The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-09-06

MADRID. Sept. 5-Tho chambers assem-
bled here today. Thus far only routine
business has hocn transacted.
~ the opening Of the senate the secre-
senator from Porto Rico. refusing to obey
the summons to attend.
Tho premier. Senior Sagasta. arrayed in
the insignia OF his office. assembled the
tribune ana read decree authorizing tho
government TO present 10 the chamber a
draft OF law empowering the ministers
to renounce sovereignty over the colonies.
In conformity with the stipulatons OF the
peace prelimnaries between Spain and the
United States.
The president OF the senate proposed
secret discussion OF the decree and despite
the protests OF some senator's ordered that
the galleries be closed. which was done
amid loud ,nurmurs Of disapproval.
Criticising the Censorship.
The chamber soon became involved In a
discussion Of the press censorship. and a
deputy inquired the motive underlying
circular which Gen. Chinchiila, captain
general Of Madrid. has addressed to news
papers regulating their reports of the ses-
sion of the cortes. He declared that the
censorship was inconsIstently applied, and
that the effect of the circular was TO pun
ssh possible errors in advance.
Those who had expected sensational
scenes on the reopenlng of the chambers
were disappointed. The general public
seems indifferent. The people at large are
apparently convinced that Spain must ac-
cade 10 whatever the United States de-
mands.
At the close OF the censorship discussion.
in which deputies who are journalists pro-
,ested emphaticaiiy against the attitude Of
lie government. Senior Romero Robledo
accused the government OF illegality in
continuing the suspension OF the coustitu-
ton with guarantees against the reopen
ing of the c0rteg. lie demanded sInne-
date DEGREES revoking the suspension.
Senior Cap6epon, the minister Of the In
terror. replied that the time was not op-
minded Senor Robledo that former gov
ernmeat, OF which Senior Romero y Rob-
leCo was "A member. had acted In the Same
way irf 1875. The chamber then adjourned.
secret Discussion of Cessions.
According 20 the statements OF several
senator's. Senior Sagasta, after the senate
galleries had BEEN cleared, proposed that
questions relating TO territorial cs4sions 10
discussed la sccret.
Replying 10 criticisms OF such a proceed
ure. the premier urged that delicate mat
ters OF such "a nature were always dis-
cussed in secret Moreover. nc pointed out
the existing situation was very grave.
Spain having obtained only suspension
Of hosiilitles. ani iadiscreet parliament-
airy language might interfere with the
diplomatic negotiations. When these ne
go.lsr.ons had been concluded. he would
be willing to publish every thing he said
and TO accept all the responsibility hus
now il WIS necessary TO be united before
the ensny. Therefore. the government
appealed TO the patriotism Of the rsprs-
seniatiyes of the peopls to prevent disctgs-
sIons that might ieopaFdizs the ends de-
sired BY the country.
Senator Montero Rios president Of tha
senate. then proposed that TIE stenograph-
era retire. T'ne motion was adopted.
senor sagasia formally demanded q
secret session for d4spssaon Of the pro,o-
col. and after several lively protests ihs
demand was voted by 81 against G.
Supporting the Government.
The Conservatives have decided 10 con-
,:nus "a support the government. A.
,aoaga several Conservative senator's pro-
nouncsd against the principles OF Senior
sagagta's proposal they voted for IL IN
secret session.
AZ the otser opp0s.t!0a parties wli ensr-
ga.scally ogpeSe the government.
IRE OalciaI Gazette tomorrow VIII pub
lish a royal aecfee appointing II. Faare.
president of the French republic. Knigat
Of ghe Golden Fleece.
To iaT-aARIgAL THE CHAPLAIN.