Evening journal., 1897-09-30

than probable that dissatisfaction with
the governments policy toward Cuba
and the possible action of the United
States in the premises may have been
the real issues which caused the min
listers to resign their portfolios
There is possibility Of Liberal gov
ernment being formed under the lead
ership of Senior Sagasta, in which case
a much broader and more generous
policy toward Cuba is likely to be fol-
lowed.
on Aug % last it was anppunced that
Senior Sagasta, the Liberal leader, had
made a fresh declaration on the polit-
ical situation. He saidiaffairs were daily
growing worse in Cnba and continued
serious in the Philippine islands He
added that a Liberal ministry would be
ready to apply autonomy to Cuba and
expressed the belief that the Liberals
would assume power earlier than ex-
pected.
Again, on Sept. IA. Senior sagasta, re-
farring to the Cuban insurrection, said
the uprising. instead of dying out. was
spreading considerably. He added that
the situation in the Philippine islands
was serious. He asserted that the Car
list propaganda IN Spain could not be
viewed with ind lnerence, and he eX-
pressed the belief that a reconciliation
between the political parties in Spain
was Impossible so long as the COnserv-
atives were in power.
Senor Sagasta, in conclusion, remark
ed. "In my opinion the cOrtes Will not
meet but If It does meet its existence
will be ephemeraL"
Regarding the relations between the
United States and Spain, the Liberal
leader refused to express himself.
The queen regent and the court re-
turned 10 Mhdrd from San Sebastian,
their summer residence, Tuesday.
The conttmacy Of the bishop of Ma
iorca, Balsaric islands, who, in def
ance of the order of the archbishop.
persisted in his accommodation OF
Senor Reverter, the Spanish minister
Of finance, for taking possession Of the
treasury OF a church in his diocese,
may also have been a prominent factor
in bringing about the fall of the Azcar-
raga ministry. The decree of excom-
munication was read on Sunday, Sept.
70, in all the churches of the diocese. in
spite Of the order of the archbishop to
the contrary Several influential prel-
ates approved the course Of the bish-
op and their attitude in this matter
was absolutely opposed to that Of all
the members of the cabinet. who ap-
pealed to the pope against his decree
through the papal nuncio, thus raising
a complicated issue between the &C.
clesiastical and political authorities. In
this matter the cabinet relied upon the
dictum of the nuncio that the bishop
had no jurisdiction over the minister
and upon his further assurance that the
pope would undoubtedly censure the
bishop who is a nqorious sympathiz-
er with the Carlist movement. a fact
which has aggravated the situation.
Finally the financial situation and
the steady rise in the prices Of all kinds
Of food, owing to the growing deprecia-
ton of the silver and paper currency Of
Spain, further increased the feeling
against the government.
Commercial circles in Spain c"e great
~ concerned at the position of the Banl
of Spain, owing to its immense note CIR
cu,ation. As the bank has leaned th'
state 100000 pesetas. repayable with
out interest in 1920, its affairs would be
come critical in the event Of the banl
fncurring losses on loans in the absenc
of sufficient guarantees against curren
accounts and note circulation.
II will therefore be seen that ther
are so many causes likely obring aoou