The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1898-05-04
Senior Moret Replied There Was H.
Reason to Accept the Protectorate
wEYLER SAYS SPAIN WAS NOT READY
Or She Would Now BE Covered With G Iory
He Again Insults America, Saying,
There Is a Lack of Discip-
line In the Navy.

Madrid May 3.-In the cortes today a
resolution of homage" in honor of those
Killed in the naval engagement off Cav!te
was unanimously adopted.
! The message from the queen regent was
then adopted, the republicans, Carlists and
conservatives voting in the negative. Tho
| official account of Captain-Genera Au-
gustPs communication as to the offer of
the British consul at Manila to place all
Chinese subjects in the Philippines under
the protection of the British flag, says:
Captain General Augusti wires that the
British consul called upon him to say that
he would take the Chinese subjects In the
Philippines under the British flag in order
to safeguard their lives and property. The
captain-general added that a number of
rich and influential Chinese at Manila had
assured him that they were satisfied with
the protection of SPAIN Senor Moret. seq
retary OF colonies, replied to Captain-Gen.
eral Augusti that there was no reason to
accept the protectorate which the British
consul wished to exercise The British con-
sups offer has been communicated to the
powers"
Sees Deep Laid Scheme
The government apparently sees soma
oeep laid machination on the part of Great
Britain, for the official note saws:
rms news caused surprise, although peo-
PIE are accustomed to the methods of those
who direct British interests"
Ihe question Is asked: '.What can ba ,bo
opJect OF British request? China is not IN
position to expect this or any other nro-
tectorate, but the British take It upon
themselves to be the protectors of tba
Ceiestiai empire against French. Russians
am, am German ambitions, with view un-
protectorate of Chinese In the Philipnlnes
Ine spanish government cannot accent the
role offered it and rejects the proposition
at tne same time informing the powers
VINO are not disposed to allow Great
Britain to protect China that they have
squadrons in the far east themselves for
that purpose"
Government Was Not Prepared
An article written by General Weyler has
appeared In newspaper at Palma capital
OF Majoraca, where the general was horn
The general says that If the government
mad been prepared Spain would now be
covered with glory.
Continuing, General weyler asserts that
tha Spanish army and navy are superior
In discipline to the Yankees whose lack Of
dlseipline was manifested in the loss of the
Maine"
General weyler then accuses the sran,sb
government of weakness. and concludes
with making pesslmistic predictions regard
ing the future.
Proclamation of Martial Law
The proclamation of martial law iss,ed
today is couched In war-like language he
ginning:
Whereas, Spain. finding herself at war
with the United States. the power of the
civil authorities In Spain is suspended.
whereas, 1t Is necessary to prevent anv
impairment of the patriotic efforts which
are being made by the nation with manly
energy and veritabe enthusiasm
ARTICLE IA state of siege in Madrid Is
hereby proclaimed.
"Article 2.-As consequence, all offenses
against public order, those Of the press in
cluded. will be tried by the military
tribunals.
"Article 3.-In article are included
offenses committed by those who, without
special authorization, shall publish news
relative to any operations of war whatso-
ever"
Then follow the articles which prohibit
meetings and public demonstrations
THE Spanish Congress
The floors and galleries of congress (the
lower house, were crowded at today's sit
ting. and some lively scenes ensued
Senor Salmeron said that before dues-
toning the government the house ought
to pay its tribute of admiration to Spain's
sailors at Cavite, adding: when 1t has
CONTINUED on Second PaRes