The herald., 1898-05-04
TOTAL CABINET CRISIS
THREATENS AN OVERTHROW OF
THE GOVERNMENT
4 MILITARY DICTATORSHIP
1aldlv Advocated on the Floor OF the
Congress and Rouses Only
Mild Protest :,


Mild Protest -,
Associated Press Special Wire
LONDON, May 4.-The Madrid cores
oondent Of the Daily Mall, telegraphing
Tuesday, says:
.rhere is no longer any doubt that the
internal situation is causing the govern
sn.rt almost as much uneasiness az the
external. Last nights demonstration was
one Of the most serious in some time, since
those openly participating showed their
evolutionary tendencies. Cries were raised
~ Down with the Bourbons.' Long live
Don Carlos "Long live the republic and
Long 1--we Weyler.'
1.-THE frst move Of the demonstrators
sver . thousand strong. was to the house
Of General wey1sr. with the object OF
cheering him. He did not appear, and the
crowd then went to the residence of Senior
sasasta, where the ministers were in con-
ference, and shouted In favor Of his resig'
nation. Senior Aguilera, civil governor OF
Madrid, broke up the procession with the
lid Of the police, who were badly stoned
and had to charge the crowd. The au-
tborities thereupon met with Senior Agull-
ara. who announced his intention of re-
signing, saying that he was not able to an
swer for order with the powers at his dis.
posal.
..Thereupon the edict was issued. placing
Madrid under martial law, and the military
governor, Governor Daban. received strin-
gent orders grom General Correa, the min
lister Of war, for the preservation Of peace
Meanwhile the cabinet council is dis
cussing the political situation In Spain.
Admiral Bermeto. minister of marine, and
General Correa are strongly in favor Of an
immediate suspension of the constitutional
guarantees, a step which requires closing
the cortes. The other members Of the
cabinet, however, consider this inconven-
lent at the present moment, because it
would wipe out many years. history of the
Liberal party.
There is a general belief that total cab
met crisis is imminent, and it will prob
ably end in a considerable modification Of
the present government, possibly in the
formation Of a national ministry under
the presidency of Marshal Martinez Cam
DOS. In any case. parliament is certain to
be closed shortly.
1.-THE events of the last few days have
undoubtedly increased the popularity of
General Weyler, who favors an out and out
war policy. At the same time there is no
real ground for anticipating that he will
come to the head of affairs. General Wey-
Ter is notorious, but not a prominent person
in Spanish politics. Politicians and the
people at large have been paying little at.
tention to him recently. His party is com.
posed of q few persons of no very high
standing.
Moreover, everyone recognizes tina
Weyler's cruelty in Cuba and his policy a
to the reconcentradoes largely contributes
to bringing about the present state of af
fairs, while his alleged notorious laxit
with regard to public money, has made hir
much disliked. Public opinion is Away
likely to mistrust him. and he is unpopula
with the queen regent.
1.-THE country en- masse is opposed to tn
idea Of a republic. The people prefer Do
Carlos. If anything, to such change. The
had enough Of the republic in 1873. The in
dignation which is felt at present is nc
against the present dynasty. but agains
the government and the politicians in ger
eral.
'If a military dictatorship should com
1t would most probably be under IL
queen regent. and possibly General MAJ
tinez Campos. Even General Polaviej
has more chance than General Weyle
Such dictatorship would take the forl
of comforting the premiership on one
these general with full power"
The floors and galleries of the congre
were crowded at today's sitting, and SON
lively scenes ensued. Senior Salmeron sa
that, before questioning the governmer
the house ought to pay It's tribute of a.
miration to Spanish sailors at Cavite, ad
Ing: when It has been ascertained no
much blood has been shed and how nut
money expended, 1t will be necessary
establish the responsibility attaching
the crown as well as to the least citizen
Murmurs Of protest followed this r
mark. The president of the chamb
called Senior Salmeron to order and ,
rected his attention to the article of t
constitution establishing the inviolabili
of the crown. Senior Salmeron renew
his demands for an explanation of t
cause of the reverse the fleet has su
tanned.
Just at this moment Gen. Weylsr g
tered the chamber and seated himself b
tween The Republican and Carlist grour
sa'm..0n contanyen aaRlgEtus ~ usy!