Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-04-20
such an action would entail public unpop-

pletely failed in his mission, since he took
power. with the object of pacifying Cuba
and avoiding international conflict They
declare that there has been no result of his
efforts, and they advocate the formation of
a national government the moment war
breaks OUT
The Madrid correspondent of the Stand
ard. telegraphing Tuesday, says:
Il understand the speech from the throne
will review the whole course of the rela-
ttons between Spain and the United States,
with a view of showing how Spain, in her
relations with America and her treatment
of the West Indian colonies. has spared
no effort TO make concessions and reforms
compatible with her rights to conciliate
her colonists and to preserve friendly re-
lations with America: whereas, the United
States have all along persisted in seeking
pretexts to interfere in the purely domes-
tic relations of Spain with her colonies,
and have persisted more than ever since
the advent to Office of President Mckinley
in menaces and diplomatic notes. trying to
intervene in the settlement of the Cuban
question.
So much has this been the case.' the
speech will declare, that the United States
have constantly put obstacles in the way
of Spain. when, by negotiations or military
efforts. Spain has been on the point of paci-
flying Cuba
THE speech from the throne will point
out that the Spanish government has
steadily resisted the American pretensions.
while making all possible concessions to
America on other questions, and would
have gone even further if America had
only undertaken to respect the right and
sovereignty of Spain in Cuba.
The document will lay stress upon the
fact that America has displayed increased
virulence and hostility since Spain granted
a suspension of hostilities at the request
of the pope and the powers. 1t will make
an earnest appeal to the nation and to all
parties to be true to the national traditions,
to gather around the throne and to vote
the supplies necessary to defend the honor
and territory of SPAIN
AT the present moment Spain, though
essentially military nation, is bestowfne
her chief attention upon naval prepara-
tions, because everybody fully comprehends
that In the struggle with the United States
the fate Of Cuba and the duration of the
war will entirely depend on the respective
navies. The Spanish minister of marine.
Admiral Bermejo, is cautious man, and
has done his best to push on the naval
preparations within the means at his dis
posal. He has been well assisted by the
high officials Of his department and by the
admirals commanding at the Ferrol, Car
tagena and Cadiz arsenals who have made
their STAINS and men work night and day
to complete the outfit and armament of
many vessels to provide war stores for the
colonies. The first available squadron is
now at Cape Verde, under Admiral Cerver,
who went out with the cruisers Infanta
Maria Teresa and the Cristobal Colon, and
has been Joined there by the cruiser Viz
caya and Alniirante Oquendo, with a
view to protecting the torpedo flotilla. This
squadron is considered quite a match for
the flying squadron of America and NAV
be ordered to pay an unpleasant visit to
North American ports If war breaks out.
A second squadron will be formed at Cadiz.
where Admiral Churruca, a descendant of
the Spanish commander at Trafalgar, is
busy preparing the fleet. The idea is to
concentrate. as soon as they are ready, the
battleships Pelaya, now at )Cartagena;
Emperador Carlos W. now at Ferrol; Car
denal Cisneros and the Numancia and Vic
toria, broadside ships, the cruisers Alfonso
XIII. and the Princess Mercedes, the tor
pedo cruiser Maria Molina, three destroy
ers just received from England and three
torpedo vessels-which would make a re-
spectacle gathering.
Spain has in her merchant fleet and
coasting population a large supply of able
seamen, all having served in the royal
navy, and strong force of marines,
turned from hard service in the Philip
pines. Admiral Bermejo. like his prede-
cessor. Admiral Berengo, has paid special
attention to making use of the fine large
steamers offered by the Compania Trans
Atlantic Mail Line and other firms as aux
iliary cruisers with crews and officers from
the royal navy, and heavy and quick firing
guns. which have already been placed on
the fourteen vessels. Great enthusiasm
prevails in the arsenals and among the sea-
faring population. In fact, the minister of
marine has received numerous applications
for permission to equip privateers but no
decision has yet been taken in the matter
Spain will do exactly what America does
The government would much prefer to
make use of the auxiliary cruisers commits
stoned as regular war vessels
The Madrid correspondent of the Times,
telegraphing Tuesday, says:
1.-The news Of the joint resolution Of con-
gress received here this afternoon causes
disgust, but surprises no one, since a SIM
liar decision had been hourly expected.
The clause relating to the future govern
ment Of Cuba is regarded as sheer hypoc-
risy. and although now the direct issue rests
In the hands of President Mckinley, Spain
has long ceased, to hope for any procedure
on bis part which might admit of a pacific
settlement"
The Madrid correspondent of the Daily
Telegraph. telegraphing Tuesday. says:
Popular Indignation against the attitude
Of the United States is increasing day by
day. more especially in the big towns like
Barcelona. and. in spite of the government
having energetically repressed all such
demonstrations, 1t is always within the
bounds of possibility that at some place