New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-07
PRICE THREE CENTS.
WAR DEBATE IN THE CORTES.
EXPLANATION OF SPANS INTENTIONS
REFUSED.
MoREr coNFESsES THAT THE COUNTRY WAS I'M
PREPARED AND ASKS FOR sUPPoRr-A


PREPARED AND ASKS FOR sUPPoRr-A
VOTE OF CONFIDENCE CHALLENGED.
Madrid May 6.-In the Senate to-day. senor
Puigcerver refused any explanations as to the
war intentions of the Government.
In reply to q question whether measures had
been taken. in view OF the industrial crisis
arising from the dninutlon Of the stock Of
coal. Sehor Puigcerver said the Government was
inquiring into the question. and IL necessary.
would prevent the expectation Of coal.
In the Congress. Senor Capdepon, Minister
or the Interior, asked the Deputies to suspend
judgment as to the Manila engagement until
detailed reports had been received.
Sehor Moret Minister for the Colonies, in q
speech in the Cortes. universally regarded as the
best in his political career. and repeatedly in
terrupted by enthusiastic cheering insisted that
the Throne. occupied briefly by a young and
promising monarch. and afterward by his widow
and child. must not be blamed for the policy Of
different Governments" The responsibility ex-
listed he declared, as the burden Of all. and each
should bear his share instead Of -rying TO shift
the blame to a neighbor
He defended autonomy granted TO Cuba
generously under the friendly advice o, the
Powers in order to deprive the Americans OF a
preteXt to foment discomfort and rebellion"
autonomy. ne maintained. had achieved con-
citation and improved the economic situation
He pointed. proof Of It's success above all
others. to the loyal friendship and assistance
or the Cubans in the present against the
United States"
with regard 10 the question OF unprepared-
ness. Senor Moret candidy confessed that he
had not believed until tho very last that war
would come as he considered the Americans
were incapable Of attacking Spain without the
slightest cause but when convinced that the
United States was bent upon despoiling Spain"
then. with the entire Cabinet he seriously pre-
pared to repe an unjust attack purchasing and
fitting out warsh 2s and procuring war material
irrespective Of cost resolving to make a strong
stand and converting peace-loving into a war
like Cabinet"
In pathetic terms Senior Moret cleared him
self OF the charges of press. which was he
said trying to load all the sins Of the nation"
upon him. He asserted hat ne Welded 10 mona
in patriotism. and always acting to secure
what ne thought best for MS countrys welfare.
In coi clusion, he appealed to the patriotism OF
the nation and the Chamber to assist and ad.
wise the Government in its defence Of the rights
ana honor OF SPAIN a task which was the
work OF all, with the collective after RESPONSE
blity Of the Ministry to the Cortes and the ma
ton"
Sehor Moret resumed his seat amid thunders
Of applause. Deputies crowGng around him and
. loading him with congratulations
Sehor Casset Editor OF the "Imparcal') with
drew his proposal for the impeachment Of Ad-
! miral Bcrmejo the Minister Of Marine, and Ad.
| miral Beranger. Minister Of Marine In the Cab.
! met Of the late Senor Canovas
Admiral Bermejo. in reply to question, ex-
pressed the opinion tha, it ought to have been
| possible 10 have repulsed the Americans at
Manila"
Sehor Moret challenged a direct vote Of con-
| hdence declaring tha. the Government would
resg1 il il were not carried