New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-06-04
rich mental endowment Of their CHIEF Mags-
trate are extremely pleasing to the people.
THE SPANISH CRISIS.

Ministerial crisis, as the death OF sick
man. generally comes unexpectedly, no matter
how long it may have been threatened. That
NJ Madrid Is case in point. For fortnight 1t
had been apparently close at hand. week
ago II seemed inevitable Then the danger
passed, or seemed to pass. and this week opened
with every prospect Of avoiding n crisis, at any
rate until next fall. The Cortes would be ad-
journed for the summer, and the Canovas Min
istry would remain in office during few
months Of political nactlon at home and mill
tary inaction in Cuba Then suddenly. on
Wednesday, the Prlm. Minister rendered TO the
Queen Regent the designations Of himself and
his colleagues. and she accepted them. at the
same time suspendlng the sitting Of the Cortes.
This latter circumstance greatly relieves the
tension of the general situation. AS hitherto
explained the Liberal party is in so meagre
minority in the COrtcs that any Cabinet formed
by Senior Sagasta would have no hope Of COM
handing a majority. Its continued existence
during a session Of the COrtes would therefore
be impossible But the Cortes. Is no longer N
session. II has voted supplies and disbanded,
and will not meet again until summoned by the
Queen Regent or the Prime Minister probably
next fall During the recess. therefore, q MIL
istry representing the minority VIII DE able 10
conduct the Government as confidently as
though 1t had an overwhelming majority at It's
back 1t will have TO give an account OF It's
stewardship in the fall. when the Cortes re-
assemblies. But That is long time on ana
many things may happen before then. Inc
situation Is somewhat reminiscent Of that or
more than a score Of years ago, when the CORES
elected SeHor CASTELAR, President of the Spanish
Republic and then adjourned for term OF
months. leaving him practically DICTATOR AS
som os the Corres reassembled he was forced
m resign Rut In the months while he was in
office he did more for the political welfare OF
Spain than had been done before IN as man!
years If Sef1or Sagasta shall be able TO 40
likewise he Will be worthy Of the everlasting
gratitude of his countrymen.
What he will try to do is by no means clear
in advance excepting in few details lie is
credbly reported to have declared that he VIII
not even consider the sale or cesson OF CuDa OF
the granting Of independence. That Is in ac'
cord with the traditional policy OF both Spanish
parties Then he must either continue the At
tempt to suppress the rebellion by force OF arms
or he must seek to pacify the Insurgents by
means of concessions and reforms, which their
leaders vehemently declare they will never ac-
cent. 1t must be borne In mind that 1t was
under the former Ministry Of Senior Sagasta
that the Abarzrza reforms were offered to Cuba
and rejected. and the present war was begun.
The name of General Martinez de Campos is
again mentioned. He IS TO be sent to CUBA, IL
is said. 10 negotiate with the rebels institute
reforms and pacify the island. as he did at the
ond of the Ten Years War. If any one can
do that work he can But there is yet no APP
parent assurance Of either his Willingness 70
undertake it or his ability TO achieve IT, we
shall see In any event. SehOr Sagasta Is tax
ing upon himself an ard ;ous responsibility.
upon the successful discharge of which he Will
be entitled to the cordial congratulations Of the
world.