The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-05-07
BEFORE THE CORTES
EXHONORATES HIMSELF or
MANY PRESS CHARGES.
SAYS HE DID NOT EXPECT WAR
But When, at The Last Minute, He Saw
it Was Inevitable, Every Effort was
Made 10 Prepare for The Strug-
Gle. Regardless Of Cost.
gle, Regardless of Cost.

Madrid, May G.-The impartial says
that the officials of the German Embassy
here have received dispatch from Hong
Kong, saying that the American Commo-
dcre in Manila Bay is reported to have
effected landing ut Cavite, after a fresh
bombardment of that place.
, p. m.-Further disorders are reported
from different parts of the provinces. eS-
pecially from Murca, capital of the
province of that namc thirty miles from
Carthagena, where Il mob. composed
mainly of striking miners. has cut the
telegraph lines, set fire to the town hall
and set fire to the law courts, burning
the archives. The rioters also made an
attack upop the local Jail, beat in the
doors and released the prisoners. Fin
ally, the rioting strikers have interrupted
railroad communication with Murcia,
and have destroyed store by the use of
dynamite, distributing the provisions
which it contained. The situation is re-
garded as being very serious. Quite re-
Gently six thousand striking miners Of
Murcia attempted to march upon Car
thagena. and We're only prevented from
so doing by Il strong force of troops.
p. m.-In the Senate to-day Senor
Puigcerver refused any explanations as
to the war intentions of the government.
In reply to Il question whether measures
had been taken in view of the industrial
| crisis arising from the diminutiOn of the
stock of coal Scnor Puigcerver said the
government was now inquiring into the
question, and if necessary would prevent
the expectation of coal.
In the Congress. Senor Capdepon
Minister of the Interior, asked the depu-
ties to suspend Judgment as to the
Manila engagement until detailed reports
had been received.
In the Congress Minister for the Col
Onies, replying to the charge of unprc-
parcdncss candidly confessed that he had
not believed until the very last that war
would come. as he considered the Ameri-
cans were incapable of attacking Spain
without the slightest cause. But when
convinced that the United States was
bent upon despoiliug Spain, then with
the entire Cabinet, he seriously prepared
to repel an unjust attack. purchasing and
fitting out war ships and procuring war
material irrespective of cost" resolving
to make Il strong stand and converting
IL pcdCc-lONlHS lulO II WdIllkc NdDlllel.
In pathetic tones, Senior Moret cleared
himself of the charges of Il press which
was, he said. trying to load all the sins
of the nation upon him. He asserted that
he yielded to none in patriotism, and
was always active to secure what he
thought best for his countrys welfare.
ScnOr Moret resumed his seat amid
thunders of applause, deputies crowding
around him and loading him with con-
gratulationS.
DEATH TO THE CIVIL GUARDS"
London. May ct is announced in
letter from Madrid, dated May >, de-
scribing the military procession in honor
of Murat'S victims that among the cries
heard on the Puerto del Sol was the fl
tai one of Death to the Civil Guards,
as Il section of this famous body passed.
Continuing, the letter says:
The Civil Guards are the very back
bone of Spain. the one incOrruptible
body of men, whose very presence has a
powerful effect in suppressing riot and
scdition. So when Death to the Civil
Guards is heard. the prudent man will
prepare for the worst