors aril marines, and took possession of
the island in the name of Germany, hoisting the
German flag in the most conspicuous position.
The commanders of the Spanish vessels entered an
energetic protest, stating that they had already
occupied the island c/f. facto. Telegrams were at
once forwarded by the Spanish commander to Manila
for transmission to Madrid; but, in the meantime,
the close proximity of the rival warships at Yap may
at any moment lead to hostilities.
A later message adds
The excitement which prevails among the people
consequent on the news from Yap is likewise
apparent among Government officials. The situation
is recognised as being exceptionally grave. Any
concession to Germany in the present temper of the
people would lead to demonstrations, the end of
which it would be difficult to foresee. The news is
now confirmed that a German squadron has sailed
for the Caroline Islands. The police have succeeded
in making 56 arrests in connection with the delnon-
stration at the German Embassy. It now appears,
from fuller telegrams from Manila, that the Spanish
Governor of Yap wished to resist, but that the com-
mander of the war-ship San Quintin refused to do so. It
has further transpired that at the time of the German
occupation all the Spanish war-ships but one had
sailed. The Spaniards were taken aback, and had
no knowledge of German intentions, and were in-
tensely surprised on learning what had been done;
but they are now returning to Yap. The Spanish
war-ship Vela.sco was expected to arrive at Yap on
the 2fith ult., and she had instructions which it is
believed would enable tho Spanish commanders to
act energetically.
Telegraphing at noon, the same correspondent
further said: _ _ _

The news from the Caroline Islands has now
become generally known, and, as was expected, has
caused an immense sensation. The large crowds
which gathered in the streets last night have been
doubled in numbers this morning, and are shouting,
"Down with Germany 1" One large crowd ran to the
German Embassy, where a hostile demonstration was
made, gathering in intensity as the crowd increased
in numbers. Finally, a rush was made at the build-
ing. Daring youths climbed up the front of the
house and tore down the German coat-of-arms, amid
the enthusiastic plaudits of the mob. With the
heraldic sign of Germany in their hands the yelling
mob tore away to the Puerta del Sol, where the
Government buildings stand. Here a fire was made,
directly opposite the office of the Ministry of the
Interior, and the German coat-of-arms was burned.
The crowd ran from the office of the Ministry of the
Interior to the French Embassy, where they remained
for a long time cheering loudly, the expressions used
indicating that France was regarded as a natural
ally against Germany. Troops were called out, and
a large militlry display was made in the streets,
before which the excited people are now retiring. It
is certain that the demonstrations against Germany
will be renewed. The excitement among the popu-
lace now is almost unbounded.

A Madrid correspondent on 'ieueseay said that the
popular agitation there had somewhat subsided. The
police and the civil guard were able to keep order
without the aid of the troops, who were still kept in
barracks. Though the friends of the Government
feel confident that the Carolines affair can be settled
amicably, popular feeling continued to be excited,
and the opposition of the Liberals and Republicans
was very bitter against the Conservative Govern-
ment.

At Quitman (U.S.A.) a darkey went to sleep while
fishing one night, and tumbled off into deep water.
He sank and rose a couple of times, when his cora.
paninn, Old Uncle Dick Lewis, seeing that he made
no effort to save himself, got hold of him, and suc-
ceeded in drawing him to the bank. It was then dis-
covered that the negro was still asleep, his cold bath
having no effect upon him whatever. Uncle Dick
managed to awaken him by rolling him in the mud
and wearing out two or three lightwood knots over
his head. When the darkey awoke, he expressed
much surprise to find his clothes wet,:and asked Uncle
Dick to explain.