The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-08-30
sPAIN'S MURDERED PRIMER.
Many Public Wen Are secretly Glad Canovna
10 out or the Way.

'AahS eS''o W. hfV ''h''tI StAe SahoNS
10 out or the Way.
MADRID. Aug. l6.-Now that Canovas IA
buried and the excitement of the first moment
is over, the public begin to discuss whether the
loss is an irreparablc one. After listening to what
the politicians saw, one becomes convinced that
only those regret that the man is dead whose
interests, personal or otherwise, will suffer
through the disappearance Of that powerful
statesman. Cnmistakable signs of relief can
now be detected in tho countcnanccs of man.
whose admiration for Canovas's genius did not
prevent them from perceiving that he was TAX
Ing Spain to the abyss. These persons natural
ly look now for Il change which they could hard
ly expect would como while Canovas was alive.
Others who are fur more to be taken into con-
sidcration as factors in the future situation
thank. in their Utmost hearts, the Italian assas-
sin for having liberated them Of a dictatorial
tutelage from which they never were able to
free themselves. To this number belong Mar
tinez Camnos, Silvela, and, perhaps, Sagasta.
1t is n well known fact that the Liberal leader
never could carry out his programme beyond
that part Of 1t which met with the approval OF
his opponent. Sagasta, in consequence, cannot
fail TO feel that, although at an advanced age,
he has at last reached his majority. As for
Martinez Campos. II he ever forgot that, for
fear OF his rising popularity, Canovas sum.
moncd him from Havana in 1879 and made him
Prime Minister, that he might quickly discredit
himself in an office which was above his intel
lectual abilities, he still blccds from the wound
which Canoyas inflicted upon his pride when,
in January, 1890, ignoring Martinez Campos's
desire to remain in Cuba, Canovas ordered
him to come to Madrid, superseding him
with Weyler. n person whom the Marshal had
always treated with contempt. Although he
may in public shed tears, Martinez Campos is
not sorry that the man is no more who alone
dared to place his will over his own.
Among tho Spaniards Silvela enjoys the repu-
tation OF being a confirmed hypocritc. and so
nobody gives the slightest creGence to the ex.
preston Of his grief for the death of one whose
post he coveted. Through Canovas's death
Silvc!a secs the day approach when he may be
h. hE'q lifc. Minister and thus realize the dream Of
No agitation, either Carlist or Republican.
would not be sorry il some unimportant disturb
ance should occur which might servo rs n pre-.
text TO Justify the suspension OF constitutional
guarantees, but AS things go on smoothly, the
Government has not dared to go beyond en-
forcing all over Spain the law for the repre-
amounts TO abolishinR all constitutional rights,
for the law authorizes the Government gum
marily to Danish Anarchists, and there is no
practical way TO prevent the Government from
declaring that a man is an anarchist II the
dare NO, o Gs0Gso co a1 5af T the i msas nswspGHBe ew
could they combat ii. II to do SO would be to
expose the editors to deportation. in conformi-
supreme Court Prosecutor
In view OF the reactionary attitude OF the
are so frightened that they believe the country
will be a prey 10 agitation. we we'll under
moving around them. This IS just What I hap,
pens every where when the owner OF u house
dies. But let no damage be inflicted upon any
one under pretcxt OF driving the ghosts away.
il Is not just that the nation should pay for the
Intellectual paralysis OF the Cabinet; The Min
Canovas's death has left their heads empty.
tho heads Of the other Spa,niards are also empty;
though nothing had happened."
S The H HSIRniSn az i SsaSEa 81 Del M ess!iIIo. 'HRfEs sss'
geration,' he says. Is one Of the features OF our
national character; We exaRserate, both in
pressed even those who most hated him. Per
sons who yesterday ccnsurod Cnnovas now
him as one of tho greatest men Of modern
times. =,
mastered his words. His learning was ample.
His character, more than his talent, WAS TO be
credited for his influence and authority over
those who surrounded him. In his party he
though Il Conservative. he did not reject prog
ing public meetings. and accepted all The meas
ures enacted by the Liberal party.
"Can1vns prepared the Bourbonic %rcstora-
Alfonso was proclaimed King. He did not
pursue, nor humiliate, the yapquishcd, but Sc
cured for the restored monarchy the aid OF men
who, although having participated in tho rcvo-
luton Of lsts. had never made a republican
elastic enough 10 permit all tho ruling parties
to govern under it. TO inspir" n still greater
degree OF confidence he separated from tho
Moderate party. With this and through tho
termination of two civil wars. he gave stability
and strength TO the restoration.
But Cunovus. later, undid his work. He
bastardi,od the, parliamentary system; he falsi'
fed the viii of tho people a the polls ry re:
/ Inp ~ aran nd "a nItN i'm nnNtti nt1 mad nItan
his friends to be elected hero or there as his
caprice saw fl. Under him national repre-.
iority in tho 4%ortcs he fostcrcd mn outrageous
bossism aud shamcfully sacrificed the honor OF
the administration ana tribunals.
."Parl!cularly IN his last days, he was cxclu-
siyc and blindly partisan. lie shielded his
friends In their iminorality and gave the pref.
and tho able, Naughty himself. he enjoyed
making others feel the weight OF his power;
sensiblc advice and even the voice OF Justice.
Ito could. by simply making q slight concession
liarncntary conflict. He refused To make that
concession, lie could. BY merely holding an
ihhS'SMli ann 1nich ha we m,tlsa TED the elHnMorS {" u
have them cross the frontier and dishOnor us
before, other nations.
everything that relates 10 the Church. lie did
nothing 10 check the reiig,i!9us reaction. "hsso
war began he consulted with The religious 20.
ctrty; accepted their advice, and submitted Ia
INC huinlllation or appointing pOlavicia GOv'
eInor OF the islands. Not even with a view Ia
obtaining a durable peace was ho willing in
his last days to sacrifice the friarp or diminish
their power.
He conducted the colonial wars disastrous,
ly. lie never tOrestnlled events. His reforms
were always untincly, aud he ucyer tried IN
adjust them 10 tho requirements OF the moment
tLlie spirit OF the insursunts.
us mind Was never made mp. lie never
hhd the courage to get rid ~ tho men who hin.
drrrd his poICy. lie closed his eyes before
certain things and never punished iniquItIes
wh'rh now make US blush.
q anovas, In fine. wir a mixture OF weak
ness and pride. But with all his defects, there
Is not, onS man in the conservative party 10
J equhl him, nor Is there one among the Liberals
1 WHO CQnlh nhvnnfnRnnuAlY rhnlncA HMM