Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-04-21

hind the Throne.
Madrid, April 20.-420 p. m.-The
was a magnificent sight All the wealth
and beauty Of Madrid gathered in the
Senate, where every available foot OF
space was occupied.
There was a terrific crush at the en-
trance leading to the Senatorial seats,
many of which were occupied by ladies.
The correspondent Of the Associated
Press secured a seat beside Senior Ro-
/ nero Robledo the former minister of
justice, and Conservative leader.
Large bodies of troops were drawn
up outside the building. including the
handsomely uniformed Blue Dragons
and the magnificently attired Palace
Guards
All the members of the diplomatic
corps were present in full dress. ~
A wild cheer at 2.30 p. m. announced
the arrival of the Queen Regent, who
was driven to the Cortes palace in a
state coach escorted by a detachment
of life guards The cheering was taken
up within the building as the Queen
Regent entered, the cheers being ac-
companied by enthusiastic cries OF
| Viva la Reina, Viva Alfonso Trece,"
Viva Espana,' really tumultuous
patriotic demonstration.
The Queen Regent read the speech
from the throne while seated with the
young King Alfonso on her right and
the premier, Senior Sagasta, standing
near the King.
HER MAJFSTY'S WORDS
were inaudible to all but those in her
immediate vicinity. The reading was
greeted throughout with cries of Viva
, Espana.'
A wonderful picture was presented
by the Queens encourage, consisting of
most of the highest personages in Spain
IN brilliant court, military, naval or
palace uniforms At the close of Her
| lMajestys speech there was renewed
cheering, after which Premier Sagasta
declared the Cortes opened, and the
| Queen Regent and the boy king, accom-
| panied by the court, left the building
amid another wild burst of enthus-
iasm.
the throne She referred to the troubles
mentioned at the last session of the Cortes
saving they had increased. owing to the
attitude on the part Of the people of the
United States in fomenting rebellion.
adding that hitherto Spain had submitted
ITO these threats and injuries as not be-
ing the genuine expression of the Ameri-
can nation; but, becoming national they
would oblige me TO break relations with
the United States"
Continuing the queen regent said that
in the supreme crisis the Pope spoke
words Of peace which We're hearkened TO
by my government in the firm conscious
ness Of right and in the strict perform
ance OF international duties.
The grave anxieties which sadllened
my mind the last time | addressed YOU
have increased and are heightened by
public uneasiness. conveying the present
ment Of fresh and greater complications
as result Of the turn which events in
Cuba have taken. These complications
were brought about by a section of the
| people Of 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 peoples through its chambers
! would Illustrate forever the schemes
against Spanish sovereignty which have
been plotted by those who, with resources
and hopes sent from the neighborines
coast, have fostered the insuTrection in
that unhappy island. Should the govern
ment of tire United States yield to this
blind current menaces and insult which
We have hitherto been able to regard with
Indifference, for they were not an ex-
I i'm ..f =
American nation, would become intoIer-
| able provocations, when would compel my
government in defense Of the national
dignity. to sever relations with the gov
eminent Of the United States
In this supreme crisis the sacred voice
Of Him who represents human justice on
earth was raised in counsels Of peace ana
prudence TO which my government had
no difficulty in hcarkcning, strong in the
! consciousness of its right and calm in the
strict performance Of its duties
Spains gratitude is due to the Pope
ana also to the great powers whose ac-
| tons strengthens my convictions that
SPANS cause
DESERVES UNIVERSAL SYMPATHY.
and that her conduct merits unanimous
approval. Il Is possible, however that an
act Of aggression * imminent and that not
the sanctity Of cur rights nor the rnoder-
alton Of our conduct. nor the expressed
wish Of the Cuban people freely manifest
"a. may serve to restrain the passions
and hatred let loose against the Spanish
fatherand.
IN anticipation Of this critical moment
when reason and justice will have for
'their support only Spanish courage and the
traditional energy Of our people. | have
FASTENED the assembly Of the Cortes. and
the decision Of parliament will doubtless
sanction the unalterabe resolution Of my
government TO defend our rights. whatso-
ever sacrifices may De imposed upon
in accomplishing this task
Continuing her majesty said:
Possibly. however, the peace efforts
, may fail to control the evil passions ex-
cited against Spain. Lest this moment
arrive, ! have summoned the Cortes to
defend our rights whatever sacrifice they
may entail Thus identifying myself with
the nation. ] not only fulfll the oath !
swore in accepting the regency. but | fol-
low the dictates Of a mothers heart.
trusting to the Spanish people 70 gather
behind nay SOM throne and 70 defend it
until he il old enough to defend it him.
| self as well as trusting to the Spanish
people to defend the honor Of the terri
tory Of the nation.
The queen regent then referred to the