The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-03-02
SPANIARDS MAD.
Leads Them to Attack United States
Consulate at Barcelona.
SERIOUS STRESS OF FEELING
Which May Mean War If Long
Continued.
fCopyrichted, 1901

BARCELONA, March 2-The fever or In
dignation and hate against the United
States which seems to have taken posses
sion OF the heart of all Spain over the nc
tion OF the United States senate In recog-
nizing the provisional government OF
Cuba as belligerent and in calling upon
President Cleveland TO use his good offices
with Spain to secure the Independence OF
Cuba eliminated In violent scenes yester-
day and an attack upon the United States
consulate.
The trouble did not arise out OF the
spontaneous formation of the mob which
did the violence, but was the outcome OF
public meeting which had been infiu-
enced by fervid speeches. The public
demonstration to protest against the
United States senate's action was organ
lied by the political leaders, including Re
publicans and men of all shades OF politi-
Cal sentiment.
IL was o'clock In the afternoon when
the meeting had assembled, and there
were fully lp,000 people present, oil In
state Of high patriotic enthusiasm and
ripe for any manifestation of the emotions
which possessed them.
They were addressed by the orators pro-
vided for the occasion, and the purpose OF
the meeting explained as one OF protest
against the recognition of the Cuban gov
ernment as n belligerent power by the
United States senate Tho spirit Of the
crowd took fire and they set of for the
United States consulate. The leaders
who had originated tho meeting seem to
have realized tho serious consequences
that might follow upon demonstration
that took this direction, and they mado
every effort TO dissuade the mob from their
purpose. But their utmost efforts were Of
no avail.
The authorities of the city had by this
timc taken alarm, and force OF police
were sent to the consulate. The excited
crowd were not intimidated by this show
Of force from gathering before the consul
ate and shouting "Long live Spaini" and
'Down with the Yankeesl"
American Consulate Attacked.
These verbal missiles did not long satisfy
the aroused passions Of the mob, and in
short time stones began flying from the
crowd, which broke number Of windows
In the United States consulate.
The force Of police waited for no further
manifestation, but charged tho crowd
under the orders of their officers, and
roughly dispersed them, wounding several.
SO far as learned, there were no fatal re-
suits.
Being driven away from the United
States consulate, the crowd marched of
to the prefecture of police and gathered at
the newspaper offices. There they listened
to more fervid oratory and got themselves
worked up to the highest pitch Of enthu-
siasm and patriotic spirit.
The Military club in the city was also O
center of excitement, and there, also. glow
ing speeches were indulged In to the honor
of the army, which were eagerly listened
to and greeted with loud cheers.
A Madrid dispatch says that X one may
Judge by the things that were said and
some Of the things that were done yester-
day, the Spanish people are enthusiastic
ally determined to 60 to war with the
United States and to speedily avenge the
insult which, IL Is fancied, has been Of
fered to the naughty pride of Spain by the
United States senate In determining to
recognize the Cuban provisional govern
ment as a belligerent power and to ask
the president to use his good offices with
Spain to obtain recognition Of Cuban In
dependence.
Some of the organs Of public opinion de-
clare that the bankruptcy Of the Spanish
government would not prevent the Span
ish people from taking up the quarrel on
their own account and fitting out expedi-
tions and maintaining them ut their own
expense while combating the insolence of
the assertions of the United States.
There seems to have been n notable in.
crease of excitement and patriotic ardor
among the people since Saturday, when
the news of the senate's action was first
made known. How much this may oe
due TO the fact Of its being Sunday, with
Its accompanying absence of occupation
and gathering Of the people In public
places for what amusement entertain
ment or excitement may be offered, con
only be conjectured. Such stress of feel.
Ing as existed throughout Spain yesterday,
II IL continues for any length of time, can
not but afford serious menace to tho
peacefulness Of tho two countries.
Spanish Authorities Forcarmed.
The Spanish authorities seem to have
felt apprehensions of the form the peoples
wrath might take, and provided special
guards for the suppression Of disorders,
and especially for the protection of any
official representative Of the United States
government.
The preparations Of the government arc
not all of peaceful character. In Is sig.
nifcant that Minister of Marine Beranger
has issued orders for the training squad.
ron to be prepared to sail. II Is regarded
rs probable that this squadron will pro-
ceed shortly TO Cuba.
1t has also been ordered that all other
warships available be forthwith armed
and equipped and put into condition for
active service In addition 20 this, about
30 merchant steamers, available for the
government service, will be provided with
naval armament.
For the military branch Of the service a
fresh expedition OF 10000 infantry ana
bOOO cavalry will be equipped and put on
war footing and will be kept in readiness
TO leave on the shortest notice. In view OF
the excited state Of the public mind, the
United States legation In Madrid has
been placed under u special suryeillance Of
police
The student class seem to form larg
proportion of the inHammatory elcmcn
which Is making SCI much noise. III,