The age-herald., 1898-03-31
WITH SECRECY
 SPAIN PREPARES Utmost Activity Prevails in War and Naval Circles.
 sz-i,tHs TWO ADDITIONAL VESSELS Public Performances and All Sorts of Schemes Resorted To in Order to Obtain Money to Purchase Another
 War Ship.
TWO ADDITIONAL VESSELS

Madrid, March S0-A severe censorship is exercised to prevent the leakage of news as to the naval movements, while the war preparations continue with the greatest ac- tivity and as far as possible the greatest secrecy. The utmost efforts are being made night and day to get the first class iron-clads Pelayo and Carlos " completed, when 1t is regarded as certain they will be dispatched with the cruisers Maria Teresa and Cristobal Colon to join the Viscaya and the Almirante Oquendo in Cuban waters, thus forming squadron of six vessels against Americas seven.
 The Marquis Cornillus, president of the Spanish Transatlantic steamship line to Cuba and South America, who is an ardent patriot, has daily conferences with Senor Sagasta the premier. The Marquis Cornil- Jus, Senor Wileo Castellad, Gen. Lopez Di- monguez, secretary of war in Sagasta's cabinet, and Monsigneur Cardena, bishop of Zion, the queen regents chaplain, are the leading spirits in movement for nation al subscription to build a warship to be called the "Second of May" the original idea was that every Spaniard should con- tribute days earnings on May 2. the nineteenth anniversary of the rising of the people of Madrid against French domina- ton, toward the national defense.
 Wave of Patriotism
 This wave of patriotism, with the en- rollment of the volunteer corps, is spread ing enthusiasm throughout the country. All seats have been sold for tomorrow's S opera performance, realizing about s250o0 for the navy, and similar performances are mi ed In nt
 It is said that $4O000 was realized by the Havana performance. The Madrid papers allege that the South American republics have already subscribed enough to build a warship, to be called Rio de la Platte, while Mexico has sent huge donations. The Spanish army will give days pay.
 Orders have been sent to strengthen the diocese at Manila and Porto Rico. There is a good deal of comment upon America s purchase of twenty-three, beayy guns from the Armstrong; and it is alleged that both Spain and Japan had previously refused them after trial. The impression of the press and the public generally is that Spain will be able to make good showing in the event of war, although her men-of-war are smaller than the Americans She will de- pend on her greater strength in torpedo boats, torpedo destroyers and torpedo catcherS. 4 ,,- Swayed by Every Passing Wind
 Public opinion, however, is swayea by every passing wind, and since the presen- tation of the Maine report to congress has not produced a crisis and inasmuch as ex- aggerated reports of M. Hanotaux's speech have excited hopes of European support, the present feeling is one of extreme opti- mism, increased by hope of the outcome of the Woodford-Sagasta conference, an op- timism which prevails especially in finan- cial circles. Minister Woodford's proposals are nSt yet known to the public here. The papers assert when he gave assurances of Americas friendliness Senor Sagasta pithi- ly retorted by alluding to the warlike preparations of the American congress and the American popular feeling. General Woodford is said to have explained this as only natural in order to be ready for emer- emergencies"
 The result of the conference is awaited on all sides with the greatest anxiety and hope.