The herald., 1898-04-21
A STOUT ANSWER
THE SPANISH CoRTEs
Opens the Session With the Speech
From the Throne

From the Throne
MADRID, April 20, 4:30 p. m.-Tht
opening of the Spanish cortes today was
magnificent sight. All the wealth an6
beauty of Madrid gathered in the sen.
ate, where every available foot Of space
was occupied.
There was terrible crush at the en-
trance leading to the senatorial seats
many of which were occupied by ladies
The correspondent Of the Associated
Press secured seat beside Senior Romero
Robledo. the former miHister of justice
and conservative leader.
Large bodies of troops were drawn UP
outside the building, including the hand
somely uniformed dragons and the
magnificently attired palace guards.
All the members Of the diplomatic
corps were present in full dress.
The Queens Speech
The queen regents speech began:
1.-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 fresh and greater compli-
cations as a result of the turn which
events in Cuba have taken.
"These complications were brought
about by a section Of the people in the
United States which. seeing that the
autonomy previously offered in my mes
sage was about to be put In force, fore
saw that the free manifestation of the
Cuban people through Its chambers
would Illustrate forever the schemes
against Spanish sovereignty which have
been plotted by those who, with re-
sources and hopes sent from the neigh
boring coast, have fettered the suppress
sion OF the insurrection in that unhappy
island. Should the government of the
United States yield, this blind current
OF menaces and insults which we have
hitherto been able to regard with in
difference, for they were not an ex-
preston Of the sentiments Of the true
American nation, would become intol-
erable provocations which would COM
pei my government in defense Of the
national dignity. to sever relations with
the government 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 and prudence, to whichmy gov
eminent had no difficulty in hearkening,
strong in the consciousness of It's right,
and calm in the strict performance of
its duties"
Her majesty added: "Spain's graft
tude is due to the pope, and also to the
great powers, whose action strengthens
my conviction that Spain's cause de-
serves universal sympathy. and that her
conduct merits unanimous approval. It
is possible, however, that an act of ag-
gression is imminent, and that not the
sanctity of our rights nor the modera-
tion Of our conduct nor the expressed
wish Of the Cuban people. freely mani
tested. may serve to restrain 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, have hastened the assem-
bling Of the cortes, and the supreme de-
cision Of parliament will doubtless sane
tion the unalterable decision Of my gov.
ernment to defend our rights, with
whatsoever sacrifices may be imposed
on us, in acknowledging this task"
Continuing hei majesty said: "Possi-
bly,, however, the peace efforts may fail
to control the evil passions existing
against Spain. Lest this moment arrive,