Daily Kennebec journal., 1898-05-07
IN THE coR1Es.
Government Refuses to DivuIge War Plans
Smoothing Over Manila Disaster.


ate. today, Senor Puigcerver refused
any explanation as to the war inten-
tions of the government.
In reply to a question whether meas
ures had been taken in view of the in
dustrial crisis arising from the diminu-
ton of the stock of coal Senor Puig
cerver said the government was in
During into the question and. if neces-
sary, would prevent the expectation Of
coal
In the Congress, Senor Capdepon,
minister of the interior, asked the dep
uties to suspend Judgment as to the
Manila engagement until detailed re-
ports had been received.
10 p. MIN the Congress- today Sc
nor Moret, minister for the colonies, in
Il speech regarded as the best in his po-
ted by enthusiastic cheering, insisted
that the throne occupied briefly by a
young and promising monarch and at
tcrward by his widow and child, must
not be blamed for the policy of different
government"
The responsibility existed he declar-
ed. as the burden of all; and each
should bear his share instead of trying
to shift the blame to a neighbor. He
defended autonomy as "Granted to
Cuba, generously under the friendly
advice Of the Powers, in order to de-
privc the Americans of preteXt -
Torment discomfort and rebellion"
Autonomy, he maintained. had
achieved Cancellation and improved the
economic situation. He pointed, as Il
proof of its success above all others to
the loyal friendship and assistance of
the Cubans in the present war against
the United States.
With regard 10 the question Of unpre-
paredness. Senor Moret candidly con-
fessed that he had not believed until
the very last that war would come, -
he considered the Americans were in
capable Of attacking Spain without tn"
slightest cause" but when convinced
that the United States was bent upon
despoilins Spain" then With the entire
cabinet, he seriously prepared to re-
pei an unjust attack. purchasing and
fitting out warships and procuring war
material irrespective of cost ReSolV-
ing to make a strong stand and con
verting peace loving into a warlike
cabinet.
In pathetic terms Senor Moret cleared
himself of the charges of press Whihc
was. ne said. trying 10 lead all the
sins of the nation" upon him. He as
serted that he yielded 10 none in pat
riotism. and was always acting to Sc
cure what he thought best for his coun
trys welfare.
In conclusion he appealed to the pat
to " assist and advise the government
in its defence of the rights and honor
of Spain a task which was the work
of all, with the collective after-rcspon
siblity of the ministry to the Cortes
and the nation
Senor Moret resumed his seat amid
thunders of applause. Deputies crowd
cd around him and loaded him with
congratulations.
Senor CasSet, editor Of the impartial,
Withdrew his proposal for the impeach
ment of Admiral Bermcjo, the minister
of marine, and Admiral Beranger, min
lister of Maine in the cabinet of the
late Senor Canovs.
Admiral Bermejo in reply to a ques
ton. expressed the opinion 1t ought
to have been possible to reDulse the
Americans at Manila
Senor Moret challenged a direct vote
of conference declaring that the gov
ernmcnt would resign if it were not
carried.