The record-union., 1896-03-02

pedo boats and one torpedo catcher be
made ready for immediate dispatch in
the event of the United States acknowl-
edging the Cubans as belligerents.
Dispatches from Barcelona state that
an attack has been made upon the
United States Consulate in that city,
notwithstanding the fact that the build
ing was guarded. During the day a pro-
cession comprising 10000 persons,
headed by four republican members of
the Chamber of Deputies, paraded
through the principal streets of the city
as demonstration against the action
Of the American Senate. A strong
guard had been placed around the
American Consulate in anticipation of
trouble.
AS the procession passed it there was
some derisive cries and cat-calls. The
crowd tried to force their way into the
building, but the police and gendarmes
succeeded in driving them away, but
not until they had been forced to charge
upon the mob with drawn sabers.
While this trouble was going on the
main body of the procession continued
it's march to the town hall, where the
leaders of the demonstration handed to
the Mayor a strongly worded protest
against the action of the American Sem
ate, and also against the speeches that
had been delivered there on the Cuban
question, it being declared that some of
the speakers had grossly insulted Spain
and the Spanish Government in defend
ing Cuban bandits and outlaws.
Subsequently great crowd as
sembled in the Plaza Catalina and a
number of patriotic speeches were de-
livered. The crowd became greatly eX-
cited by the burning oratory of the
speakers, and after the meeting had
broken up a. large number of those who
had listened to the words glorifying
Spain and denouncing the United States
proceeded to the American Consulate,
where they gave vent to their patriot
ism by stoning the building, much to
the damage of the windows thereof.
AS in previous mob demonstrations
in Barcelona, the police were almost
impotent to disperse the rioters who did
about as they pleased.
In the evening there was another out
burst of disapproval of the United
States and all things American. This
time it took the form Of publicly dis
honoring the American flag. The riot
ers had purchased an American flag
which, after it had been dragged
through the mud, was pulled to pieces
amid cries of Long live Spain,' and
Down with the Americans.
There is still much excitement in the
city
MADRID, March 1.-After this out
rage on the American flag, the mob
became more violent, and a proposition
to make q further demonstration
against the American Consulate was
speedily acted upon The mob proceeded
to the Caonsulate, in the meantime,
arming themselves with stones Arriv-
ing at the Consulate, a perfect volley of
missiles was directed against the shield
over the doorway bearing the American
coat Of arms, which was battered almost
to pieces. The mob in some way be-
came possessed of several American
flags, which were destroyed amid ribald
jests and expression of contempt for
the nation they represented
The situation was becoming more ana
more threatening when reinforcements
for the guards at the Consulate arrived
in the shape of detachment of
mounted gendarmes. The crowd was
ordered to disperse, which they sullenly
refused to do, whereupon the gendarmes
charged them with drawn swords and
put them to flight. Several of the riot
ers were injured by being trampled on
Until a late hour the boulevards were
thronged by an excited crowd singing
the 'Marseillaise" and patriotic Span
ish songs.
Admiral Beranger has also ordered
that the training squadron be held in
readiness for service. It's probable OBJ
jective point is Cuba. Fifty merchant
vessels will receive ar1naments and will
be used as transports or cruisers should
the necessity arise. Several Captains
in the merchant service have offered
to arm their vessels and turn them into
privateers in the event of war. The
Captain in Barcelona has informed the
Government that if he be granted let
ters of marque he will fit out and main
tain at his own cost a swift steamer to
prey upon the maritime commerce of
the United States.
Minister Taylor was expected last
night to attend the opera, where he has
a box. He did not so, however, as he
learned that a hostile demonstration
had been prepared for him, and he
thought it best not to add fuel to the
flame that is now burning so brightly
against the country he represents
There is general feeling that Spain
must do something to avenge what she
considers an insult to her honor, but it
is thought that the Government is too
eool-headed to be carried away by pop
ular clamor. 1t will take all the steps
it deems right and expedient to protect
Spanish interests, but will do nothing to
provoke war with the United States.
The Prime Minister has announced
that the Government has sufficient re-
sources to conduct the war in Cuba un-
til the end Of May, when it will ask the
Cortes to grant a further credit
The "ImparciaP' independent to-
day advises prudence and exhorts the
Ministry to await events 1t SAYS: 'If
matters reach the conclusion that
Americans desire. the whole of Spain
will rise against the United States.
Neither in the Mediterranean. whose
entrance we command, nor in the At
lantic will single American ship be
safe, for we shall organize privateers on
a large scale. We must not make a
noisy demonstration like the Portu-
guese at the time of their dispute with
Great Britain. We conquered Napo-
leon by a system of guerrilla warfare.
and we shall use a system of privateers
that viii conquer a mercantile nation
on the sea- The Americans are willing
to judge Spain by her finances. There
are considerations superior to the rev.
enues of the country"
This article is illustrative of the pop
ular feeling. There is no doubt. at least
no expressed doubt, of the perfect abil-
ity OF Spain to whip the United States.
the resourcps of which are ,nn+ IL, +l,n