The San Francisco call., 1898-04-21


 the Spanish Cortes to-day was mag nificent sight. All the wealth and beauty of Madrid gathered in the Sen ate, where every available foot ot space was occupied. There was ter rife crush at the entrance leading to the Senatorial seats, many of which were occupied by ladies.
 Large bodies of troops were drawn up outside the building, including the handsomely uniformed dragons and the magnificently attired palace guards.
 All the members of the diplomatic corps were present in full dress.
 The Queen Regent read the speech from the throne.
 The speech began:
 'The grave anxieties which saddened my mind the last time I addressed you have increased and are heightened by public uneasiness, conveying the pre- sentiment of danger of fresh and great CT complications as a result of the turn which events in Cuba have taken. These complications were brought about by section of the people in the United States, which, seeing that the autonomy previously offered in my message was about to be put in force, foresaw that the free manifestation of the Cuban people, through its cham bers, would frustrate forever the schemes against Spanish sovereignty which have been plotted by those who, with resources and hopes sent from the neighboring coast. have fettered the suppression of the insurrection in that unhappy island.
 Should the Government of the United States yield to this blind cur rent, the menaces and insults which we have hitherto been able to regard with indifference-for they were not an expression of the sentiments of the true American nation-would become intolerable provocations which would compel my Government, in defense of the national dignity, to sever rela- tions with the Government of the United States"
 Continuing, the Queen Regent said that in the supreme crisis the Pope "spoke words of peace which were hearkened to by my Govern ment in the consciousness of right and in strict performance of interna- tional duties."
 Her Majesty added: "Spain's gratitude is due to the Pope and also to the great powers, whose action strengthens my conviction that Spain's cause deserves universal sympathy and that her conduct mer- it's unanimous approval. It is pos sible, however, that an act of aggres- sion is imminent and that not the sanctity of our rights, nor the mod eration of our conduct, nor the ex- pressed wish of the Cuban people freely manifested, may serve to re- strain the passions and hatred let loose against the Spanish fatherland.
 'In anticipation of this critical mo- ment, when reason and Justice will have for their support only Spanish courage and the traditional energy of our people, I have hastened the as- sembling of the Cortes and the supreme decision of Parliament will doubtless sanction the unalterable decision of my Government to defend our rights, with whatsoever sacrifices may be imposed on us in accomplishing this task
 Continuing, her Majesty said:
 Possibly, however, the peace ef- forts may fail to control the evil pas sions existing against Spain. Lest this moment arrive, have sum- moned the Cortes to defend our rights, whatever sacrifice they may entail.
 Thus identifying myself with the nation I not only fulfill the oath swore in accepting the regency, but I follow the dictates of a mothers heart, trusting to the Spanish people to gather behind my sons throne and to defend 1t until he is ofd enough to de- fend 1t himself, as we'll as trusting to the Spanish people to defend the honor and the territory of the nation"
 The Queen Regent then referred to the trouble in the Philippine Islands and, continuing, said. Although a dark and gloomy future is before us the difficulties are not beyond our power. With our glorious army, navy and the united nation against foreign aggression, we trust in God that we shall overcome without stain on our honor the baseless and unjust attacks made upon us."