The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-05-04
MADRID ON THE EDGE OF A VOLCANO
Rage Dominates the Popuace the Result Terrible
Disaster at Manila and the Proclama-
Martial Law.

Madrid. May 3. noon.-The proclama-
dissatisfaction. being declared un-
necessary unless the government has
information OF a sectional conspiracy.
Sundays demonstration was trivial.
even compared with the trifiing dis
turbances upon the occasion of the
proclamation of the Cuban armistice
The newspapers are particularly dis
contented with the state Of affairs ex-
listing. as the mere mention of military
operations is punishable severely.
The great crowds which gathered
around the spots where the martial
law proclamation is posted promptly
dispersed. laughing when they read the
article prohibiting public gatherings.
All interest is now centered in the
debates In the cortes.
The proclamation Is couched in war
like language. beginning:
Whereas, Spain, finding herself at
war with the United States. the power
of the civil authorities in Spain is sus-
pended.
Whereas, 1t is necessary to prevent
any VI tht
which are being made by the nation
with energy and veritable enthusiasm:
Article IA state OF seige an Mad
rio is hereby proclaimed.
Article 2-As a consequence of ar
ticle 1. all offenses against pubic or
der, those OF the press included. will
be tried by the military tribunals.
Article 3-In article are Included
offenses committed by those who. WITH
Snacial nj h
lish relative to any operations of war
whatsoever
Then follow the articles which pro-
hibit meetings and public denonstra-
tions.
In congress to-day a res olutioa II
homage" in honor OF those Killed in th
naval engagement on Cavite was
adopted unanimously. The message
from the queen regent was then aoopt-
ed. the republicans. Carl.s.s and o.n-
servatives voting In the negative. The
official account of Captain General
Augusta is communicated. as - the
offer OF the British consul general mt
Manila to place all Chinese subjects
In the Philippines under the protection
OF the British nag.
Captain General Augusta wire. that
the British consul called upon him Ia
say that he would take the Chinese sub
tects i'm the Philippines under the Brit
ish flag In order to safeguard their lives
and property. The captain general add
ed that a number Of rich and influential
Chinese at Manila had assured him that
they were satisfied with the protection
OF Spain. Moret. minister of the colo
nies, replied to Captain General Augusta
that there was no reason to accept the
protectorate which the British consul
wished to exercise.
The British consul's offer has been
communicated to the powers. The gov
ernment apparently sees some deep-laid
machination on the part of Great Brit
ain. for the Official note says:
This news caused surprise. although
people are accustomed To the methods
OF those who direct British interests.
The question is as follows: What can
he the object of the British request %
China is not in a position to expect this
or any other protectorate. but the Brit
ish take IL upon themselves to be the
protectors of the Celestial empire
against the French. Russians and Ger
mans. undoubtedly TO acquire a new
title to the protectorate of the Chinese
In the Philippines. The Spanish gov
ernment cannot accept the rule offered
II and rejects the proposition. at the
same time informing the powers who
are not disposed TO allow Great Britain
To protect China that they have squad
rons in the far East themselves for that